Chapter 414

Teresa licked her lips and avoided Michael’s gaze. “If I ask your real dad to come, we might not be able to go to the theme park together.”

Michael puffed out his cheeks. “I still want to go! But I want to see Dad, too, even if it’s just for a second. Please, Mom?” He shook Teresa’s arm so hard that she almost lost her balance.

She said, “Sweetie, I haven’t talked to him in ages. I’m not even sure I can reach him. If I can’t, can we just skip seeing him?”

Only then did Michael let go. “Mom, if you can’t find my dad, just call Mr. Lime. As long as Mr. Lime is with me on my birthday, I’ll be the happiest kid ever.”

Teresa fell silent, muttering, “How could I even face him now?” She thought back to that night in Strico. They’d slept together. He’d said if she got pregnant, she should keep the baby, and he’d even promised to take care of her. But Teresa had turned him down and flown back without saying goodbye. He hadn’t reached out since.

Lately, Teresa had been busy with Jennifer’s pregnancy and Cheryl’s new baby, so she hadn’t had the time or the nerve to contact Jonathan—not that there was much reason to, anyway. All she could do was assure Michael she’d do her best to make it happen.

“Mom, if you get in touch with my dad, then don’t invite Mr. Lime, okay? I’m worried my dad will feel bad seeing someone as cool as Mr. Lime,” Michael added.

Hearing that, Teresa didn’t know what to say.

Teresa invited Miriam to dinner to thank her for always helping care for Michael. Every time Teresa wasn’t home, Miriam had stepped in and done so much. She also invited Benny. She’d been saying she’d treat him to a meal forever, but it had never actually happened until now.

Miriam showed up with Edward in tow. He was dressed down in a gray hoodie, looking super relaxed. He greeted Teresa with a “Hi.”

Teresa smiled. “Order whatever you want tonight. It’s on me.”

Benny grinned. “If Jonathan were here too, this would be the perfect group. Drinking by myself just isn’t as fun.”

Edward jumped in. “I’ll drink with you, Benny!”

Benny waved him off. “Forget it, Donald. You’ve never been able to hold your liquor.”

Miriam looked like she was about to smack Benny. “Call him the wrong name one more time. I dare you.”

Benny realized he was in the wrong and slapped himself lightly on the mouth. “I always mix up their names. Got any tricks to help me remember?”

Miriam threw an arm around Edward’s neck. “Isn’t it obvious? Eddie is so handsome. Donald’s definitely not as cool as him.”

Benny laughed. “I don’t think Donald’s that much less attractive, though. That’s not gonna help me remember.”

“I’ve got a way for you,” Teresa said lazily as she poured some coffee. She added, “Just think about it this way: I’m divorced from Jonathan, and Miriam’s my best friend. She’s on my side, so there’s no way she’d marry a Lynn. Marrying a Lawrence makes perfect sense.”

Benny snapped his fingers. “That’s a good one. I’ll remember for sure now. I promise I won’t mix them up again.”

Miriam huffed. “You better keep your word.”

Benny chuckled and turned to Teresa. “Since Jonathan’s not here, you’ll have to drink with me.”

“I quit ages ago,” Teresa waved him off. “Haven’t touched a drop in forever. Let Edward keep you company.”

“But you used to love drinking! What made you quit?” Benny asked.