Chapter 45
Teresa gave a reassuring nod, her smile bright. “Absolutely,” she chimed.
Back home, Michael was keeping things together in their empty nest. With Miriam off on a business trip, he was the sole guardian for the time being. Michael was unfazed by Teresa’s brief absence; he’d handled solo stints at home plenty of times and always kept things in order.
The rhythmic beeps from the front door broke through Michael’s TV binge. He glanced over, anticipating Teresa’s return. Before he could shout for his mom, the door’s lock system responded with a sharp, “Incorrect code. Please retry!” The sound of the beeps filled the entranceway.
Confusion washed over Jonathan’s face as he tried the password once more, only to be met with the same electronic refusal. After three unsuccessful tries, he let out a defeated sigh and stepped away from the door, leaving it be for the moment.
Frightened, Michael swiftly reached for his kiddie phone and tried to call Teresa, urgently shouting, “Mommy! Mommy!”
Teresa’s pulse quickened as her son’s frightened voice came through the kiddie phone. “What’s the matter, kiddo?” she asked, her mind immediately jumping to the worst.
Michael’s reply was shaky. “Mommy, someone weird tried to get in our house, but they didn’t know the code and then they left. I stayed inside like you told me.”
“Good job, sweetheart. I’m heading home right now,” Teresa said, trying to sound calm. She hung up and turned to Truman, her face drained of color. “I need to get home. Something’s up.”
Without hesitation, Truman suggested they take his car, and they hurried to it. As they drove quickly through the neighborhood, Teresa checked the security camera footage on her phone. She breathed easier when she recognized Jonathan.
Raising a child alone was always a challenge, and times like these really brought that home. She was relieved that the house—a generous and pricey gift from her grandparents—had solid security measures in place to keep her and her son secure.
Teresa quickly dialed Michael, her voice a soothing balm over the phone. “Hey kiddo, don’t worry. It was just some guy who’s had a few too many and knocked on the wrong door.”
Michael’s breath whooshed out in relief. “I was scared for a minute there!”
Teresa’s laughter was light and reassuring. “It’s all good, buddy. We’re safe, and he can’t get in.”
Truman, behind the wheel, cast an admiring look at Teresa. Her gentleness since becoming a mom had only added to her charm, making her even more captivating.
At the Rosary Estates gate, Jonathan, behind the wheel of a Maybach, kept a sharp eye on Teresa as she emerged from Truman’s car. With his gaze locked on her, Jonathan emerged from his car, tall and lean, moving with a natural grace that spoke of sophistication. Truman, a psychologist who studied human body structure, was captivated by Jonathan’s impressive physique.
“Long time no see, Mr. Garcia,” Jonathan greeted casually, draping an arm around Teresa’s shoulders. He nudged Teresa with a grin, his tone playful as he questioned, “You never mentioned having a meal with your friend, and what’s with the new house code!”
Teresa pushed him away, creating a clear boundary. “Jonathan, we’re divorced. Who I have a meal with isn’t any of your concern,” she stated bluntly.
Jonathan, clearly embarrassed, still mustered a half-hearted thanks to Truman. “Thanks for making sure Teresa got home okay.” Teresa’s eyes widened with a mix of surprise and curiosity at his reaction.
Truman brushed off the gratitude. “It’s all good, Mr. Lynn. Didn’t feel right leaving Teresa to handle things alone.”
Jonathan’s expression soured as he wrapped an arm around Teresa’s waist, reclaiming his presence. “I was out of town for work and couldn’t be here. My bad. But you’re excused for next time, Mr. Garcia.”
With a polite but firm tone, he dismissed Truman. “You can leave now.”
Truman took it in stride, not bothered by the brush-off. He turned to Teresa and said, “Tm out of here. We’ll chat later.”
Teresa responded with a nod. “Alright.”