Chapter 46
Feeling frustrated with how things were going, Jonathan kept a firm grip on Teresa as they watched Truman’s car disappear. His voice was casual, yet there was a clear undertone of irritation when he asked, “Still in touch with him?”
With a defiant twitch, Teresa slipped free of his grip. “We’re divorced, Jonathan. You can see who you want, and I can catch up with old friends. We’re not in each other’s business.”
Jonathan’s lips pressed into a thin line as he spoke. “I talked to Simona, made it clear I’m not interested, and asked her to stop bothering my mom about matchmaking. I’ve been away on business in Yenisville.”
His gaze was steady as he added, “Don’t avoid the question. What’s the story with meeting him?”
Teresa’s forehead creased, her tone resolute. “That’s not any of your concern.”
For a beat, Jonathan was left without a comeback, a novelty for him. He fumbled for a way to regain the upper hand, but his usual snappy remarks weren’t coming.
Changing the subject, Jonathan inquired, “Why did you change the password? It used to be my birthday.”
“I’ve swapped out the old all-six code, so you don’t have to panic about that anymore,” she replied.
Jonathan sighed. “I figured it wasn’t just sixes. He had already attempted his birthday, six sixes, and even hers, all to no avail. The new code was a mystery to him.”
“Hope you’ve got a better memory this time,” he added.
“Absolutely,” Teresa affirmed. She took a deep breath, her eyes steady as she looked at him. “What brings you here today?”
“Just figured I’d take you out for a bite,” Jonathan offered, trying to sound casual.
Teresa waved him off, rubbing her stomach. “Already filled up with Truman, not hungry at all.”
Jonathan stood there, momentarily speechless.
Enjoying his sulk, Teresa asked, “Anything else? I’m thinking of turning in for the night.”
Jonathan pressed on, “Give me a clue, at least. Is it Truman’s birthday or something?”
Teresa lightly kicked his leg. “Beat it, you nut.”
Jonathan’s expression flickered with a mix of pain and relief. He pondered. If it’s not Truman’s birthday, then what? Could it be Miriam’s? Have they gotten that close already?
So engrossed was he in these thoughts that he failed to notice Teresa quietly slip into the elevator and ascend to her floor. By the time Jonathan surfaced from his reverie, she was long gone. He didn’t chase after her; instead, he was comforted by the knowledge that she had made it home safely.
Closing the door to her apartment, Teresa was hit with a wave of relief. The mounting tension had pushed her to the brink, making her more determined than ever to relocate with her son, away from all the chaos.
“Mommy!” Michael ran towards her, holding a telescope. “I saw the black car again. Your boss is really tall, even taller than the man with glasses.”
Teresa’s eyes widened in astonishment. “What? So you got a look at what my boss looks like?” she asked, her voice wavering. Michael frowned. “His back was to me, so I didn’t get a look at his face. But your boss is making you nervous. Is he ill-looking?”
Teresa’s shoulders dropped, her expression remaining steady. “He’s not the kind of guy you’d want to stare at, believe me.”
Michael grinned cheekily and teased, “So why didn’t you shake him off when he put his arm around you? He’s not your usual type, right?”
Teresa was momentarily speechless, surprised by her son’s perceptiveness. “You’re full of questions tonight, aren’t you!” she said, steering the conversation elsewhere. “Feel like some grub? I can rustle up something for us to eat.”
As they moved toward the kitchen, Michael kept at it. “Mommy, you should really find me a dad, or I’ll be freaked out being home alone.”
Michael’s words stung Teresa with guilt and regret. She was aware Michael was too young to be alone, and the incident with Jonathan had been a warning. The prospect of real danger at their doorstep was frightening. It spurred Teresa to make a major change to safeguard their security and well-being.