Chapter 47
Teresa had been contemplating a bold move—leaving the daily grind at NewEdge Media to pursue her clothing line full-time. Back when she started working, she’d drop Michael off with a sitter, but now her side hustle was overshadowing her day job. Live streaming was the new gold rush, and with her operations background and NewEdge Media experience, she aimed to open a storefront, sell online, and ride the live-stream wave.
Teresa had been toying with this idea for a while, but she’d hesitated to take the leap. She’d dedicated years to NewEdge Media, and a sudden exit felt abrupt. It was time to bounce her resignation off Miriam, the one who’d financed her side hustle from the start.
That evening, Miriam showed up at Teresa’s place, her arms loaded with grilled skewers and a pack of beer. They settled in with their legs crossed. The room was silent except for the soft hum of a desk lamp and the gentle snores of Michael, fast asleep in his room. Teresa laid out her plan to Miriam, who listened intently.
Miriam chuckled, her support unwavering. “I’m so down with you leaving NewEdge Media. That two, three grand a month? Not worth holding onto!”
Teresa nodded, but her brow was etched with concern. “I know, but I’m worried about the risks. Everyone’s after that cash, and the competition is brutal.”
Unfazed, Miriam brushed a reassuring hand over Teresa’s face, grinning. “Girl, you’re stunning without even trying. Doubting your live-stream sales? You could sell ice to Alaskans in a swimsuit!”
Laughing, Miriam pressed on. “I’m telling you, companies will be knocking down your door to sign you as a host. You’ll be the talk of the town!”
Teresa rolled her eyes, but she was flattered. “Please, you’re just sugarcoating it.”
“You’ll see. You were the star of our Narcigh University media department. You’ve got the looks. It’s all about whether you wanna play the game!” Miriam said, nodding with conviction.
Teresa grinned, feeling the warmth of Miriam’s support. “Here’s to our business taking off,” she said, raising her beer can.
“Cheers!!” Miriam echoed, clinking her can against Teresa’s.
Teresa chugged her beer, feeling on top of the world. With Miriam bringing over skewers and all, it just wouldn’t do without a cold one. Before long, the table was a sea of beer bottles. Massaging her temple, Teresa felt a throb coming on and her vision was going wonky as she tugged at Miriam’s sleeve, slurring, “Keep them coming. Let’s keep this party going!”
“I’m tapped out. I’ll pass,” Teresa said, her words running together.
Miriam was already face down on the table, done for the night.
“Miriam, don’t fold now. We’re just getting started,” Teresa said, her voice insistent.
Miriam pecked up and said, “Then get Edward over here.”
“Why on earth would we need him at our girls’ night?” Teresa asked, a smirk playing on her lips.
At the mention of Edward, Miriam’s face drooped. Her cheeks puffed out like a sulky kitten as she whimpered, “I texted Edward, but he’s ghosting me.”
“You’re crazy. Plenty of other fish in the sea. Why hang onto one?” Teresa said, shaking her head.
“But I like him. I’m a hopeless romantic,” Miriam said, her voice barely a whisper.
“I know! You’re a hopeless romantic, Miriam!” Teresa declared, spreading her arms wide.
“So what if I am? I’ll be happy. You and I are gonna be happy!” Miriam said to Teresa, her voice rising.
Teresa clapped a hand over her mouth. “Shh… Keep it down. Don’t wake my son.”
“That’s all you care about now, your son!” Miriam complained, her words a bit slurred.
“Well, I am a mom now. When you have a kid, you own up to it,” Teresa said, resting her chin on Miriam’s shoulder and letting out a burp. “Can’t just have a kid and not step up. We’ve got to raise them right.” And with that, she face-planted into Miriam’s embrace. Her phone kept buzzing, but the room was dead silent.
Jonathan frowned at the number that was a no-show for his texts and calls. He only remembered when he got home that he’d picked up some local coffee beans and an emerald bracelet from his trip to Yenisville, planning to surprise her with dinner and gifts the next day. But her phone was going straight to voicemail.
Maybe something’s up? he wondered. Then he threw on his coat and rushed out of his villa, driving solo to Rosary Estates. Glancing up, he saw her window was dark. Already in bed? he thought. He pursed his thin lips, pacing alone downstairs for what felt like forever, from nine till eleven, before he finally called it a night and headed home alone.
Sunlight poured in through the window, beating down on Teresa’s face with an intensity that made her wince. Teresa groaned, shifting away from the blinding light, her head pounding from the lingering effects of a hangover. It felt like her soul had gone AWOL during the night.
The relentless ringing of her phone was more insistent than any boss, pulling her reluctantly from the comfort of her dreams. The phone’s shrill call sliced through her peaceful slumber, unyielding.
With a resigned sigh, Teresa’s hand groped for her phone on the nightstand, her fingers finally wrapping around it as she answered. “Hello? Who is it?”
Her voice came out as a scratchy murmur, her throat dry and raw from the night’s overindulgence. A brief silence hung on the line before Jonathan’s deep, calm voice filled the void. “I’ve been calling you all morning. Did you go out and get wasted?”
Teresa wrinkled her nose, a faint grunt escaping her, and she tried to inject some enthusiasm into her voice. “Honey, it was just a couple of drinks. Just Miriam and me…”
Hearing Teresa use a term of endearment, Jonathan was momentarily speechless.
“Honey, I’m starving. I’m craving hash browns from Breakfast Nook and those waffles from Yolavie South Road, and…” Her voice faded as the phone slipped from her hand, her energy drained, and Teresa drifted back into the depths of sleep.