Chapter 26
“Hey,
- g. Miriam.” Teresa called, her voice tinged with urgency, “Could you come
ome over right away?”
liriam sounded regretful on the other end. “I wish I could, Teresa, but it’s Thanksgiving. I’ve got to get back to my family,”
Teresa stated plainly into the phone, “Edward’s here.”
Miriam responded swiftly, “I’ll be right there.
Teresa ended the call with a satisfied smile.
Edward arrived promptly on the tenth floor, laden with bags and packages which he brought into Teresa’s house. “There’s quite a lot, and some of it requires refrigeration promptly, he informed her.
Teresa gazed at the array
ay of he
health supplements and beauty items in disbelief. Spotting a series of face masks, each priced at a st $300. Teresa realized that the total worth of the entire batch of products was well into the tens of thousands.
steep
Curious. Teresa asked. “You mentioned Hayden sent you with all this?”
Edward gave a casual shrug. That’s right, Jonathan was busy, and Donald had other commitments, so I was the one who could make the delivery”
Teresa gave a nod, musing silently, ‘So Edward’s delivery was due to Jonathan being tied up!
With a courteous smile, Teresa addressed Edward, “Hayden’s really been generous with all these gifs. Could you please thank him for me? She opened the door wider, inviting him in, “How about you come in and rest for a moment!”
Before Edward could respond, a voice called out, “Hey Eddie, you’re here” Miriam’s voice was filled with excitement as she welcomed
him
Edward, under Miriam’s scrutinizing look, blushed and shifted his gaze, mumbling, “Maybe I should just leave.”
But Miriam wasn’t about to let him escape that easily. She’d come all the way to Teresa’s on her scooter, after all Gripping Edward’s hand, she insisted, “Don’t go just yet. Stay and have a cup of coffee with us.”
Edward gave a quick shake of his head, already backing toward the exit. “Appreciate it, but I’ve got things to do back at the home front. Tin out of here,” he said, not lingering for a reply.
Miriam’s hand reached out as if to stop him, then dropped to her side. Tl walk you out, she offered.
With a wave, Edward declined, “Nah, I’ve got wheels With that, he disappeared through the door almost as if he couldn’t get away enough
Teresa simply raised an eyebrow as Edward hurried off on his own accord.
Fast
Miriam sighed, her hand drifting to her face. “Do I scare him off that much? He takes off like I’m a monster
Teresa offered a gentle laugh. “You did catch him off guard with that kiss at the concert. Maybe he’s just a litle spooked.”
Miriam’s expression turned indignant. “I worked up the courage to do that! Can you blame me? He’s totally a catch.”
Teresa shook her head, a concerned look on her face as she commented, “Boys have got to fend for themselves these days, right? 111 remind Michael to be cautious”
Miriam playfully elbowed Teresa, a smirk playing on her lips. “You’re just teasing me, aren’t you?”
Hugging Miriam. Teresa replied softly. Just trying to lighten the mood.”
Miriam’s smile faded a bit, a hint of sadness in her voice. “I get it. He’s not into me.”
‘s only twenty–one. He’s not going anywhere in
in a hurry.”
Teresa offered a comforting squeeze on Miriam’s shoulder. “Don’t stress it. He’s o
With Miriam’s help, they successfully prevented Edward from encountering Michael. To show her appreciation, Teresa presented her with two boxes of those pricey face masks.
1/2
Chapter 26
Alter Miriam left, Teresa got to work making breaklau for Michael Wath Tonksgiving appar fing, the fol the day for her.
Post–breakfast, Teresa cherished the unusual free time, strengthening her head with Michael and enjoying the surprise day of relaxation
She frowned, recalling hew Jonathan, once a high earning mager, med to send her money on Jindadays while they were married However, dose days were over siner their
She replied with a questioning “?“, her brow furrowed as the speculated if the transfer was a mistake or intended for his fiancée
Jonathan’s reply didn’t take long Grandpa will be here for Thanksgiving Day tonigla. Can you come by and grab a few things from the mall for him!
Teresa tent a text back, taken aback. [Are we pretending we’re a couple again? Will we love to share a room!
The idea of having dinner with the Lynns was acceptable for her, yet bring near Pamatlaan larraught lack confortalde memories. Plus, lis mother’s constant complaints goed sarcasm were land to bear
Jonathan’s voice message was short and to the point. “Trim in Marville for work, won’t be hack. Grab some sull to bring over and the
river will take you home after dinner
Teresa tested back a quick, “Oh, then sent another reply What alwut your funcéer You’re not spending Thanksgiving with her?] Silence followed from Jonathan. It was typical, he either went quiet or deflected when his fiancée was mentioned.
Teresa typed out, Got it. I’ll be thered
Her phone vibrated with another message from Jonathan. [Take the money]
Tereu. [It’s all good. Lean handle the shopping I
Teresa remembered the times Jonathan had paid respects to her grandparents alongside her. Now, with his grandfather visiting for the holiday, she was simply returning the favor. And considering the Porsche Jonathan had given her, she felt this was the least she could do.
Jonathan’s voice message was decisive. “If you’re heading to my family’s place, it’s my treat. That’s fimal Teresa, not wishing to debate, gracefully acknowledged his generous offer.
Once her workday ended, Teresa made a beeline for the mall, determined to find some premium Thanksgiving gift baskets. While she was shopping, Jonathan called to check her location and informed her that a car was coming to pick her up.
Teresa paused before inquiring. “Does Hayden still enjoy a goal Merlo
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