Chapter 149

Just the day before, Jennifer had said something odd. “Don’t stress over the health indicators. As long as Mike is healthy and not sick, he’s fine. You were a small, skinny child too, and look at you now, all grown up and thriving.”

Teresa dismissed it, chalking it up to Jennifer having one too many drinks and rambling nonsense. After all, how could Jennifer possibly know anything about her childhood?

Miriam chose not to comment further about Jennifer and instead explained the reason for her visit. “I actually came to borrow your car for a few days. Edward’s fallen ill, and since my Volkswagen CC is in for maintenance, I need a car to get around and take care of him.”

“How are things going with Edward?” Teresa asked.

“Not bad,” Miriam replied. “We had dinner and watched a movie a few days ago. I was planning to invite him on a trip down south, but when I texted him about it, he said he’d caught a cold and couldn’t make it. So, I thought I’d check in on him instead.”

“You’re such a hopeless romantic,” Teresa shook her head. “Maybe he just doesn’t want to go out with you and made up an excuse.”

Miriam sighed. “He wouldn’t fake being sick, would he? Besides, I don’t care. I like him, so I’m going to see him anyway. Plus, I could visit my aunt and uncle while I’m at it.”

“Don’t use your aunt and uncle as an excuse. I swear, you’re hopeless,” Teresa rolled her eyes.

“Fine, fine! I’m a hopeless romantic. Happy now?” Miriam retorted.

Although Teresa found Miriam’s eagerness in chasing after Edward a bit much, she still handed over her car keys. After all, they were best friends, and Miriam had been there for her countless times. Teresa reminded Miriam to drive safely.

Miriam offered to refuel the car, but Teresa said she had just filled it up two days ago.

After Miriam left, Jennifer came out to set up the table. “Why didn’t you ask her to stay for dinner?”

“She has some business at home,” Teresa replied.

“It’s nice having a friend who knows you well, someone you can talk to when you’re feeling down,” Jennifer remarked.

“Yeah,” Teresa agreed, helping Jennifer. Curious, she asked, “Don’t you have any friends?”

“There’s this guy I’m close to in Wareigh; he’s in Shaville. We were university classmates and we still keep in touch sometimes,” Jennifer replied.

“That’s nice. Ever thought about taking it beyond friendship?” Teresa teased.

Jennifer shook her head with a soft chuckle. “We’re just friends—nothing more. There’s no romantic spark between us. Honestly, it’s hard to find someone who makes your heart skip a beat.”

She spoke indifferently about romantic relationships, yet her thoughts betrayed her. They drifted to a familiar face; someone younger, dressed in a white coat, with a warm smile. She quickly shook off the thought, determined not to let him linger in her mind.

“How can I be attracted to the cousin of my sister’s ex-husband? I need to put an end to these feelings right away,” thought Teresa.

A few days flew by, and soon it was January 9th. Nareigh was blanketed in heavy snow, far more than usual.

As Teresa got up that morning, she commented to Jennifer about the peculiar weather. “Just last week, it was warm enough to think winter was easing up, and now this. Snow again, and even heavier this time.”

Jennifer said, “Bundle up, or you’ll catch your death!”

Teresa replied, “You too. Don’t fall sick.”

Jennifer nodded. “You mentioned craving lamb chops yesterday, so I’ll stop by the grocery store after work and make lamb chops for dinner.”

“You’re the best. I weighed Michael today, and he’s gained two pounds!” Teresa smiled.

“You need to put on some weight, too,” said Jennifer.

Shortly after, Jennifer left for the hospital. On the way, she sent a text to Teresa: [The roads are very slippery today. I’ve already seen several accidents. Be careful if you’re going out.]

Teresa texted back: [Okay, you drive safely too. I’m heading out in the afternoon. I’ll probably call a taxi.]

Not long after, Michael woke up. He was thrilled by the snow and insisted on building a snowman. Teresa took him downstairs to the common area of their residential area. Despite wearing gloves, the cold was biting, and her hands felt like they were about to freeze. Michael, on the other hand, had a lot of fun. Exhausted, he fell asleep after lunch.

Later in the afternoon, Teresa saw a message from Jonathan: [Is it snowing in Nareigh?]

Teresa typed: [It’s been snowing since last night, but it’s finally stopped.]

Jonathan: [Make sure to layer up. Wear a thick down jacket when you go out. You’re already beautiful, so there’s no need to freeze for fashion.]

Teresa smiled, happy with the compliment. Every woman appreciated a little praise; it always brightened the day.

She continued chatting with Jonathan for a while. He mentioned that he would be back next week, before January 15th.

Suddenly, Teresa had an idea and quickly typed: [Can I borrow your car? I’ll make sure to fill up the tank. Miriam will have my car for a few days, and I need to meet a client this afternoon. It would be more convenient to drive myself rather than take an Uber.]

As she returned from building the snowman, she noticed Jonathan’s Maybach still parked in the residential area. She still had the keys in her possession.

Jonathan replied: [Okay, but you don’t have to pay. There’s a fuel card in the car. Try to find it.]

Teresa: [Okay.]

Before Teresa could put her phone away, Jonathan called. He was still concerned and wanted to remind her. “Drive carefully. The roads are slippery, and it’s tricky handling a car like that. Be cautious.”

Teresa shot back, “Women can handle big cars just fine. I’ve been driving for nine years. I know what I’m doing.”

Jonathan teased, “Experienced driver, huh? You couldn’t even park properly at the airport.”

“I just have trouble with parallel parking! That doesn’t mean I can’t drive. I’m great at backing into parking spots!” Teresa was frustrated.

Hearing her tone, Jonathan chuckled. “I know, I know. You’re great, really.”

Teresa was annoyed.

“Take it slow, okay? Adjust your seat and mirrors before you head out. If anything happens, just call me. Or let me know where you need to go, and I’ll have my driver take you,” Jonathan said.

“Got it. You go ahead and do your thing,” Teresa replied, her tone softening.

After hanging up, Teresa thought about how their interactions had increased after the night. Over the past few days, she couldn’t help but replay the memories of it, especially how, in the heat of the moment, he had held her close and whispered tender words.

They say a man’s words in bed can’t be trusted, but his soft whispers had a way of reaching deep into her heart, making her feel as though the distance between them had never existed, as if they had never divorced at all.

In the afternoon, Teresa drove Jonathan’s Maybach to meet her client. The snow had begun to melt, but the roads remained treacherously slick. The car radio crackled with a warning: “Road conditions are hazardous today, with 25 accidents already reported in Nareigh, a 50% increase compared to usual weather conditions. Drivers are urged to exercise caution.”

Teresa listened to the broadcast, unaware of how soon its warning would hit too close to home.