Chapter 26

“Hey, Miriam,” Teresa called, her voice tinged with urgency. “Could you come over right away?”

Miriam 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 of health supplements and beauty items in disbelief. Spotting a series of face masks, each priced at $300, Teresa realized that the total worth of the entire batch of products was well into the tens of thousands.

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 gifts. 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. “I’ll 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 fast enough.

Teresa simply raised an eyebrow as Edward hurried off on his own accord.

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 little 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? I’ll 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.”

“He’s only twenty-one. He’s not going anywhere in a hurry.”

Teresa offered a comforting squeeze on Miriam’s shoulder. “Don’t stress it. He’s…”

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.

After Miriam left, Teresa got to work making breakfast for Michael. It was Thanksgiving, the following day, for her.

Post-breakfast, Teresa cherished the unusual free time, spending it with Michael and enjoying the surprise day of relaxation.

She frowned, recalling how Jonathan, once a high-earning manager, used to send her money on Jindays while they were married. However, those days were over since their…

She replied with a questioning “?”, her brow furrowed as she 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 tonight. Can you come by and grab a few things from the mall for him!”

Teresa sent 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 being near Pamatlan brought back uncomfortable memories. Plus, his mother’s constant complaints and sarcasm were hard to bear.

Jonathan’s voice message was short and to the point. “Trim in Marville for work, won’t be back. Grab some stuff to bring over and the river will take you home after dinner.”

Teresa texted back a quick, “Oh, then” and sent another reply. [What about your fiancée? 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 there.”

Her phone vibrated with another message from Jonathan. [Take the money.]

Teresa replied, [It’s all good. Let me handle the shopping.]

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 final.” 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 good Merlot?”