Chapter 315
Michael stuck his nose in the air. “Mr. Lime is just… Mr. Lime.”
A little girl quickly piped up, “I get it! I totally understand you, Michael. Everything Michael says is right because he’s the cutest boy ever.”
Another girl, not wanting to be left out, jumped in. “When Michael says Mr. Lime, he probably means like a fancy sweet shop or something.”
Yet another boldly grabbed Michael’s hand. “My house has tons of snacks. Come over, Michael. You can have all my cookies!”
Michael gently pulled his hand away and explained with big gestures, “No, it’s not a food store. Mr. Lime is a really, really cool guy.”
Teresa watched, amused, as Michael got swarmed by his mini fan club.
“Michael, come to my house! We have a bouncy castle and cupcakes!”
“Michael, your shirt is so clean and white. Don’t get it dirty. But if you do, I know how to use the washing machine.”
“Michael, look, I’m wearing white too! We match. My mom says that means we’re a couple.”
Teresa couldn’t help but laugh. “Wow,” she thought, “Michael’s a real heartbreaker already. Will he end up marrying into some rich family? Well, then again, being a kept man isn’t so bad these days!”
Teresa decided to let the kids have their innocent fun. Nearby, Sherry was stretching for the races. Teresa headed for the bleachers when a familiar voice called out from behind her. “Teresa?”
She froze and turned to see Benny striding over. Benny stared at her, eyes wide. “No way, it really is you! I thought I was seeing things. What are you doing here, at a preschool?”
Teresa mentally kicked herself. “Great,” she thought, “just my luck. Of all people, Benny?”
Benny stroked his chin. “You, at this preschool… don’t tell me you’ve got a…”
“Nope, just here with Sherry,” Teresa cut in smoothly, nodding towards Sherry and Michael, who were a little ways off.
Benny glanced at them, then turned his attention back to Teresa. “So you’re hiding out in Everport now?” he asked.
“Hiding? I’m just here on vacation, okay?” Teresa shot back.
“Yeah, right.” Benny rolled his eyes. “Hey, speaking of which, last time you were in Nareigh, why’d you bolt when you saw me? Got yourself a new guy?”
“I don’t—” Teresa started.
“Come on, what are we, strangers?” Benny cut her off. “Spill it. I swear I won’t tell Jonathan.”
“I seriously—” Teresa fumbled, wishing Benny would just vanish. “What on earth is he doing here anyway?” she thought.
Just then, the preschool principal’s voice boomed over the loudspeaker from the stage. “Happy Children’s Day, everyone! We’re thankful to have our distinguished guests here at Acorn Preschool to share their heartfelt wishes with our children.”
At “distinguished guests,” it clicked for Teresa. Benny shrugged. “I’m just here filling in for my uncle. Never thought I’d run into you. So, you really do have someone new? Should I let Jonathan know you’re here?”
“No, no. Don’t tell him,” Teresa blurted out.
Benny smacked his lips. “Alright, alright. But don’t you dare take off. I gotta go sit with the bigwigs, but we’re catching up later.”
Actually, Teresa couldn’t bolt even if she wanted to because she had to film Michael.
From his seat in the bleachers, Benny watched Sherry and Michael compete in the three-legged race, relay, and other events. He rubbed his chin while studying Michael, thinking, ‘Guess the kid really is Sherry’s. Why else would they be doing these activities together?’ Throughout the event, Benny couldn’t take his eyes off the boy.
When Michael’s team won the relay, he threw his hands up in excitement. That was when Benny noticed the signature on his shirt. He frowned, thinking the handwriting seemed oddly familiar.
Finally, Benny got a clear look at the whole signature, and it hit him. Benny quickly pulled out his phone, snapped a picture of Michael’s shirt, and sent it to Jonathan with a message: [Is this your signature?]