Chapter 36
Jonathan stepped out of the car, his gaze intensifying as he casually placed a hand in his pocket and covertly followed Teresa and Edward, staying out of their line of sight.
Edward, his curiosity piqued, turned to Teresa. “Hey, Teresa, can I ask you something?” he inquired. Without waiting for a reply, he continued, “Why did you and Jonathan call it quits? He’s keeping tight-lipped about it.”
Teresa let out a light laugh and shook her head. “You youngsters are always so curious,” she teased.
Edward grinned back. “I can’t help being curious. You two were really close before,” he said, his tone earnest. “Come on, spill the beans. I won’t breathe a word,” he coaxed, his voice hushed.
As Edward’s questions persisted, Teresa answered with a grave tone, “Remember, dating and marriage play by different rules. Jumping into marriage too quickly seldom ends well.” She sighed, then added, “When you’re ready to find someone for keeps, dig deep. Learn everything about them—their character, their roots, their story. It’s what really counts.”
Edward listened intently, nodding in reflection. Marriage was the last thing on his mind at his age. “So, with you and Jonathan, is it really over for good?” he questioned, his interest sincere.
Teresa’s head shake was a clear no. “That ship has sailed,” she declared, certain that her path with Jonathan was never destined to last.
Edward paused, gathering his courage for his last query. “Do you still love him, Teresa?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
At that, Jonathan, who had been silently listening in, stopped dead in his tracks.
Edward made a solemn gesture, his voice sincere. “I swear, I won’t tell Jonathan a thing.” However, the glint in his eyes made Teresa suspect that he might reveal what he heard to Jonathan once their talk was done.
Her gaze conveyed a silent resolve. “I’m done loving him,” she stated firmly.
Jonathan’s expression twitched, a subtle trace of pain flickering across his features, even though he had been bracing for her response.
Edward’s lips tightened, showing he understood. “It’s been two years since you guys broke up. It’s normal to move on.”
Teresa lightened the mood with a teasing smile. “Keep an eye out for any good catches, will you?”
Edward pondered for a moment. “You’re quite a catch yourself, Teresa. I’m sure you won’t struggle to find someone. I’ll consider the guys from my circle.”
Jonathan, finally breaking his silence, slapped Edward’s shoulder. “Why didn’t you ever think of setting me up?” he teased, a subtle challenge lacing his words.
Edward spun around and let out a laugh when he saw Jonathan. “Jonathan, you’re messing with me, right? You could get a date with a snap of your fingers.”
“Whoa,” Edward suddenly blurted out, his thoughts catching up slowly to the unexpected situation.
Jonathan, unfazed, stood up with a casual ease. Teresa’s eyes popped open in shock. She didn’t scream, but the look on her face said it all—she was as shocked as Edward.
Scorn crossed Jonathan’s face, reflecting his quiet irritation at Teresa’s cautious demeanor around him.
Edward hastened to clarify, speaking rapidly. “It’s not what you think, Jonathan. Teresa and Miriam are just here in Harrisburg for a visit. I ran into them, and we’re about to join Miriam for dinner.”
With a composed demeanor, Jonathan looked at the apprehensive Teresa. “I’m up for a meal. Mind if I join you?”
Teresa didn’t mince words. “No way,” she declared.
Jonathan’s brow furrowed, his stare becoming more piercing as he observed Teresa.
Abruptly, Teresa linked arms with Jonathan, taking him aback. Jonathan’s eyes narrowed as she drew near, his frown growing more pronounced with her close presence.
“How about we grab lunch together while Edward hangs out with Miriam?” Teresa’s voice trembled slightly, yet she was resolute.
Jonathan remained silent, clearly grasping her underlying intentions.
Edward wasn’t pleased, his tone bordering on a pout. “Teresa, that’s not playing fair.”