Chapter 404
It wasn’t until Irene left that Teresa finally let out a quiet curse. If Irene weren’t her mother-in-law, Jonathan’s mom, she would have lost her temper long ago. But all she could do was sigh.
Left alone at home, Teresa sat silently on the sofa. She pulled out her phone and glanced at the contact saved as "Hubby." She remembered Jonathan telling her that morning he’d be out with his boss for work. In the end, she didn’t call him.
“Miriam,” she said, dialing her best friend.
“What’s up, Teresa? You sound kind of down,” Miriam answered.
Teresa sniffled. “It’s nothing, really. I’m just bored being home alone. When are you coming over? I’ll take you to a bar with live music.”
“Well, are you going to sing when you get drunk? You know you’re totally tone-deaf, right?” Miriam asked.
Teresa laughed. “That’s fine, I’ll just listen to you sing. Or maybe we can invite Benny. I haven’t talked to him in ages. I wonder if he’s free.”
“Ugh, I’m working these days. Let’s chat later, okay?” There was a burst of noise on Miriam’s end, someone calling her at work. “Teresa, I gotta go. If you need anything, just text me. I’ll come find you later.”
“Alright, get back to work,” Teresa said, hanging up with a sigh.
She was married now, not like single Miriam. She couldn’t go to Miriam for everything, and she didn’t want to dump her negative feelings about home on her, either. After all, Jonathan really did treat her well. It was just that sometimes there wasn’t even anyone to talk to at home.
Just then, Jonathan texted Teresa: [Honey, I’m meeting with Peter for business. I’ll be home late.]
Teresa replied, asking what time he’d be back.
Jonathan didn’t answer right away. An hour later, he called. “Sorry, I was having dinner with clients and saw your message late. Are you mad?”
“No, I just wanted to ask. Should I go ahead and wash the dishes?” Teresa asked.
“No need. I’ll do them when I get back. If you’re tired, just go to bed. Don’t wait for me,” Jonathan said. Before hanging up, he reminded Teresa again to lock the doors and windows and told her not to order takeout so late; it wasn’t safe.
Teresa glanced at the clock. It was already nine-thirty. She rolled up her sleeves, still wanting to wash the dishes herself.
She was only halfway through the dishes, struggling with her injured finger, when the door opened. Jonathan had just gotten home when he saw Teresa doing the dishes. He frowned, changed his shoes at the entryway, and walked over to her with concern written all over his face.
“Didn’t I tell you not to do anything? Your hand’s still not healed. Let me see,” he said, gently taking her bandaged hand.
“I’m fine. I just couldn’t sleep, so I figured I’d do something to pass the time,” Teresa replied.
“You shouldn’t get your wound wet. Even if it’s healed, you don’t need to do chores,” Jonathan insisted.
“But I—” Teresa said.
“Alright.” Jonathan cut her off, pulling her into his arms. “Come here. I need a hug. I missed you all day.”
Teresa patted his broad back. “How was work today? Did everything go okay?”
Jonathan kissed her cheek. “With your husband on the job, there’s nothing I can’t handle.”
“Wow, look at you! Go take a shower. I’ll get the water ready for you,” Teresa said.
Jonathan chuckled. “What’s gotten into you today, huh? Why are you being so sweet all of a sudden?”
“I just think you’ve been working too hard lately,” Teresa said.
She wanted to tell him about his mom coming over and stirring up trouble, but she wasn’t sure how to bring it up. Maybe she’d wait until after he finished his shower.
After Jonathan finished showering, he pulled his soft, sweet wife into his arms, burying his face in the crook of her neck. His hand slipped under her pajamas, making Teresa’s breath hitch. She hesitated and then said, “Honey, actually, today…”