Chapter 44
He sighed, a hint of disappointment on his face. “When will I have a dad? I really want one,” he persisted. The question tugged at Teresa’s heartstrings. She comforted him, “I know, honey. Your wish is coming…”
The following day, a relaxed Saturday, Truman texted Teresa: “Hey Teresa, want to grab a meal and catch up? Just a friendly dinner, no roles, no pressure.”
Teresa agreed to the meeting. At the warm, inviting restaurant known for its mild and comforting dishes, she spotted Truman, who stood out with his glasses and a stylish brown cashmere coat, giving off a scholarly vibe.
Truman, his eyes darting over the menu, made a thoughtful gesture. “I kept the heat low on the dishes. Didn’t want to upset your stomach.”
Teresa responded with a warm smile. “That’s really considerate, but I’ve been doing a lot better lately. No worries on my end.”
Changing the subject slightly, Truman frowned with concern. “Hey, not to get too personal, but I noticed you didn’t want to talk about Jonathan around your son. Did things end between you two?”
Teresa met his gaze with a levelheaded demeanor. “Water under the bridge,” she said, her voice steady.
Truman hesitated, then ventured further. “Was it because of me?”
Teresa let out a wry laugh, dismissing the idea with a wave of her hand. “You’re overthinking it.”
Fiddling with his glasses, Truman brought up the past. “But two years ago, there was that incident when Jonathan saw me drop you off and got the wrong impression.”
Teresa’s expression grew somber as she recalled the incident. The misunderstanding had been the starting point, but it was just one event in a series leading to the end of their marriage.
Teresa sank into her chair, her voice trembling with emotion. “We weren’t right for each other. The differences were just too much—his family, his old flame, my own issues…”
She paused, a tear escaping down her cheek. “I can’t hold him back, not when he’s put so much into our family. I’ve got my own demons, and I’m not the one to keep him from his dreams. We’re on separate paths.”
For the first time, Teresa was baring her soul. She harbored no regrets regarding her marriage—she stayed true to her vows, steered clear of her ex’s previous relationships, and left the marriage without pursuing any financial claims. Amidst the whispers and judgments, she remained steadfast, prioritizing her own truth and self-respect above all else. She was opening up to Truman, not just because he was there to listen, but because he was her therapist. His guidance had been crucial in her quest for acceptance and understanding.
Truman let out a sigh. “You’re holding up well, I gotta say,” he remarked, genuinely impressed.
Teresa offered a small, sad smile in return. “Life shifts when you become a parent, doesn’t it? It gives you a new perspective on everything. I’ve managed to move past my family turmoil, my divorce… even the heartbreaking loss of my grandparents.”
The sudden tragedy—a house fire that took her grandparents too soon—left Teresa in disbelief, struggling to cope with the profound emptiness they left behind. To keep their memory close, she regularly visited their graves, making sure to pay her respects several times each year.
“Funny running into you there,” Teresa said, her eyes meeting Truman’s. “I brought my son to the cemetery yesterday to visit my grandparents. Never expected to bump into an old friend.”
Truman shrugged easily, sounding honest. “I’ve been working in Chesburg. I thought about calling you, but didn’t want to bother you. If we hadn’t talked today, I wouldn’t have known about your divorce.”
Meeting Teresa’s gaze, he paused, then said, “We should really keep in touch more, shouldn’t we?”
His expression turned serious as he continued, “I’m actually looking to move back to Nareigh. If there’s anything you need, just give me a shout, okay?”