Chapter 49

Teresa took a breath, trying to shake off the awkwardness. No sense dwelling on what’s done. Might as well act like it never happened; she’d already faced him this morning, she thought to herself.

Sherry came back from her call, her eyes bloodshot. Teresa’s brow furrowed with concern. “What’s going on?” Teresa asked.

Sherry’s hand trembled as she brushed away her tears. “My mom called. Grandpa’s in the hospital, and they need money for surgery. But I’m tapped out.”

Her voice hitched as she continued, “He’s always been there for me. I haven’t even visited him since I graduated. I’ve been such a lousy granddaughter.”

Teresa, who’d been raised by her grandparents and felt a deeper connection with them than her own parents, reached out to comfort Sherry. “Don’t cry,” she said, her voice gentle. “How much do you need? I can lend it to you.”

Sherry looked at Teresa, her eyes filling with gratitude.

Teresa continued. “You’ve covered for me plenty of times. Just pay me back when you get your paycheck.”

Sherry squeezed Teresa’s hand, her voice choked with emotion. “Thank you, Teresa, really, thank you. I’d do anything for you.” Teresa offered a warm smile, assuring her that no extra favors were needed.

Sherry needed fifteen thousand dollars, and Teresa just happened to have saved that exact amount, which she handed over without hesitation.

After work, Sherry followed Teresa back to her place in her car. It was then that Teresa opened up about her son, explaining her role as a single mom and the absence of a father figure in her child’s life. She asked Sherry to look after her son when she wasn’t around.

Teresa then shared her and her best friend’s plan to open a studio, focusing on operations and starting with women’s and children’s clothing.

“We’re short on hands, and I thought of you. The three of us can work together as a team. If we hit it big, we’ll split the profits. If not, I’ll take the fall. You won’t be on the hook for any losses,” Teresa said.

Teresa had a clear understanding of her role in this venture. It was her idea to start the business, and with that came the risks. She wasn’t about to let her friends carry the burden with her.

Sherry was confident. “We’re not going down without a fight. I’ve got the operations covered online. I know my stuff from my day job.” This eased Teresa’s concerns. Sherry gave Teresa’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “You’ve been through a lot, too.”

Sherry had always pictured Teresa as a wealthy heiress, living the high life, but here she was, a single mom.

“These days, everyone’s got their cross to bear. We just gotta keep pushing,” Teresa remarked.

Pulling up to Rosary Estates, Sherry stepped into Teresa’s home, a bit on edge, asking if she should take off her shoes.

“Nah, just make yourself at home,” Teresa said with a casual tone, waving her in.

“Mom!” Michael, in his pajamas, dashed out of his room, clinging to Teresa’s leg. “Who’s this lady?”

“This is my coworker. You can call her Sherry,” Teresa said, her voice warm.

“Hi, Sherry,” Michael said, gazing up at Sherry with wide eyes.

Sherry smiled, taking in Michael’s appearance. “Teresa, your son is so handsome. What’s your name and how old are you?”

“Michael, but you can call me Mike. I’m two and a bit,” Michael replied proudly, standing a little straighter.

“Wow, so young! You’re quite tall for your age and you speak so well!” Sherry looked at Teresa in disbelief. “Mike really is—”

“He’s a chip off the old block. Very smart,” Teresa said, tousling her son’s hair with a chuckle.

“Sherry. I’m also good at math. I can do addition and subtraction,” Michael boasted, his little chest puffing out.

Sherry crouched down to Michael’s level. “Wow, you’re something else, Mike. Let me test you. What’s ninety minus twenty-eight?”

“Sixty-two,” Michael answered without missing a beat, his face lighting up with pride.

“Wow, you’re so smart,” Sherry said, looking at Teresa in amazement. “Is Mike really only two?”

“Takes after me. Very talented,” Teresa said, patting her son’s head with a proud smile.

Sherry felt like Michael looked familiar, but she couldn’t quite place him. With his prominent nose, perfect lip curve, and delicate cheekbones, she figured it was clear that the boy’s father must have been quite handsome.

Sherry’s new pad, just a wall away from Teresa’s, had been given a makeover by Teresa herself.

Sherry was over the moon about the place and was already thinking about breaking her current lease, which was about to run out.

Right next door to her room was a storage room, jam-packed with clothing. Teresa casually mentioned that if they could sell off the backlog, they’d pocket at least sixty thousand dollars.

That night, Teresa called Miriam over and introduced her to Sherry. After the pleasantries, the three of them got down to business, setting up a new live-stream account.

Using Teresa’s ID, they set up a new account—fresh accounts meant fresh traffic and a chance to hit the right notes with their audience.

Sherry chimed in, “I studied photography in college. I’ve got this. I’ll take care of the shooting and editing. We’ll make the best videos out there.”

Miriam chuckled and said, “You studied photography, huh? That’s cool. Why not turn pro?”

Sherry shrugged and replied with a hint of bitterness in her tone. “It sounds impressive, but it’s one of the hardest fields to crack.” They got to work right away. Miriam’s new camera had just arrived, and after a quick setup, they were out before sunrise the next day, hauling their equipment to shoot.