Chapter 108
After Charles settled the bill, he turned to Naomi and said, “Naomi, let’s go.”
Teresa heard Charles call out to Naomi, but she didn’t turn around. Instead, she took a sip of water from her glass.
Naomi walked over and linked her arm with Charles’s. “Okay,” she said.
As Charles headed out of the restaurant, his gaze fell on Hector and Cedric sitting not far away. The woman with her back to him–he recognized her immediately. It was Teresa.
When he paused for a moment, Naomi noticed his hesitation. “Charles, what’s wrong?” Naomi asked, turning to draw his attention, not wanting him to think about other women.
Charles looked down at Naomi and said, “Nothing. Let’s go.”
Naomi tightened her grip on his arm, pressing herself even closer to him, as if to make sure he only had eyes for her.
After they left the restaurant, Teresa continued chatting with Cedric and Hector about medical topics.
Through the large windows, Teresa caught a glimpse of the street outside. When she turned her head slightly, she saw Naomi and Charles leaving together.
They walked side by side, perfectly in step, arms entwined, looking like a loving couple.
A bitter feeling crept into Teresa’s heart. She pressed her lips together and looked away.
After the meal, Teresa went to pay the bill, but Hector beat her to it and paid first.
618
44
When they stepped outside, it was drizzling. Hector turned to Cedric and said, “Professor Judd, want me to give you a lift?”
Cedric smiled and waved him off. “It’s fine, I’ll just catch the bus.”
Hector knew Cedric was the kind of guy who enjoyed the simple pleasures in life when he wasn’t working, so he didn’t insist.
Just then, the bus arrived. Cedric picked up his briefcase and got on. Teresa and Hector stood at the roadside, waving. “Goodbye, Professor Judd!” they called.
As the bus pulled away, the rain started coming down harder. Hector went back to the restaurant to grab an umbrella. The two of them huddled together under it as they walked to the curb.
It was raining, and cars sped past, splashing water everywhere. Teresa was on the side closest to the street, and she’d get drenched if a car sent water flying her way,
Hector reacted quickly–holding the umbrella with one hand, he wrapped his arm around Teresa’s waist and pulled her close. The water splashed onto him instead. His coat was instantly soaked.
It had been raining for days in Riverdale, and the streets were wet. Hector kept Teresa safe in his arms, not a single drop landing on her.
Teresa whispered a soft “Thank you,” then apologized, “Sorry.”
Hector noticed she felt bad and grinned at her. “It’s no big deal, really. Don’t worry about it—as long as you’re fine, that’s all that matters.”
Teresa felt a pang in her chest. Not just because Hector was such a gentleman, but also because she’d misjudged people so badly in the past.
Hertor walked Teresa to her car and watched her get into the driver’s seat. He smiled, “Drive safe, and text me when you get home.”
Teresa looked up at lum, her eyes lost in the hazy orange glow of the streetlights and rain. She said, “Hector, let me take your coat and wash it for you I’ll bring it back once it’s clean
Hector just grinned. “No worries, it’s just a coat
Teresa’s heart felt heavy. “You’re always there for me. I want to do something for you too.” She didn’t want to keep owing him favors.
Hector caught on to what she meant and noticed her deliberate distance. His smile froze for a moment, but then he just went along with it “Alright, I’ll do as you say. Teresa”
1/3
11:24 AM P
Chapter 108
He took off his coat and handed it to Teresa.
Monica nodded, all serious. “I will. I’ll listen to Mom, and I’ll listen to you too, Aunt Teresa.”
Teresa looked at her niece, so well–behaved and adorable, and couldn’t help but think of her own daughter. Teresa remembered Yolanda used to be just as sweet and well–behaved, but things were different now.
But when the person turned around, Teresa realized it wasn’t Theodore–it was Troy.
“Troy, what are you doing here?” Teresa’s heart raced, and her voice trembled as she asked.
Troy’s eyes sparkled with amusement. Instead of approaching her, he lay down on the bed, propped up on one elbow, looking at Teresa with a teasing grin. “I just missed you, honey. I came to see you.”
Teresa demanded, “How did you get in here?”
Not only was Betty around, but Howard and Linda were also home–there was no way Troy could’ve come in through the front door with everyone here.
Troy didn’t bother answering. Instead, he buried his face in the pillow and blankets, inhaling deeply, greedily soaking up Teresa’s unique
scent
When he lifted his face from the pillow, he took a long, satisfied breath. He propped his chin up with one hand, his long legs sprawled across the blue comforter, while his free hand absently drummed on his knee.
A cocky smile tugged at his lips as he flirted, “Your scent is addictive, honey. I just can’t get enough.” As he spoke, he licked his lips, looking at her like he was hungry and couldn’t wait to devour her
Teresa shot Troy a panicked glare, her voice trembling as she demanded, “Troy, answer me—how did you get in here?”
Troy kicked off his shoes and made himself comfortable in the blue blankets. “Since your door wasn’t open for me, I had to get creative.
2/3
11:24 AM P P
Chapter 108
D
“It’s only been a few days, but I haven’t been able to sleep–can’t get you out of my head. You didn’t come looking for me, so I figured I’d better make the first move.”
3/3


Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: When She Walks Away (Teresa)