Jonathan was out with Benny and a few of the guys, raising a glass to another year on his birthday. The laughter and clinking of glasses were a welcome soundtrack compared to the silence of his lonely home.
His phone buzzed in his pocket, and when he saw Teresa’s name, a hint of a smile played at the corners of his mouth. He opened the message: [Boss, happy birthday. If you’re not too proud, come over for some homemade beef ravioli ]
Jonathan quirked an eyebrow, thinking to himself, ‘Boss? What the heck? That doesn’t sound like Teresa at all. But the prospect of homemade beef ravioli was too tempting to pass up.
Benny, always quick on the uptake, leaned over. “Hey, Teresa’s got you ravioli on the menu! Count me in. I’m a beef ravioli kind of guy,
too.
Jonathan pocketed his phone, bluntly saying, “Teresa didn’t invite you.”
Benny chuckled, enjoying the rare sight of Jonathan cracking a smile. “No worries. I can take a hint. I’ll give Teresa a call and see crash the party.” Benny said, already dialing.
Jonathan shook his head, but Benny was already on the line, trying to sweet talk his way into some ravioli
if I can
Benny got through, and in the background, Miriam’s voice could be heard. “Teresa, you’re really only inviting Jonathan to this ravioli feast? What about me? Can I come?” Benny asked.
There was a brief pause from Teresa’s end. Then she said, “When did I…” She suddenly realized something and hurried to her room to check her phone. There it was the accidental message. Teresa replied helplessly, “I didn’t mean to invite him over for ravioli. It was a
mistake.
Hearing this, Jonathan, who was just about to head out, froze in his tracks.
Frowning. Benny said, “Today’s Jonathan’s birthday
“I know, but what does it matter? I’m long divorced from him. Why would I invite him over? I’m not losing my mind, Teresa replied. Looking a bit embarrassed, Benny ended the call and turned to Jonathan. “Well, she said.”
“I heard it.” Jonathan cut Benny off, his face a mask of indifference.
Seeing that Jonathan was still leaving, B
Benny asked, “Where are you off to?”
Without a word, Jonathan walked away, his shoulders slumped in defeat.
After ending the call, Teresa stormed into Michael’s room and pulled him on from under the covers “Michael, why did you use my phone to send messages? I’m seriously upset.”
Michael sniffled, looking pitiful. “I just thought your boss was pretty sad.”
Teresa narrowed her eyes, asking. “You think he’s handsome? Wanting him to be your dad?”
“Kind of. Michael admitted, rubbing the back of his head. He was always drawn to good looks, and Teresa was not sure where he got it from, but even his TV shows had to have good–looking actors.
Then Teresa said firmly. “Me and my boss are never happening, so don’t get any ideas. And don’t use my phone to send messages again. I’m changing my password right now.”
Michael sulked and said, “You’re so stingy
The ravioli were all ready, a whopping righty–eight of them–no way three adults and a kid could eat that many
Teresa barely touched her plate before declaring she was full, setting her fork down. T’m gonna check on the online store. Enjoy your meal,” she said, pushing her chair back.
Miriam followed suit, her fork clinking against the plate as she put it aside. “Take a break today. We can handle it tomorrow,” she advised
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