Chapter 69

After clocking out of work at noon the next day, Teresa headed to a nearby barbecue restaurant. She was used to moving through life alone, her routines quiet and solitary. As soon as she stepped inside, a waiter approached. "Are you alone, miss?" She gave a soft hum of acknowledgment. "Please find me a window seat." Her gaze drifted toward the windows, only to freeze when she spotted Ernest rising from one of the tables. Sitting across from him was Gary—she recognized him instantly from the back. Whatever they had been discussing, it hadn't ended well. Ernest walked out with no trace of a smile. Teresa instinctively ducked out of sight, unwilling to greet him. Once he left, she pointed toward Gary. "I'll sit there." She crossed the room and slid into the seat opposite him. Gary seemed lost in thought, his expression distant. Guilt welled up inside her. "A penny for your thoughts?" she asked softly. Startled, he blinked back to awareness. When his eyes landed on her, he smile