Page 86 of This Memory
“It is.”
“How’ve you been, Officer Quinn?”
Gavin looked up from the menu. “Marie, please just call me Gavin.”
She blushed. “Okay, Officer Quinn.”
I almost laughed but managed to keep it in. Marie looked back at me, and I expected her to ask what I wanted to drink. Instead, she asked something that totally took me by surprise.
“How are you feeling?”
Confused, I asked, “What?”
“Evelyn and Denny were in here yesterday, and they told everyone the good news! That they’re expecting a baby, and you agreed to carry it for them.”
I blinked a few times before it registered.
“Oh, yes. I’m feeling great. Thank you for asking.”
Marie smiled. “I think what you’re doing for them is such a sweet thing, Brystol. Evelyn was over-the-moon happy, as was Denny. But Evelyn wasreallyshowing it!”
I smiled back at her, not sure what to say. I hadn’t prepared myself for all of the compliments people were giving me since Evelyn and Denny shared the news.
When I didn’t say anything else, Marie took our drink orders.
“I don’t know what to say when people compliment me like that.”
“Just do what you did, say thank you, smile politely, and move on.”
Nodding, I replied, “I guess I wasn’t expecting people to treat me like I’m some kind of hero.”
Gavin smiled. “You kind of are, Bry.”
I laughed. “Not really. I did what any best friend would do.”
He raised his brows. “I don’t think that’s a true statement.”
Shrugging, I said, “Oh well, I’m sure I’ll get used to it, and the news will be replaced by something else soon. At least, I hope it will.”
“It will,” Gavin said, reaching across the table and taking my hand in his. “Now, I don’t know if I should get the lasagna or a meatball sub as well.”
“Trust me—go for the meatball sub.”
He glanced up from the menu. “You only want me to get it so you can have some of mine as well.”
Feeling myself blush, I nodded. “Maybe I should order one to go.”
Gavin blinked a few times, then laughed. “Sure, if you want.”
I waved my hand. “No, no, I’m being silly.”
Marie returned with our drinks, and we both ordered the meatball sub. And when Gavin didn’t quite finish all of his, I finished it for him. And before we left for the tree lighting ceremony, I ordered one to go. Knowing I would have it waiting for me when I woke up at midnight made me giddy.
“Excited about the tree lighting?” Gavin asked, when he saw me smiling.
Glancing at him, I lied and didn’t feel the least bit bad about it. “I sure am!”
“Five, four, three, two, one!”
