Page 31 of Thanks for the Memories
“That’s so romantic,” Bethany says. “Not that you got hurt, of course. But that’s a story you can tell your grandchildren.”
Gabby’s face turns bright red. She’s mostly hesitant to talk about her future with Theo because of what happened with her last relationship, but she’s completely smitten with him.
“Gabby and Theo are so perfect for each other it’s not even funny,” I say, handing her a water bottle. “Their meeting was definitely fate.”
“Except we don’t talk about Theo very much around here, right?” Gabby says.
“That’s right.”
I tell Bethany about Lila and Theo’s dislike for one another.
“And what about you, Reagan?” Bethany asks, her eyes twinkling. “Is there anyone special? You haven’t said anything about the men here in Miami."
“Well, there is—” Gabby suggests. I shoot her a sharp look, begging her to stop. I’m planning on telling Bethany about Dante, just not yet. She knew I had feelings for him back in college—but that was a long time ago. I’m not sure what she’ll think about my feelings returning after all these years.
“Ooohh, you have to tell me,” Bethany sings.
Crap.
“I was just going to say that there are a lot of great men in Miami,” Gabby offers, trying to cover her little slip.
Bethany gives her a skeptical look.
“We have a lot to catch up on,” I say finally. “But you probably want to get settled, so let me show you to the guest room.”
She doesn’t argue and follows me into the house. After I show her around, Gabby’s waiting for me in the kitchen.
“I’m so sorry,” she whispers. “I didn’t realize you weren’t telling her about Dante.”
“It’s fine,” I assure her. “I don’t know why I’m making a big deal out of it anyway. I mean it’s not like there’s much to tell—we kissed, we’re still just friends, and that’s basically it.”
All of a sudden Jeremy pops into my head.
Was he about to tell me that he’d miss me while I was on vacation? Was Gabby right about him being jealous of Dante? Maybe that’s why he’s always making sarcastic comments about Golden.Gah, what’s happening to me?
Now isn’t the time to overanalyze my confusion about his possible feelings or mine. I don’t need any answers tonight. My best friend is here, and I want focus on the time I have with her.
After Bethany gets changed, she joins Gabby and me in the living room and we tell Gabby some stories from our college days.
“Reagan was like the group therapist,” Bethany says. “If anyone ever had a problem, they went to her. And I was probably her best client.”
I giggle.
“I’m kidding—but whenever my boyfriend and I had a fight, I went straight to Reagan for advice. And she was always there when I needed her.”
“That sounds about right,” Gabby agrees. “She’s been there for me since the day we moved in.”
I feel my face get hot. “You guys are making me blush.”
“Honestly, when I look back on those days now, I feel so bad,” Bethany says. “I probably owe you back pay for all those late-night counseling sessions.”
I shrug. “That’s what friends are for. Although, you did just get a massive windfall of cash.”
She laughs.
We continue sharing stories, and just before we’re about to call it a night, Lila comes home and I do introductions all over again.
“Thanks for letting me stay here,” Bethany says. “Your home is gorgeous.”
