Page 35 of Thanks for the Memories
“I’m sure you can find a plastic surgeon here,” Bethany offers.
“Oh yes, on every corner,” she replies with a wave. “But you, my dear, are the perfect reference.”
Bethany beams. “I’ll be more than happy to send you all his information.”
“How’d you get out of the house?” I ask my sister. Which sounds so silly because it’s not like she’s a hostage.
Her face falls. “I told Barbara that your best friend came to town and she wanted to see me.”
I purse my lips. “So, you didn’t have to make up some elaborate story about me getting kidnapped and taken to the Bahamas? Imagine that.”
She scowls. “No, but I might have to use that one later in the week.”
Kennedy launches into her mother-in-law’s crafty ways of manipulation (her words, not mine). She only stops when the server comes to the table to take our orders, and then Kennedy continues on with her story.
While semi-listening, I glance toward my left and immediately notice someone familiar jogging toward us. I squint to get a better look, and my pulse increases as he approaches.
It can’t be.
“Jeremy,” I call.
He stops and looks in my direction.
Kennedy stops talking and gives me a funny look. “Who are you looking at?”
“It’s my co-worker,” I say.
Jeremy makes his way over to us. And of course, he’s shirtless. Not that I’m surprised.
“Hey, Blondie.”
Kennedy raises her eyebrows and throws me a sharp glance.
“He has a nickname for everyone at the office,” I whisper. This is almost true. Even though it’s just me and Carl he’s adorned with playful names.
Jeremy approaches, panting from his jog.
“Morning, ladies.”
“Kennedy, Bethany—this is my co-worker Jeremy,” I introduce him, and everyone says hello.
“So, you’re the best friend I’ve heard all about,” he comments, pointing to Bethany.
Bethany’s eyes are fixated on his abdominal muscles, and I can’t blame her. The sweat is glistening in the Miami sunlight, and it’s a wonderful sight to behold. Hmm … maybe eating donuts multiple times a week isn’t such a bad idea. Although I don’t think my body will react to the extra calories the way Jeremy’s has.
“I sure am,” Bethany purrs.
“What do you think about our city? Pretty great, huh?”
“Oh, yes. So great,” she flirts.
A sudden twinge of jealousy shoots through my body.
“What are you doing down here?” I ask him.
He explains that he comes down to South Beach on Saturdays to run, and I remember him telling me about his plans during our texts from earlier this morning.
“So, Jeremy, how is it that we’ve never met before?” Kennedy interjects. “I’ve only met the older gentleman from your office, the one that reminded me of our father.”
