Page 38 of Thanks for the Memories
“So, will we see you again this week?” Bethany asks, interrupting our moment.
He drags his eyes away from mine. “Probably not. I’m sure you ladies have big plans that I don’t need to be a part of.” He pauses and looks back at me. “But, if you need backup, I’m your man.”
Backup? My man? Whoa—I don’t even know what to think about his offer.
“Um, yeah. I’ll keep that in mind,” I say.
We all stand up to leave, and Jeremy says his good-byes. I watch as he takes off down the street while an overwhelming amount of emotions flow within me. What am I feeling? Confused, excited—or maybe both. There was an undeniable energy between us when our eyes connected, which has never happened before. The problem is, I don’t have time to overanalyze that moment right now.
“Let’s go shopping,” I announce, eager for a distraction. “I’m in need of some cute pajamas that actually fit.”
At this point I’ll do anything to keep the discussion off of Jeremy because I don’t know how to answer questions from Bethany and my sister, especially because I have my own questions about what’s happening between Jeremy and me.
Chapter Eleven
Today’s the day—the first time Dante and I will see each other since we kissed in my kitchen. My biggest concern is that our breakfast with Bethany will be awkward because of our closeness the last time we were together. I want it to be fun without any uncomfortable moments.
To complicate matters even more, I lay in bed for hours last night thinking about Jeremy. The image of him running down the path in all his fit and fine glory is permanently etched in my brain. Not to mention, I can’t stop overanalyzing the moment our gazes locked, and that backup comment. Truthfully, I don’t know what to think of all of it. Months of working together and I never thought of him as more than funny, playful, flirtatious Jeremy.
While lying in bed I thought about when I noticed a shift in the vibe between Jeremy and me. Amanda’s comments definitely made me open my eyes, but I’m starting the think it was when I told him that Dante and I had gone on a date. It almost seems like that’s when Jeremy really started to step up his game. The flirting continued like normal, but he made that comment about not letting anything stand in the way if you want to spend time with a person and then asking me if I’d miss him. Of course, I haven’t had time to miss him since my first day of vacation began with a text, an email, and an impromptu run in with him on our girl’s day out.
After a long day of shopping and listening to my sister talk about her mother-in-law, I’m grateful she decided to go home to her husband yesterday. The last thing I wanted was to have to entertain her. If she were here, she’d want to talk until we fell asleep, and I just didn’t have it in me.
When Bethany and I got home, we chatted with Gabby and Lila for a few minutes before turning in. I can’t remember the last time I spent a whole day with Bethany, and it truly was as much fun as it used to be.
Side note: I love my new pajamas, and I’ll be getting rid of the old ones that don’t fit me properly. And they aren’t skimpy lingerie like Bethany’s, although she tried to convince me to buy some. Her argument was, if you can’t feel beautiful and sexy on your own, then how are you going to feel that way with someone else. It actually makes a lot of sense, but I couldn’t bring myself to make the purchase. Instead, I went for an adorable tank and shorts set. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for being sexy, but comfort comes first.
Anyway, today should be interesting and fun. Our plans include breakfast with Dante and then Lila invited us on her friend Paul’s boat for a day of food, fun, and sunshine. Bethany said yes before I even had a chance to finish saying boat. Gabby is the only one who isn’t joining us. Theo just came back in town after being gone on a work trip, so she’ll be indisposed for the foreseeable future.
As I get ready, I’m wondering if anything will come up about Dante’s and my day together. The last time he texted me, he said he wished he could be in two places at one time, but there’s been no mention of what happened between us. Yesterday was so chaotic with Kennedy and Jeremy joining us that I still haven’t had a chance to tell Bethany about my feelings.
After showering, I slip on the aqua linen dress I bought on our shopping excursion, my Tory Burch nude sandals, and add some lose beach waves to my hair.
Since I haven’t heard from Dante in a few days, I send him a quick text, just making sure we’re still on. He responds immediately.
Yes! Looking forward to seeing both of you.
The beating in my chest picks up because I’m looking forward to seeing him too. We have so much history, and I want this to be a chance for the three of us to reconnect and share memories after so many years apart. I don’t want to think about any of the other stuff, especially because I’ve built him up in my head for so long that those feelings aren’t just going to go away overnight. It will take someone coming along and sweeping me off my feet, replacing all the what-if’s. Can it happen? Of course. Has it happened yet? I’m actually trying to figure that out as thoughts of Jeremy are definitely plaguing my mind.
A knock on my door shakes me from my daydream.
“Come in.”
Bethany opens the door and peeks her head in.
“Morning,” I say cheerfully.
“Hey. Oh, you look so cute. That dress was a great purchase.”
The only two things I purchased were well-fitting pajamas and this dress. Bethany, on the other hand, bought all the things. I guess that’s what happens when you’re given an undisclosed amount of money out of the blue. And she still wants to do another day of shopping before she leaves. She’ll definitely need to buy another suitcase.
“Thanks. And you look amazing. That dress fits you like a glove.”
Bethany is also wearing one of her new purchases. A dress that cost a small fortune, but it’s absolutely to die for. It’s a backless, white cotton, maxi dress with spaghetti straps, and there’s a ribbon that laces down her back. It’s the perfect dress for a day on the Biscayne Bay and to turn the heads of a few available men, which I’m sure is her main goal.
Bethany spins around like a little girl in a princess dress. “This might be the most perfect dress I’ve ever put on my body. I’m may even wear it when I get married.”
I snort. “Yeah, right. Didn’t you pick out your wedding gown years ago?”
