Page 39 of Thanks for the Memories
Her face lights up as soon as she realizes what I’m referring to. “You mean from that time we went wedding dress shopping?”
We both start laughing hysterically. One night back in college we were watching the episode ofFriendswhere Monica, Phoebe, and Rachel all sit around in wedding gowns drinking beer and eating popcorn. The very next day we dragged our friend Lauren to a bridal boutique to try on wedding dresses.
“That’s one of the best memories I have with you,” she says. “And we have a lot.”
“Mine too.”
We both grow silent.
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” I ask.
“One hundred percent,” she exclaims. “We have to go try on wedding dresses before I leave.”
Our to-do list seems to be growing by the day. When Lila invited us out on Paul’s boat, we pushed parasailing to tomorrow. Paul’s boat actually belongs to his family, and it’s more like a small yacht. I can’t remember how many feet it is. I’ve gone with Lila a few times, and it’s always been a lot of fun. It usually ends up being a small gathering of friends with a few random stragglers. This time Bethany and I will be the stragglers, and I’m fine with that. Lila’s definitely more up on the Miami social scene, but she’s so good about including Gabby and me.
“Are you ready to go see Dante?” I ask, my stomach twisting into knots at the thought of being close to him again.
“I’m so excited,” she squeals. “We’re going to have so much fun today. It was so nice of Lila to invite us—you really lucked out with friends here.”
Speaking of Lila, she’s been in her own world the past few days. I’ve been meaning to ask her if everything is okay, but with Bethany being here and all my other distractions, I haven’t had a chance. There’s definitely something going on though, because she’s not herself. I think a day on the water with friends will do her good.
“Yes, Lila is great. And her friend Paul is very down to earth. Gabby thinks he looks like Joey fromFriends.”
“Aw, Joey was cute.” She pauses. “So, is Paul single?”
I shrug. “Last I heard he was.”
“Is he a doctor?”
I shake my head. “No. Why?”
She examines her dress. “I overheard Lila talking to someone last night about some guy who’s a doctor.” She pauses. “I wasn’t eavesdropping. She was just talking really loud.”
Ah, that would explain Lila’s distant mood. I’m assuming she’s referring to Dr. Cal Sims. There’s a whole complicated story with him and Gabby’s boyfriend, Theo. It sounds like it was mostly a misunderstanding when Theo saw Lila talking to an ex-boyfriend and told Cal. She still harbors some ill feelings toward him because she believes he’s one of the reasons Cal ended their relationship. I think she often wonders what life would be like had things worked out for them. It just goes to show that most people have a complicated past.
“She was probably talking about Dr. Sims. He’s Lila’s ex-boyfriend from high school, and the man she compares all her new relationships to.”
Bethany gives a sympathetic nod. “I believe there will always be one person from your past that you never forget. I haven’t had a solid relationship since Mike and I broke up.”
Mike was Bethany’s boyfriend in college. He and Dante were also good friends.
“But being single has given me the chance to focus on myself,” she adds.
“Yes, same here.”
This is true. I’ve never let having a relationship or not define who I am. And I’m happy where I am in my life. I’m just finally to the point that I’d love to share it with someone else. When the right person comes along, of course. As the days go by, I’m realizing how important timing really is.
“You ready?” I ask, pulling myself out of my thoughts.
“Yes. Let’s go see our favorite chef.”
Ha, she has no idea.
* * *
Wow, sometimes nerves can really sneak up and take hold of us. Bethany and I are sitting at Café Morning waiting for Dante. She’s looking through the menu, and I can barely focus. My knees are bouncing up and down, and I keep watching the door, waiting for him to come in. I wish I would have told Bethany what happened during our date, in case things seem awkward or Dante says something.
“I’m starving this morning,” she says. “Everything on this menu looks delicious.”
