Page 5 of Thanks for the Memories
“Then there’s Gabby—completely enamored with Theo Jorgenson.” She sighs and shakes her head in disgust.
Theo is our neighbor and Lila’s sworn enemy since they were teenagers. The day Gabby moved in, she met Theo, and since then she hasn’t been able to break free of his good looks and charm. Not that I can blame her. There’s a tiny part of me that wishes I’d met him first.
Lila and I finish our afterwork snack and both retreat to our rooms. I fall down on my bed and stare at the ceiling. The image of Dante flashes through my mind. I’d welcome any opportunity to spend more time with him. We’ve actually texted a couple times over the last few weeks. The texts usually include three things—me asking how Golden is doing, him telling me to come in and see him, and him apologizing for being so busy.
In his defense, I can’t begin to imagine how much work goes into opening a restaurant.
I reach for my phone and search for his number. Without giving it much thought, I start typing.
How’s your week? Want to grab coffee soon?
My heart picks up speed as soon as I send it, which makes no sense. It’s silly of me to be nervous around Dante, despite my secret crush. We’ve known each other for years, so it’s not like we run out of things to talk about. Discussing our college days alone could keep us busy for hours.
My phone buzzes, making me jump.
You have perfect timing. I’m finally taking a full day off next week. Coffee sounds great, but if you’re available let’s do something fun like old times.
Receiving his text puts me on cloud nine.
I still remember the day I met Dante. My best friend Bethany, and I had just gotten coffee in the student center, it was a miserable winter day in Chicago, and I was wearing a new pair of boots. I got up to grab a sugar packet and, in true romantic comedy fashion, slipped on the wet floor.
Dante happened to be nearby and jumped into action like a knight in shining armor or a Marvel superhero.Hmmm … now that would be amazing.Who doesn’t dream about being saved by Thor or Captain America?
What makes it even more coincidental is Bethany’s boyfriend at the time was friends with Dante.
After that we all started hanging out together. Some nights it was too cold to go anywhere, so we’d hang at someone’s house and Dante would cook for us. Fast-forward and here we are.
After little thought I send him a response.
You definitely deserve a day off. Excited to hang out.
Dante has become a household name with my roommates. They picked up on my interest in him right away. Although I’m not the best at hiding my emotions, which is something my sister loves to give me a hard time about. She says wearing my heart on my sleeve isn’t going to serve me. Oh well, I can’t change who I am. I’m a deeply emotional person, and she’s pretty much the opposite. My brother-in-law, Evan, is a saint. My father was in tears at Kennedy and Evan’s wedding, and it wasn’t because his little girl was getting married. They were tears of joy that someone was willing to put up with Kennedy’s strong personality. She calls it being a leader, while most people would call it something else.
I scroll through my phone as I lay on my bed, but I’m sure there’s something productive I could be doing right now. This trip down memory lane makes me think about my friends back in Illinois. I find Bethany’s number and hesitate for a few seconds before I call her.
Things have been strained between us since I decided to relocate to Florida, and I know she was really upset when I left. I tried to explain that I felt stuck and needed a change of scenery, but I don’t think she understood. We’d been inseparable for years, and I think she felt like I’d abandoned her. Not to mention there might have been some jealousy because—hello—this is Miami.
Her phone rings once before she answers.
“Hello.”
“Hey,” I say cheerfully.
“Hi, were your ears burning?” she exclaims. “I was just telling a friend that I needed to call you.”
My shoulders relax a little. This is the best greeting I’ve received from her in months.
I listen as she tells me that she’s due for a vacation and she wants to come for a visit. I try to hide my surprise, but I’m actually really happy. Maybe a visit will help us get back to where we were.
“I’d love for you to come,” I exclaim. “You can meet my roommates. I can show you around, and we can go to Dante’s restaurant.”
My mention of Dante prompts a discussion about Golden, and by the end of our conversation it feels like we haven’t missed a beat. She tells me she’ll keep me posted as soon as she finds a flight and we’ll go from there.
“I can’t wait to see you,” I say before we hang up.
“Me too.”
I smile to myself after we finish our call. Bethany’s coming for a visit, and I’m hanging out with Dante next week. I can’t think of anything that could make this day any better. Well—I could, but let’s not go there.
