Page 67 of Thanks for the Memories
“Did you just hang up on Theo?” I ask with a laugh.
“Whatever. What did Jeremy say? Did he just text you out of the blue?”
She plops down on the couch next to me, and I show her the messages.
My heart is pounding against the walls of my chest as I type my reply.
Are you being serious?
“That’s really thoughtful of him,” Gabby says, her lips curving into a smile. “He was obviously looking for a reason to message you when he was at Golden.”
My heart is still beating rapidly. I lean my head against the back of the couch.
“This is insane,” I wail. “It’s Jeremy. My co-worker and friend. How did we get to this point?”
“Maybe it’s been building for a while,” she suggests. “People fall for their friends all the time, some of the greatest love stories began with friendships.”
I hold up my hands to stop her.
“Whoa. No one has said anything about love stories.”
Gabby gets a wistful look. “Fine. Sometimes things happen when we least expect it.”
“That’s better.”
My phone buzzes again.
Yes, I’m serious.
Gabby looks over my shoulder. “What are you waiting for? Tell him to come over.”
“I am.”
I send a reply with my address. Suddenly I feel a strange sense of exhilaration. Everything has felt so heavy today, but the idea of seeing Jeremy makes things feel lighter.
After giving me some helpful advice, Gabby heads to her room to call Theo back. I leap off the couch to freshen up, but I don’t feel the need to change or get dressed up. Jeremy has worked with me for almost a year; he’s seen me at my best and at my worst.
While brushing my teeth I think about what Gabby said about friendships leading to some of the greatest love stories. I totally believe that can happen, which is another reason I was so caught up in the idea of Dante and me ending up together. It would’ve been such a romantic story to tell my grandchildren how we found each other in a faraway city after years apart. But life usually doesn’t turn out like we expect. A few years ago, I never would’ve believed I’d be living in sunny Miami. And even a year ago I had no idea I’d find friends like Gabby and Lila who I’ve grown so close to.
The sound of the doorbell makes me jump. He’s here. My stomach is doing somersaults even though I’m not as nervous as I thought I’d be. I have to keep reminding myself that it’s Jeremy. The same man I’ve spent hours with reading through contracts and creating marketing plans. The same guy who told me I missed a few buttons on my blouse when I was running late for a very important meeting with a client. I’m not sure what it is with me and wardrobe malfunctions, but if it weren’t for that, I probably wouldn’t have met Lila.
When I open the door, Jeremy is holding out the Donut Giant box. He’s wearing dark jeans with a gray V-neck Henley shirt. The shirt is fitted enough to subtly show the outline of his abs. Typical.
“Your therapy has arrived.”
I laugh. “Very funny. Come on in.”
Ironically, it takes about three seconds for my nerves to disappear. It feels comfortable and natural for him to be here.
He walks in and looks around. “Blondie, your house is so fancy. I can’t believe you’ve never invited me over before now.”
I smile. “Well, technically it’s Lila’s house.”
I take the box out of his hands and peek inside.
“I got you chocolate coconut and glazed, your favorite flavors.”
I’m not surprised. Jeremy pays attention to the details. That’s why he’s so good at his job.
