Page 74 of Thanks for the Memories
Without another word I walk out of the guest room. I’m not heartless enough to kick her out onto the streets at this hour, but her vacation with me is over.
Chapter Twenty
Ifeel like I’ve been hit by a train and then run over two times. After my altercation with Bethany, I was so on edge that I couldn’t fall asleep. I thought about talking to Lila and Gabby, but I didn’t want to interrupt their restful slumber too. I’m actually surprised our yelling didn’t wake them. Also, I know Lila would’ve had no problem tossing Bethany to the curb without a second thought, even in the middle of the night.
Thankfully their rooms are on the opposite corners of the house. Whoever designed the layout of this home was absolutely brilliant. All the bedrooms are tucked away in corners with the common areas in the center. It’s the perfect set up for a family or, in our case, roommates who want a good amount of privacy.
I spend most of the night tossing, turning, and replaying our argument in my head. I dozed off a few times, but my brain was consumed with trying to figure out what I did to make Bethany have so much animosity toward me. I know I’m not perfect—but it seems like the fact that I’ve had more stability and stronger family relationships has been eating away at her for who knows how long. Maybe my moving to Miami finally sent her over the edge. She was prepared with all the right tools to get under my skin—and she used Dante as the main source of her vitriol. A few weeks ago, I was worried about Hurricane Joanna, but I should’ve been worried about Hurricane Bethany.
Honestly, I’m baffled with the whole situation. And despite her cruelty, I still feel sorry for her. I keep reminding myself that she really doesn’t have anyone. She’s lashing out at me for things that aren’t my fault. The only thing I’m guilty of is moving on with my life.
The sun has barely risen, but I’m still too fired up to sleep. And I want to make sure there’s no tense interaction between Bethany and Lila. The last thing I want is my personal life to be a source of drama here. Bethany is a loose cannon right now, and there’s no telling what she might say. Although I’m not worried about Lila. She can handle herself just fine.
When I turn on my phone, there are three text messages from Dante waiting for me.
What’s going on over there?
Bethany left me a message, and she was in tears.
Did you kick her out?
What the hell? I can’t believe she’s bringing Dante into this.
I’m about to respond when a text from Jeremy pops up.
Good morning, Blondie. Good news—you only have to wait a day and a half to see me.
The memories of Jeremy’s visit all flood back at once. I was on cloud nine until Bethany came home and all hell broke loose. Now that I know he’s awake, I skip the texting and immediately click on his number. I need to vent to someone.
“You’re up early, Blondie,” he answers with a laugh. “If I was on vacation, I’d still be asleep.”
“I wish I was,” I say, yawning. “I barely slept at all.”
“Ah, too busy thinking about me. I get it,” he teases.
Hmm … if only.
“Actually, last night turned into a complete disaster after you left.”
“Why? Are you okay?” he asks, concern in his voice.
“I think so,” I say. “Can you talk for a minute?”
“Yeah. I just got back from my run.”
Without warning, my eyes fill with tears for the first time, and as hard as I try to push them back, they begin to slide down my cheeks.
My voice shakes as I tell Jeremy about my argument with Bethany, including all the Dante stuff. It doesn’t even occur to me to leave his name out of it, considering my new feelings for Jeremy.
He remains quiet while I unload all the unfortunate details.
As my sobbing begins to slow, I blow my nose loudly. Not one of my finer moments, but I’m upset.
“Are you still there?” I ask as soon as I’m finished.
“I am.”
“Sorry to dump that all out on you. I guess everything finally bubbled to the surface. And you’re the lucky winner to hear about it.”
