Page 78 of Thanks for the Memories
Of course I’m upset. Hearing that he doesn’t have my back is really disappointing.
“I’m just frustrated with the whole situation. It wasn’t supposed to be this way.”
After all the years we’ve been friends, I never realized how much resentment she had built up toward me. She told me I was selfish. Why? Because I’m living my life.
“Maybe you both just need some time to calm down.”
I frown into the phone. “Maybe.”
Nope. I can admit when I’m wrong, but after our conversation last night and again this morning, I don’t know how we can fix the damage that’s been done.
“I need to run, but I want to continue this,” he says. “Can we talk later?”
“Sure.”
“Okay. Text me if you need me.”
When we hang up, I feel even worse than I did last night. It’s devastating that it’s escalated to this point. And, as of right now, I don’t care if I ever see Bethany again.
* * *
After talking to Dante, I steered clear of Bethany until a fancy black car came to pick her up. Right before she walked out of the house, she made a snide comment about traitors and backstabbers. I told myself not to let her get in my head, and then I did the ugly cry. I’m sure she’s lounging by the pool at some swanky resort as we speak, shouting orders at some poor unsuspecting server. Perhaps that’s the vacation she should’ve taken from the beginning. Maybe us staying under the same roof was a recipe for disaster. At least now I don’t have to worry about her trying to move in.
As soon as Lila gets home, I fill her in on everything she missed. She goes on a complete tirade, telling me that Bethany would be blacklisted in this town. I definitely made the right decision not waking her last night because absolute chaos would’ve ensued.
The only bright spots of my day were Jeremy’s texts checking on me. His comments about cheering me up in the proper way actually made me laugh. I have a pretty good idea about what he’s referring to. I’ve worked with him for long enough to know how his mind works.
My roommates have also really made an effort to cheer me up. Lila ordered takeout, and Gabby brought home fresh chocolate chip cookies from our favorite bakery.
“Her attempts to sabotage my friendship with Dante was the final straw for me,” I say, munching on a carrot.
“That would’ve been the final nail in the coffin for me too,” Gabby says.
“I would’ve been done long before that,” Lila chimes in. “I wish I would’ve heard you and her fighting. That’s what I get for taking a double dose of my special sleep concoction.”
We all laugh. Dinner with my roommates is exactly what I needed tonight. It’s just a reminder that when one door closes, another opens.
“I think this calls for a toast,” Lila exclaims, holding up her wine glass. “Here’s to moving on and true friendship.”
Gabby and I touch our glasses to hers.
I exhale loudly after taking a sip. “Anyway, I’m ready to change the subject. I’d rather talk about having dinner with Jeremy.”
Wow. It sounds so strange when I say it out loud.
At this point I’d rather talk about anything other than Bethany or Dante. I still haven’t even touched the subject with Kennedy yet. Thankfully she’s completely consumed with helping her mother-in-law. She’s going to have plenty to say, and I’m expecting a lecture to come with it.
“I say go all in with Jeremy,” Lila exclaims. “Friendship turned to passion can be a lot of fun.”
“I agree,” Gabby says. “You get to skip all the formalities and getting to know the other person. And the fact that you’ve already spent countless hours around each other makes it even better.”
Jeremy and I definitely know each other well. This next step we’re about to take is filled with excitement and uncertainty, but after spending time with him last night, I’m willing to risk it.
“Why do you have a worried look on your face?” Gabby asks.
I shake my head. “I’m not worried, exhausted is more like it. I was on such a high while Jeremy was here, then Bethany came home and everything changed.”
“Speaking of that, I sent Paul a text letting him know that we have to talk,” Lila assures me.
