Page 83 of Thanks for the Memories
“You know I’m not a hugger,” Lila says, folding her arms in protest.
“Yep, but this is for Reagan,” Gabby scolds.
She lets out a puff of air. “Oh, fine.”
We all start laughing as we huddle together.
“You guys are the best,” I say.
“Yeah, yeah,” Lila says. “Now call Dante and get this over with.”
I head to my room to gather my thoughts.
Part of me wonders if this conversation is even necessary. Is there anything for us to discuss?
Maybe not, but I know myself. If I’m going to move forward with Jeremy, I want to do so with my whole heart. He deserves that much from me, and I owe it to myself. Like Lila said, Dante had his chance.
I scroll through my phone until I come to his number. My heart is pounding against my chest as I wait for him to answer.
“Hellooo.”
“Hey, Dante,” I say, my voice shaking a bit.
“That’s funny. I was just thinking about you.”
I frown into the phone. “Really?”
He laughs. “Don’t sound so surprised.”
Why shouldn’t I be? If he was really thinking about me, why hasn’t he called? I don’t say this out loud, but it’s the truth.
“I was wondering if you have a few minutes to grab coffee before you go to the restaurant?”
“Is everything okay?” he asks, concern in his voice.
I swallow hard before answering. “Yes. I was just hoping we could talk.”
I’m sure he can sense the discomfort in my voice.
“Uh, sure, I can meet you in about thirty minutes,” his voice is strained.
“Great, thanks.”
A lump is slowly forming in the back of my throat. Nothing about this conversation is going to be easy, but sometimes the most difficult topics are necessary for growth. The situation is what it is.
It’s time for me to do this.
Chapter Twenty-Two
I’m the first to arrive at Starbucks, and I’m a bundle of nerves. My knees are bouncing up and down, and there’s a knot in my throat. How on earth did I get to this point? Why does it feel like I’m about to break up with someone I’m not even in a relationship with? I feel stupid when I think about all the time and energy I’ve spent hoping and waiting for something that was probably never meant to happen. I know I’m not the first woman to go through something like this, but that doesn’t make me feel better.
My pulse starts to race when Dante walks through the door, and I instantly remember why I’ve had feelings for him. He represents many fond memories of my past. Memories I’ll never forget. He smiles warmly and waves as he saunters to the table.
I rise to my feet as he approaches, and in one swoop he pulls me into a hug. I inhale as I feel his arms tighten around me.
Stay focused, Reagan.
“Thanks for coming,” I say into his chest.
