Page 9 of Thanks for the Memories
I sit down in the closest chair and pull off my booties. While I wiggle my toes, I finally have a chance to check my messages—there are two from Bethany. She wants to come to Miami in two weeks, which is great timing. Our big event will be over, and I can take some personal days off to spend time with her. And an extra bonus would be if Dante could join us. It’ll be just like old times, except missing a few faces.
I text her back.
Book it. I’ll request the time off.
Bethany will be my first visitor from back home. I’m excited to see her, despite not knowing how things are going to be between us. I’m hoping that the awkwardness is a thing of the past and we can grow close again. Maybe time healed her wounds.
Of course, my sister Kennedy thinks her behavior was uncalled for and that friends should be happy for one another no matter what the situation. I don’t disagree, but I also understood why she struggled with my leaving. Bethany depended on me quite often. Her family life was difficult, so she fell right into my family and we welcomed her with open arms. I guess she never thought I would actually pick up and move away. I even suggested she come with me, but she was already established in her advertising career and said Florida was too hot. She also mentioned hurricanes, but I’d rather not think about that right now.
Hmm … maybe I should take a look, just in case.
I click on the weather app on my phone. The latest models show that Hurricane Joanna has strengthened a little and continues her path west toward the Sunshine State.
I look around the ballroom. It’s business as usual, and no one seems the least bit phased about a hurricane coming toward us.
“Why do you have a look of sheer panic on your face?” Amanda asks, pulling me out of my thoughts.
“What?”
She sits down next to me and stretches her legs out, propping her feet on the chair next to her.
“This event is going off without a hitch, don’t worry,” she says, picking at her gel nail polish.
“I know. I’m more worried about the storm.”
She twists her brown hair into a bun on top of her head.
“Well, if it makes you feel any better, we should just beat the storm in time for these people to get out of here.”
That does make me feel better—kind of.
“Anyway, that’s interesting about Jeremy,” she says.
I scoff. “Yeah. Who knows if he’ll actually settle down, but it’s fun to tease him about it.”
Amanda presses her lips together. “Maybe …” She quickly stops talking and closes her mouth.
“What?”
She shakes her head. “Never mind. I’m heading out for the day. Have a good night.”
I’m totally confused, but she dashes off before I have a chance to ask her.
I should probably leave too. Sitting around and worrying about a hurricane that may or may not come isn’t doing me good anyway.
* * *
There are some moments when it feels like life couldn’t get any better, like you’re floating on the clouds. And that’s exactly how I feel the moment I get a text from Dante.
Only have a second, restaurant is slammed tonight. Sunday is my first day off in months. Are you free? Please say yes.
Okay, so there are so many ways I could respond to his text, and I carefully consider all options. I could say:
If I wasn’t, I am now.Or …
Possibly, I’ll check my schedule and get back to you.Or …
Hell yes, I’m free.
