Page 12 of Thanks for the Memories
I know she’s right, but as much of an optimist as I am, I’m also a realist. For all I know, Dante and I are meant to be nothing more than friends, and if that’s the case, I need to be okay with it and move on.
* * *
It’s a beautiful, sunny day in Miami. Honestly, you’d never guess there’s a hurricane tracking toward the state. And I’m trying to do everything I can to not let the feeling of dread swoop in and take over my soul, especially today. As I’m walking toward Buena Café, I spot Dante sitting at a table. It’s true when they say that men get better with age. I mean, I’ve always found him attractive, but it’s different now. He’s wearing a white T-shirt withGoldenprinted on the front and grey cargo shorts. His thick black hair looks longer than the last time I saw him, and I’d be lying if I said the thought of running my hands through it didn’t cross my mind.
He looks up from his phone just as I’m approaching the café. A smile spreads across his face, and he lifts up his sunglasses, revealing his light hazel eyes.
“What’s up, girl?” he exclaims, rising to his feet and holding out his arms to me.
A surge of adrenaline shoots through my body from the top of my head to the tips of my toes as he pulls me in for a tight hug. I breathe in his familiar scent, and a flood of thoughts fill my mind. It’s funny how a smell can trigger so many fond memories. Thankfully, he doesn’t let go of me for several seconds.
“Ah, we have so much to catch up on,” he says as we loosen our embrace.
“Yes, we do. Are you okay with going inside?”
Although it’s beautiful day, it’s still summer in Miami.
“Of course, you got to love this humidity.”
“Nice shirt, by the way,” I say, pointing to his chest.
He smiles proudly. “Thanks, I have some extra if you want one.”
“Sure.” I’ll gladly be a walking billboard for Chef Dante’s restaurant.
“So, how are you?” I ask as soon as we’re seated in a corner booth. “Are you freaking out about not being at Golden?”
He grits his teeth. “How’d you guess?”
I link my hands in front of me. “Well, considering it’s your first full day off—”
He rubs his forehead. “Let’s put it this way. This must be what a parent feels like when they leave their child for the first time.”
I pat him on the arm. “Aw, I’m sure the baby will be fine.”
The corner of his mouth curls up. “You haven’t changed a bit. Cute as ever.”
And here we go, my first blush of the day. I’m expecting plenty more.
“And you haven’t changed either. Sweet as ever.”
He leans closer to me, making my heart skip a beat.
“Are you sure you’re talking about me?”
I nod. “Yes, you were always the nicest guy of all our friends.”
He sighs. “I don’t know about that. You should talk to my staff and ask if they agree with you.”
“Well, business is different.”
“Agreed.”
The server interrupts our conversation and takes our drink order.
“Okay, I don’t even know where to start,” Dante says after she leaves. “I can’t believe that Tinkerbell moved to Miami.”
Wait,Tinkerbell? Is he talking about Halloween from a million years ago?
