Page 33 of Thanks for the Memories
After a few more minutes of scrolling through my phone, I crawl out of bed and get up to make some coffee.
The house is still quiet, so I’m assuming I’m the first one awake. I take my coffee out to the patio. There’s a slight breeze despite the temperatures already being in the high seventies. Thankfully the sun is shining and it’s the perfect day to properly introduce Bethany to Miami. And best of all, there isn’t a hurricane in sight.
“Good morning.”
I turn around to see Bethany standing in the doorway. She’s wearing her glasses and a tiny little nightgown that doesn’t leave much to the imagination. Clearly, she’s embraced showing off her physical enhancements.
I look down at my T-shirt and PJ pants that are two sizes too big for me.Hmmm … I probably should go pajama shopping.
“Hey, how did you sleep?”
“So good. The mattress in the guest room is fantastic.”
She walks out toward the pool and stretches her arms up over head.
“You were right, this is even better in the daylight.”
“Yep. I love the mornings here—especially before it gets really hot.”
“Waking up to this every day must be amazing,” she says. “I bet it makes you really miss January through March in Chicago.”
I snort. “Terribly.”
She dips her toe into the pool.
“Do you want some coffee? Or we can go get some breakfast,” I suggest. “We have some bagels and fruit, and we always have Lucky Charms stocked in the pantry. Unfortunately, you’re staying with three women who are absolutely useless in the kitchen.”
“Anything is fine with me,” she says. She leans her head back, allowing the sun to hit her face. “I’m just thrilled to be here.”
She follows me to the kitchen to make some more coffee, and I pull a bowl of grapes out of the refrigerator.
“I’m sorry I don’t have a huge breakfast spread set out for you. I wasn’t kidding about being useless in here. We’re so bad that Dante had to come over to prep meals for us.”
She smiles as she pops a few grapes into her mouth.
“Oh yeah, tell me how Dante is doing. It’s been years since I’ve seen him.”
The memory of the last time we were together right here pops into my mind, but I quickly force it out.
“He’s doing well. Super busy with the restaurant.” I pause to gather my thoughts. “He doesn’t have a lot of free time, but he’s meeting us for breakfast tomorrow.”
“I looked at Golden’s website,” she tells me. “Very impressive. I still can’t believe he actually did it and that he lives here. It’s such a coincidence that you both ended up in Miami.”
I chew on my lip. “I know. Who would’ve thought?”
This would be the perfect segue into telling her about my date with Dante, but for some reason I hold back. I’d just rather not start our day with a whole discussion about old feelings and kitchen make out sessions.
We talk for a bit longer and then get ready to head out to breakfast and a day of shopping. I’ve mentally added pajamas to my shopping list. Happily, we’re off to another great start to our day, and all my worries are vanishing. We still haven’t broached the subject of how we left things before I moved, but I’m starting to wonder if it even needs to be discussed.
I take a quick shower and get dressed, choosing a white sundress and gold sandals, and I just finish styling my hair when my phone rings. My sister’s number flashes on the screen, and I let out a loud sigh. This ought to be fun.
“I don’t think I’m going to make it,” Kennedy wails as soon as I answer.
“Good morning to you too.”
“She’s already cleaned out my linen closet, made bread, and she’s constantly dropping hints about becoming a grandmother.”
I let out a gasp. The closet and bread are nice, but I can understand why she’s frustrated with the grandmother comments.
