Page 57 of Thanks for the Memories
“What do you think of Golden?” he asks, holding out his arms.
Bethany starts gushing about how impressed and proud she is. She continues asking questions about the décor and how he came up with the concept for the restaurant. I listen intently even though I’ve already heard his stories. I love hearing him talk about it because you can really feel his passion. Everything about it was inspired by his grandparents. He used the vintage gold details as a nod to the way his grandmother decorated her home, and his grandfather used the word golden to describe things he loved. The music of his day, the moment he met his bride, and when his sons were born. It’s actually very touching how much Dante wanted to honor both of them. After he finishes, he asks about our day.
“Reagan and I were just talking about my potential move. She’s expressing her concerns because she’s such an awesome friend.”
I grit my teeth. It sounds like she’s complaining, in a carefully calculated sort of way.
“I was just telling her that it’s an adjustment,” I retort. “I want her to be sure before she uproots her whole life.”
Dante nods. “Reagan’s right. I almost backed out three times. It can be overwhelming once you’re deep in the process. My parents also tried to talk me out of it. They couldn’t understand why I wouldn’t want to open a restaurant back home in Pennsylvania.”
I give him a grateful smile. Maybe she’ll listen to the concerns if they come from him.
Bethany shrugs. “I won’t have that issue. My mother barely knows what I’m doing now. Moving thousands of miles away won’t phase her a bit.”
Hearing her say this reminds me that Bethany has never had much of a support system. She’s looking to me for reassurance about taking this step. But when it comes down to it, I’m questioning her true motives behind the decision. Something has changed in her since I left Chicago, and this new version isn’t the Bethany I remember. Maybe she was so deeply hurt when I left, or maybe all the money and physical changes have gone to her head.
“I just don’t want you to have any regrets,” I say sincerely.
“I don’t think I will. I feel really good about my decision.”
Dante looks at me and shrugs. There’s nothing either of us can say that will change her mind.
“Well, ultimately it’s your life and you have to do what you feel is right,” I pause. “That’s what I told myself when I came here.”
“Exactly,” Dante says, standing up from his chair. “I better get back to the kitchen. I’ll come out to check on you in a little while.”
As soon as he’s gone, Bethany starts in about how fantastic he looks in his chef’s jacket. I don’t disagree.
“It’s funny how life takes us in different directions than we expect,” she says, picking up her wine glass. “In college I thought Mike and I would get married. There was nothing I wanted more than to be a part of his family. It was them and your family, of course, who showed me what it was like to have stability.”
“I know how difficult family life was for you, especially dealing with your mom,” I say.
“Yeah, that’s one way of describing it,” she says, frowning. “I promised myself that if I ever had children, I would always be there for them. Unlike her. She was more concerned with her current boyfriends than being a mother.”
She drains her glass of wine. Hmm … I’m beginning to wonder if this is part of her sudden decision to move. Maybe she wants to get away from her mother once and for all and now she has the means to do it.
After our food is delivered, we continue to reminisce about old times. This helps to dissipate the tension of our earlier discussion. Bethany is going to do what she wants no matter what I say. It’s just too bad she couldn’t have been more supportive when I left. That certainly would’ve made things easier for me at that time.
Chapter Sixteen
Bethany’s right about the lemon soufflé—it’s fantastic. I just wasn’t expecting such a strong emotional reaction from her over a dessert. Although I’m sure the three glasses of wine she’s consumed have a little something to do with the tears in her eyes.
This brings up another question that’s been weighing on my mind.
“Do you ever wish things would have worked out with Mike?”
She slides her fork through the delicate lemon cake.
“You know how they say you’ll never forget your first true love,” she says, her voice growing serious.
I chew on my bottom lip.
“Yeah …”
“I think I’ll always have a special place in my heart for Mike.”
I nod and take a bite, letting the delicate dessert melt in my mouth.
