Page 62 of Thanks for the Memories
That’s when it hits me that I haven’t brushed my teeth or even looked in a mirror yet. Hopefully, I’m not a complete hot mess, although Lila would’ve warned me.
“Why didn’t you wake me up?” I ask, folding my arms against my chest.
Bethany hops off the counter. “I did. I knocked on your door a few times, and when I went in your room you didn’t budge. You were sleeping so soundly—I didn’t want to disturb you.”
I purse my lips.Nice try.
My mind starts playing the scenarios in my head.She may have knocked on my door, but I’m doubtful that she tried very hard to wake me.
“Something smells really good,” I say to Dante, ignoring her.
“It’s apple cinnamon french toast,” Dante announces. “Bethany wanted to surprise you.”
“As a thank you for everything you’ve done for me,” she adds with a sweet smile.
“Oh, well, I’m just going to freshen up. Thankfully Lila was able to get me up,” I say, shooting a glare at Bethany.
I head to that bathroom without giving her a chance to say anything else.
As soon as I get a look at my reflection in the mirror, I take a few cleansing breaths. I need to do everything I can to calm myself before I return to the kitchen.
I’m not stupid—it’s obvious what’s happening here. I doubt Bethany made any effort to wake me up because she wanted more time with Dante. Even after I told her about what happened between us, she didn’t have much reaction. In fact, she changed the subject to Jeremy very quickly.
And what about Dante? He can’t be completely oblivious to what she’s doing. She’s basically hanging on his every word. I’m not dismissing the fact that we’ve all known each other for a long time, but come on. I saw the way he looked at her that first morning we met for breakfast. And the way they had their heads together last night at the restaurant. The writing is on the wall. A knot is forming in my stomach as the thoughts of them swirl around in my mind.
I take my time washing my face and add some powder, mascara, and lip gloss. I throw on a tank top and some denim shorts. After I’m dressed, I sit down on my bed and look at my phone. My pulse picks up when I see a text from Jeremy.
Morning, Blondie. You know you’re missing this right now.
I chuckle when see a picture of a box from Donut Giant.
He couldn’t have had better timing, so I start typing a response.
I could go for one of those donuts right now.
Never mind that there’s a chef in my kitchen preparing apple cinnamon french toast for me.
I put my phone in my pocket and return to the kitchen. Dante is busy cutting strawberries into the shape of flowers and garnishing three plates. Bethany has moved to one of the stools and has her chin resting in her hand. She’s watching him so intently, like it’s the most interesting thing she’s ever seen.
“I was just about to come get you,” she says when she sees me.
Ha! Sure she was.I could’ve been drowning in the bathtub and she probably wouldn’t have noticed. I make myself a cup of coffee. I never thought I’d feel this awkward in my own home.
“Now that you’re up to keep Dante company, I’m going to run to the bathroom.”
After she’s gone, Dante wipes his hands on a towel and gives me a hug.
Maybe it’s my imagination, but for some reason this hug doesn’t feel the same.
“Are you okay?” he asks, a hint of concern in his voice. “You seem distracted.”
I tighten my jaw.
“I just don’t understand why Bethany didn’t wake me up.”
“She really tried,” he says.
Hmm … how does he know? Did he physically come into my room with her?
