Page 64 of Thanks for the Memories
“I like him,” she says. “Not that I don’t like Chef Dante. He’s a nice guy, but I’m not sold on you and him as a couple.”
Ha! If she only knew he was hanging with Bethany in my kitchen as we speak.
“Well, we’re not a couple, so you don’t have to worry about it,” I retort.
“Okay, sister, care to tell me what’s on your mind?”
Hah. I don’t think she’s ready for what I have to say.
“I have lots to tell you, but it’ll have to wait. Can I call you back later?”
“Yes, you better.”
“I promise. Please give Barbara my best.”
When I return to the kitchen, Dante and Bethany have already started cleaning up.
“Sorry about that,” I say unconvincingly.
“Is everything okay with Kennedy’s mother-in-law?” Bethany asks, drying a plate.
Dante looks up from the dishes and catches my eye. I can tell by his expression that he knows something is up with me.
“She’s all right,” I say. “Kennedy says she been resting a lot.”
“What can we do? Send flowers? Balloons?” Bethany asks. Balloons?Is she serious?She doesn’t even know Barbara. I’m assuming her kind suggestions are for Dante’s benefit.
“Maybe. I’ll ask my sister.”
Dante still hasn’t said anything.
“I’m sorry I haven’t been the best company this morning,” I say, directing my comment toward Dante. Regardless of my frustration, the french toast was out of this world.
“Don’t worry about it,” Bethany replies. “You’ve been entertaining me for days. I was just telling Dante that you probably need a night off from me.”
Hmm …
“If you need to help Kennedy, I can entertain myself tonight.”
That may not be a bad idea, but I’ll sound like a bad friend if I say yes.
“We’ll see. I’ll check in with her later.”
Dante has to leave to get to the restaurant. He hugs both Bethany and me on his way out. I didn’t expect that we’d have a chance to talk, but he makes a point of telling me we’ll get together soon. I’m not sure what he means by that, but Bethany will be gone in a few days. Either way, I won’t hold my breath.
“So about tonight,” Bethany says, patting her bun with her hand. “Paul messaged me and asked if I wanted to meet up with him and some friends, but I’ll stay with you if you’d like. Or you can come with me. You probably know most of them anyway.”
Ah, this is exactly the out I need. I have to remember to give Paul a big hug the next time I see him.
“I’ll think about it,” I say. “But regardless, you should definitely go and have fun.”
I think we’re both in need of a break from each other for a few hours—at least I am.
Chapter Eighteen
Following a hectic morning, I’m grateful to have some peace and quiet. Bethany wanted to go shopping, but I told her to go without me, and she didn’t try to argue. She gets home just in time to get ready for her big night out on the town. I’m still feeling unnerved about everything that’s been going on, and I intend to bring it up before she leaves. I just don’t want things to get any more tense than they are now, so I decide to wait until tomorrow. At this point, one more day isn’t going to make a difference. I’m relaxing on the patio when I hear Gabby say hello.
“I’m outside,” I call.
