Page 63 of Thanks for the Memories
“Did Bethany mention that I told her what happened last time you were here?”
He nods. “Yeah, she’s enjoyed teasing me about it all morning.”
I don’t understand why she’s so amused by our kiss—like it’s some kind of joke. I wrap my hands around my coffee cup. “What did you say?”
He expertly sprinkles some powdered sugar on the plates.
“I told her the truth—that it’s my fault that we haven’t been able to spend more time together.”
I nod my head in agreement without saying anything.
“Reagan, I haven’t forgotten about our kiss,” he assures me. “There’s just been so much going on.”
That’s the thing, there’s always something else going on with Dante. It’s all becoming clear to me—I just haven’t opened my eyes enough to see it. Dante isn’t able to make time for me right now, but he certainly had no problem squeezing in a breakfast when Bethany begged.
“I know,” I say, pulling myself out of my thoughts. We both grow quiet, and there’s a strange energy in the room when Bethany returns from the bathroom.
“Bon appétit,” Dante announces, placing the plates in front of us.
Bethany makes a point of snapping several pictures of the food to post on her profile. And as expected, Dante’s apple cinnamon french toast is mouthwatering.
“I can’t believe I only have a few days left with you,” Bethany says sadly. “I don’t even want to think about it. There’s still so much to do.”
“Yeah, I don’t think we’re going to get to everything on your list,” I say flatly. The truth is, I really couldn’t care less.
She shrugs. “I’m not too worried about it—I’m planning on being back here very soon.”
Bethany tells us about sending Paul her résumé and finding a few jobs online. I quietly enjoy my french toast while my mind zones out. Even if Bethany’s not living here, she’s going to be around a lot. She’s making connections with my friends and friends of friends, plus she has Dante.
My phone rings from my pocket, making me jump straight into the air. At first my mind goes to Jeremy, but I’ll gladly take a call from anyone in this moment. Anything to pull me away from this breakfast and listening to Bethany drone on and on.
I smile when I see Kennedy’s number.Bless her.
“Oh, it’s my sister,” I announce. “I should probably answer this.”
Bethany gives me a strange look. Probably because I usually have no issues ignoring Kennedy’s calls. Oh well, she should be happy—it’s more time for her to have Dante all to herself.
“Hey,” I say cheerfully as I hop off the stool and make my way to my room. “How’s Barbara?”
She sighs. “A little better. Those painkillers are definitely doing the trick. She’s been sleeping a lot.”
“And how are you?” I ask.
“I’m good.”
I smile to myself. I know my sister all too well, and I’m sure she doesn’t mind Barbara sleeping, not that she’d want her to be hurt.
I wish I could tell her what’s happening with Bethany, but now isn’t the time. I don’t need her rushing over here and creating a scene. She’d burst in here trying to save the day, and it wouldn’t be pretty.
Kennedy must pick up on my mood because she asks me what’s bothering me.
“I just have a lot on my mind.”
“Have you heard from that hot guy you work with? It was nice to have him join us for brunch the other day.”
The picture of the donut box pops into my mind, bringing a smile to my face.
“Yes, he texted me from the office this morning.”
