Page 68 of Thanks for the Memories
“You really didn’t have to do this, but I appreciate it.”
I lead him to the kitchen and offer him something to drink.
“Can you stay for a few minutes?” I ask. “Or do you have to get back? I feel like I pulled you away from dinner with your friends.”
He shakes his head. “Nah, we just grabbed a quick bite after work. You look like you have big plans tonight,” he says jokingly.
I hold my arms up to show off my T-shirt and yoga pants. “Yes, can’t you see that I had an exciting evening planned? I look amazing.”
Jeremy runs his eyes over me, causing my pulse to increase slightly.
“You look comfortable.”
I throw my head back. “Is that a nice way of saying I look like a bum?”
“Well, I’m a little surprised you didn’t get all dressed up for me,” he teases. “Isn’t that what women do when they want to impress a guy?”
“I thought you were already impressed by me,” I say with a giggle.
“Touché.”
I hand him a bottle of water and pick up the box of donuts. “Let’s go outside.”
It’s such a nice time of year in Florida because the evenings are pleasant enough to be outside without sweating to death. And the backyard is my absolute favorite part about this house. The sprawling patio is lit up with strands of twinkling lights and spotlights cast on the palm trees for the perfect tropical backdrop. The pool is illuminated, and the sound of the water cascading off the rocks is soothing.
“Very nice, Blondie. This backyard is cute.”
I roll my eyes. “You’re a tough crowd. I know it’s not the Fontainebleau or one of your other swanky hangouts on South Beach.”
“That’s true.” He stretches out on one of the lounge chairs and puts his hands behind his head.
“Ah, this is the life.”
I sit down on the chair next to him and cross my legs under me.
“Tell me what’s been happening at the office. Believe it or not, I really miss that place.”
He gives me a skeptical look. I get it. Who says they miss work while they’re on vacation? “Let’s see. Carl upgraded his phone, and he’s been miserable ever since because he doesn’t know how to use it.”
I laugh. “Why does that not surprise me?”
“Yeah, he’s constantly mumbling to himself about new technology destroying society,” he adds. “He was on a FaceTime call with his son asking him to help.”
“Wow. It sounds like I’m missing out on so much,” I say sarcastically.
“Yeah. Between Panda’s crap mood and your vacation, I’ve been so bored.”
I reach over and pat him on the arm.
“Poor Jeremy. It must be so difficult for you—not getting any attention.”
“I know. It sucks,” he says sadly. “When are you coming back again?”
I grin. "Next Monday, but I’m sure I’ll have a week’s worth of gossip to catch up on with Amanda and Gretchen, so I probably won’t pay you much attention either.”
He folds his arms tightly against his chest and pouts before cracking a smile.Jeremy has a great, really great smile. Nice teeth and lips I’m familiar with.
I pull myself out of my swoony daydream when he asks me why I’m not out with Bethany.
