Page 76 of Thanks for the Memories
“Yeah, she did that on purpose. And now I have to respond to him and explain what happened. I know she’s going to play the victim card and make me out to be the bad guy. I should’ve gone with my gut from the start, especially after the way we things ended when I left Chicago.”
“Don’t beat yourself up,” Gabby says. “You wanted to fix your relationship with your friend. Trust me, there have been moments I’ve thought about making peace with Amber, even after she broke up my engagement. It’s hard to let go after you put so many years into a friendship.”
I knew Gabby would understand more than anyone after what she’s been through. I give her a hug to thank her and go to my room to get my phone. I’m absolutely dreading this call to Dante, which is disappointing. It’s amazing how things can change so quickly; normally I’d be absolutely giddy to talk to him.
I sit on the edge of my bed and reread the texts he sent me. I remind myself that he’s only heard Bethany’s side. And there’s no telling what else she said to him. She has it in her mind that my life is perfect, so I wouldn’t put it past her to try to sabotage any aspect of it she can. She wanted to get Dante on her side by playing on his emotions. My restless night has left my nerves on snapping like live wires. Not to mention, there’s the whole new and unexpected situation with Jeremy on top of everything else. The good news is, I know I’m willing to open my heart to other possibilities. My date with Jeremy is like a light at the end of the tunnel. But first I have to make my way through the mess.
His phone goes straight to voicemail, so I quickly end the call without leaving a message. Instead, I start typing a response to his texts.
Give me a call when you can. Things got pretty bad, but I didn’t kick her out.
It infuriates me that she actually called him to tattle on me. Are we in elementary school?
I wait to see if Dante responds, which he doesn’t.
One thing’s for sure—I’m not going to mope around the house today. My life in Miami is good, and I refuse to let Bethany distract me from that.
* * *
Sometimes the best days are those you spend catching up on all the things. After a nice hot shower, I feel a million times better. I put on a pair of shorts, a vintage T-shirt, and pull my hair up into a high ponytail. I throw in a load of laundry because I missed my day earlier in the week. Three women living together can make doing laundry really tricky. Thankfully, both Lila and Gabby are relatively organized—so we came up with a schedule. The laundry room is located near the guest bathroom. While I’m sorting clothes, I hear the water turn on, so Bethany must be up. I’m going to have to face her, and I’m absolutely dreading it. I thought about getting out of the house for a few hours so I don’t have to deal with her, but I should probably stay here until she leaves. I wouldn’t be shocked if she tried to pull a fast one and stay just to irritate me.
After starting the washing machine, I put on some music and start unloading the dishwasher. I look up just as Bethany comes waltzing in. She’s still wearing her tiny lingerie and a pair of fluffy slippers. She walks to the cabinet, grabs a cup, and starts making a cup of coffee—all while humming to herself like she doesn’t have a care in the world. I don’t know whether to be shocked or impressed that she has no problem making herself right at home in my kitchen, especially after the way she treated me last night.
While waiting for her coffee to brew, she turns around and stares at me.
This has to be one of the most uncomfortable moments I’ve ever experienced. I refuse to play her immature silent game, so I say the first thing that comes to my mind.
“I heard you called Dante and cried on his shoulder.”
She shrugs. “He’s a good friend, and I needed someone to talk to.”
“Really?” I ask. “When was the last time you spoke to him before this vacation?”
She frowns, not answering my question.
“I’ll be leaving later today, but I figured since I’m here I’ll enjoy a few more hours of your hospitality.”
Well played, Bethany.She’s already gotten in Dante’s ear, and if I kicked her out right this minute, I’d actually look like the terrible person she’s accused me of being. I could resolve this very quickly by talking to Lila, but I remember her saying that she had client meetings early this morning. I’m not about to add drama to her day because that will only make things worse.
“Hmm … you’re welcome to leave any time. Please don’t let me stop you. I’ll even help carry your bags to the door.”
As I continue to put the dishes away, she wanders around drinking her coffee, examining her nails and fixing her hair. It’s taking all my strength to keep my cool while she’s trying like hell to get a reaction out of me.
“You really don’t have anything else to say to me?” she asks. “No apologies for your actions last night?”
My actions?Is she serious?
“I don’t have anything to apologize for,” I say flatly.
She stares at me as if I have three heads.
“Really? How about bad mouthing me to your roommates, trying to sabotage me with Paul, and then kicking me out?”
My jaw drops.
“First of all, I didn’t bad mouth you. I just don’t think you should be using Paul to get what you want. One minute you’re all about him and the next you’re crying to Dante about me.”
She rolls her eyes.
