Page 84 of Thanks for the Memories
After he loosens his grip, he leans back and stares at my face.
“I should be saying the same thing to you. This is long overdue, and it’s totally my fault.”
We both take a seat, and he asks me if I want something to drink. Honestly, if I eat or drink anything I might vomit. I know I technically asked him to meet for coffee, but my stomach is a nervous mess.
“I’m fine right now.”
We both remain quiet as I gather my thoughts, but Dante is the first to speak up.
“I feel terrible about not reaching out to you sooner, and I hated the way we left things the last time we talked.”
I nod sadly. “Me too.”
“This isn’t a good excuse, but things have been really stressful at the restaurant. I’ve barely been able to come up for air.”
“Oh, is everything okay?”
He nods. “Just some staff issues. It’s to be expected when you first start out, but hopefully I have it worked out.”
“That’s good.”
We both grow silent again. I can’t put this off any longer, but just as I’m about to open my mouth Dante continues talking.
“I need to apologize about what happened with Bethany. I’ve thought about everything you said, and I realize now that she was purposely trying to make me take sides, which is extremely disappointing.”
I nod.
“And the way I made excuses for her—I know it seemed like I chose her. I don’t want you to ever feel like that again.”
I’m actually relieved that he’s being so forthcoming about the situation with Bethany. I’ve had a few moments of weakness when I wondered if I was too hard on her.
“Have you heard from her since she went back to Chicago?”
His jaw tightens. “I have. She says she’s still planning on moving here and she has a plan.”
Ah, that would be where Paul comes in. I guess he’s really sticking by her despite Lila’s attempts to stop him.
I purse my lips. “Did she mention me?”
He sighs. “Yes, briefly. She asked if I’d talked to you.”
“And that’s it?”
He runs his hand through his hair uncomfortably.
“You know what, it doesn’t matter,” I exclaim. I have to stop myself because asking him these questions makes me no better than Bethany. And I really don’t care what she said about me.
“I firmly told her that I don’t want to be involved and that I wouldn’t listen to any more bad-mouthing of you,” he assures me.
“Thank you.”
He clears his throat.
“Reagan, spending time with you was one of the best days I’ve had since I moved here. I appreciate you being so patient and understanding about how chaotic my life is right now. And I meant what I said about wanting to continue spending time together.”
I sigh. I don’t want to be patient anymore. I want to be a priority, and Jeremy makes me feel important. It’s already been too long.
I clear my throat. “Dante, I need to tell you something.”
