Page 32 of Thanks for the Friendship
“I think I heard something about it,” I say, looking around for an excuse to escape this conversation.
Like clockwork, Jordan comes up the stairs. He really does have perfect timing. I’d rather talk to the man I just broke up with than with this woman.
“Bethany, if you’ll excuse me, I have to talk to a friend of mine.”
I walk away before she has a chance to respond.
“Hey,” I say cautiously.
A smile spreads across his face. “Hi, yourself.”
Jordan is so handsome. And for a tiny instant I wonder if I made a mistake. I’ll probably feel this way every time I see him, at least for a while.
“It’s a beautiful day.”
He laughs. “Yes, it is. I guess this is how our conversations will go now? Talking about the weather.”
I giggle. “Probably.”
We chat for a few minutes, and I tell him about Gabby’s engagement.
“Oh, wow. Tell her I said congratulations.” He pauses. “That was fast.”
“Tell me about it,” I agree. “But she’s happy, and that’s what matters.”
He nods. “Exactly.”
I’m not sure if we’re still talking about Gabby or about me. Either way, I’m glad we’re talking, and I’m hopeful that this is a sign for the future.
Chapter Ten
After Jordan and I go our separate ways to mingle, the captain announces that we will be setting sail in a few minutes. I’m usually right in the middle of all the action at these parties, but today I park myself in a cozy lounge chair on the top deck. I sip on my green drink and look out over the bay. There’s a light breeze, which cools my skin in contrast to the warm sun. I put my sunglasses on and close my eyes for a few seconds.
“Hey, again.”
I cringe at the sound of Bethany’s voice. I’d rather spend hours locked in a room with people scratching their fingernails down chalkboards.
She obviously doesn’t pick up on my disinterest in talking to her and sits on the chair across from me. I’m not sure why she’s following me around, but I’ll lose my mind if this continues all day. I guess throwing myself overboard is always an option. There’s not much of a difference between her and the sharks in the water.
“Hey,” I reply, not looking at her. Maybe she’ll get the hint if I don’t pay her much attention.
“So, I was talking to Paul the other day about something that’s weighing on my heart, and he suggested I ask you.”
I tighten my jaw. Paul is totally on my list right now.
“I know we’ve had a few tiny issues, but we’re adults, so I know we can get past them for Reagan’s sake.”
Tiny issues? Bethany is as delusional as ever. At the same time I’m actually curious as to what she wants to talk to me about.
I turn my head to face her. “What do you want to ask me?”
She pushes her hair behind her shoulder and lets out a dramatic sigh.
“Reagan really hurt me deeply when she kicked me out on the street,” she says sadly, her face falling. “I thought I’d never forgive her, but lately I’ve been thinking about it. Maybe it’s time we all move on and start anew.”
It’s taking all my strength not to laugh right now. First of all, Reagan has nothing to be forgiven for. Bethany came to town to get back at Reagan for leaving her behind in Chicago. She resented her for starting a new life and finding happiness. According to Reagan, Bethany doesn’t have family, so she expected Reagan to fill that deep void and always be there.
“I’m not sure why you’re talking to me about this,” I say. “Your issues with Reagan don’t have anything to do with me.”
