Page 15 of The Lake House

“Good, thanks.”

The familiarity of their home brings a nostalgic feeling rushing over me. I hadn’t been here in so long.

“Hey, Giuliana,” Dave says from the living room to my right.

I turn my head to see him sitting in front of the TV, nursing a beer. “Hey, Dave.”

“Come on, let’s go into the kitchen. Dinner will be ready in just a bit,” Liv pulls me.

I walk behind her into the kitchen, and immediately, the amazing scent from whatever she’s making intoxicates me. I suddenly realize just how hungry I am. Had I even eaten today? “God, that smells amazing.”

“Homemade mac and cheese and herb-rubbed pork, roasting in the oven.”

My eyebrows hit my hairline. “What have you been doing, cooking all day?”

She chuckles. “Well, I was planning on inviting you over since last night, so pretty much. You haven’t been here in a while. I wanted to do something nice.”

Josie giggles, too. “I like having you here.”

“Aww, I like being here, too,” I say to Josie and gently pinch her cheek. Then, looking back up at Liv, I ask, “You did this for me?”

Liv shrugs. “Don’t get me wrong, we love our mac and cheese… but… yeah.”

“I love you,” I say, smiling.

Liv laughs softly. “We really missed not having you around all these years.” Her eyes begin getting watery. Something’s up.

“Wait, why the hell are you getting so mushy on me all of a sudden? You’re never like this.”

Liv shrugs. “Just missed my bestie around, that’s all.”

She turns around, walking over to the stove. She turns off the oven and then opens the door to pull out the pork and mac and cheese. She seems okay, but I’m still not convinced of what she’s just told me.

Once the four of us are seated around the table, we dig in and laugh over dinner. The conversation is light and friendly, and before I know it, we’re reminiscing on past summers.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to stay a little longer and help you clean up?” I ask as we’re sitting around in Liv’s backyard. Josie had stayed inside to watch some cartoons. By now, she must have passed out, though.

I don’t even know how many times I had asked to clear the table after dinner, but Liv hadn’t let me. The dishes are now piled high in the sink, and she’s still refusing to let me help.

“Nope, you get on home. You have to work tomorrow,” Liv says.

I push my hair out of my face. “Seriously? It’s only after ten, and I don’t have to go in until eleven tomorrow morning. I’ll be fine. I can help clean up.”

She puts her hands out in front of her. “Nope, not a chance. I got this.”

“Tell Josie I said good night. I won’t go in through the house and wake her… I’ll sneak out through the gate,” I say, rising from my chair.

“She probably has fallen asleep by now. Let me go grab her and put her to bed,” Dave adds. “Good night, Giules.”

“Night, Dave,” I answer back. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow, Liv.”

“Okay, girl. Be safe. Text me when you get in.”

I furrow my brows. “Bitch, I live two houses down.”

“I don’t care. Anything can happen between here and your way home… two houses down. Text me.”

I chuckle. “Well, let’s hope nothing happens, but alright, I’ll text you.”

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