“Are you just getting off from work?” I ask, raising my voice over the excess noise filtering in through her phone.
“Yeah, you?” she replies quickly.
“Yes,” I respond without further elaboration. I haven’t told her about the nanny job and it being the same guy from the bar who called me his sweetheart in Spanish, but she would definitely get a kick out of hearing about that. Maybe I’ll wait to tell her about it when she comes over on the holiday weekend. “Are you still planning on coming up that weekend?” I ask, hoping that she will say yes, so I don’t have to be alone for the first time. My parents and I had such a celebration with fireworks on the lake, and we would grill all kinds of things with an American flair of cold sides such as potato salad, deviled eggs, orzo pasta, and homemade sorbet. My mom would use the slushie machine to make a bunch of frozen drinks, and I was looking forward to having some frozen margaritas.
“Hell yeah,” she says, breaking me out of my thoughts. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world, but I’ll probably take Friday off and make it down that night or maybe in the morning. I think the traffic will be bad that day, getting out of the city.” I hear her yelling at someone before picking up the phone again. “So, what’s new, chickie?” she asks. I want to tell her about Manny, but that will be a longer conversation, so I choose to be brief.
“I got a nanny job, so I started that.”
“Wow, that’s great!” she exclaims. “So, now you have two jobs?”
“Yep, keeping busy.” That’s all I say, and then the silence hits. It’s like she wants to ask more but doesn’t.
“I’m glad, but bitch you better have time for your bestie when I get here.” I can hear her attitude and love that she is always there for me, and I’ll always be there for her too.
“Of course,” I say. “You don’t even have to ask,” I tell her because it’s true. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for her. She is my family and the only one I have left.
“Okay, girlie. I will see you next week. Love you.”
She laughs, and I reply without thinking about it. “Love you, too, Savannah.” She disconnects the call, and I turn up the music in the car. A favorite song of mine comes on, The Killers, “When You Were Young.” I lower the window, letting the cool lake air in as I turn up the music and sing along with the lyrics. This is when I am most carefree, and I momentarily forget about the tragic turn of events in my life. As I round the final curve toward the lake house, the song fades out. I pull into the driveway and cut the engine. My phone chimes, and I notice Parker has sent a message. I grab my bag and punch in the code on the front door. Once inside, I disarm the alarm and set my things down on the foyer table. Pulling my phone from my bag, I walk to the kitchen at the back of the house. Opening the fridge, I sigh. “Yogurt and eggs. Great.” Sarcasm laces my words as I close the refrigerator door, pondering my options. I don’t cook much, and tonight I’m definitely not in the mood for eggs. The phone buzzes again in my hand as I finally check the messages.
Parker: Hey! Want to join us for dinner tonight?
I don’t take long contemplating the lack of options for dinner before replying quickly.
Me: What were you thinking?
He answers immediately as if he is waiting for me to respond.
Parker: Nothing fancy. Pizza and beers?
“Sweet,” I say, even though no one is there to answer or hear me.
Me: Perfect. Where to?
The bubbles appear and then disappear.
Parker: Sorry, we were arguing about Italian versus Greek style pizza and where we want to go.
I make a face. Well, that’s an easy one.
Parker: Can you meet us at City Pizzeria on Main Street, or do you want me to pick you up?
I’m already walking out the door.
Me: I’ll meet you there. See you in about ten minutes.
Parker: Nice. See you soon.
I pull up ten minutes later and park my car along the common and jog across the street. Through the window I see Parker, Hadley, and Jasmine talking animatedly. And as I approach closer, Jasmine catches sight of me. She points, then waves, drawing Parker’s attention. He turns, his smile wide showing his pearly white, straight teeth. I’m suddenly grateful I met him that day at the park. He’s a genuinely good guy, and I hope we can remain friends after he leaves next week to head back home to New York. He just doesn’t make my heart stutter the same way as Manny does when our eyes meet. I sigh, knowing I have to keep those feelings under wraps.
As I walk into a little pizzeria, the smell of parmesan cheese and garlic assaults my senses, and I inhale deeply. I walk up to where my new friends are sitting and slide into the booth next to Parker. There is a beer waiting for me. The local IPA on tap. “Ah, you shouldn’t have.” I smile and rub my hands together. “But I’ll gladlytake it. Yum.” I take a long pull from it, and the hazy, citrusy, bitter hops make my mouth water for another swig. So I oblige myself by taking another big drink. I hear Hadley laugh and Jasmine giggle. I can’t see them because my face is currently in a twenty-two ounce beer.
“Love me a woman who appreciates a good IPA.” Parker winks at me, and I know he didn’t really mean it that way, but still, he puts his arms around me and pulls me to him. I lean in, and he kisses the top of my head. It feels more brotherly than romantic. After we peruse the menu and argue about items like pickles or pineapple pizza toppings that should never be on a pizza, we order “Brett’s favorite pizza,” which has pepperoni, sausage, mozzarella, and dollops of ricotta cheese on top. I lick my lips in anticipation of the tasty treat. It’ll be ooey goodness like none other. It’s my favorite pizza on the menu, but I don’t mention it. I’ve been coming here since I was a little girl, and I am glad that the owner isn’t here tonight, but just a local seasonal worker at the counter. There are no waitresses here; you have to walk up and order, or get your beer at the bar.
The pizza is ready, and Hadley slides out to grab it. There are paper plates and napkins along with it, and the metal plate is already in a box, so if we don’t finish it, it can slide straight into the box. I doubt there will be any leftovers with the guys here, but I can also pack away a couple of big slices, too. Hadley drops into his seat, and Parker hands me a slice. I accept it gratefully, biting in before I realize just how hot it is. Steam rises, and I wave a hand in front of my mouth, trying to cool it down between breaths. The cheese makes a little appearance on my chin as I swipe it away.
Jasmine just watches me with amusement. “I think I’ll give it a few,” she says, grimacing.
