“Bye, Barry. I love you, buddy.”
My heart leaps into my throat.
“I love you, too, Stu.”
I paddle to the edge of the pool, set my phone down and climb out of the water. I dry off, grab my cell and race inside to the living room. Teddy is seated in a chair watching, of course, an old episode ofThe Golden Girls. He is still holding the bottle of champagne.
I throw my arms up in victory. “Netflix!” I yell.
Nonemotional Teddy bursts into tears.
“I’m not crying, you’re crying.” He laughs. “Congratulations!”
Teddy pops the champagne.
We don’t have glasses. Old friends don’t need glasses. Teddy holds out the bottle, and I take a big swig and hand it back. He puts it to his mouth and drinks.
And drinks. And drinks.
“Leave a little for me,” I say, grabbing the bottle.
“I’m rich!” Teddy yells.
I laugh and take a seat in the chair next to him.
We sit in silence for a moment, watchingThe Golden Girls.
I know this episode by heart: It’s the series finale in which Blanche’s uncle falls in love with Dorothy and proposes. She accepts and tries to convince her mother to move with her to Atlanta, but Sophia realizes Dorothy is finally strong enough to be on her own, and Dorothy says goodbye to the girls for the last time.
“It’s okay,” Teddy says.
I pivot in the chair to face him.
“I know you’ll have to go,” he continues. “I’m okay. We’ll all be okay.”
“I don’t want to go,” I say.
“I know, my friend. But I want you to go without any guilt. Go only with joy. Go knowing we are all still here because of one another. We will always be here.” He gestures at the TV. “Sound familiar?”
I nod my head, not wanting to cry.
I take another swig of champagne.
“Damn bubbles always make my eyes water,” I say.
Teddy winks.
“We have to make room for one more anyway,” he says. “I think Leo will be joining us soon. Just know your bedroom will always be here waiting.” Teddy smiles. “It will never be the same, but none of us are guaranteed forever. We had a good run, didn’t we?”
“We had agreatrun.” I lift the bottle. “A toast! To friends!”
I drink and hand the champagne to Teddy.
“To friends!” he says.
My cell rings.
“I really have to take this,” I say.
