“I’ll be ready. I wanted to feed my girl before we left.” He lifts the spoon for me to taste.
“Mmm, that smells amazing. What is it?”
“Fusilli with pistachio, ricotta, and fresh herb pesto. It’s a recipe I’ve been wanting to try, so I figured,hey,when in Italy.”
“This is delicious, Jack. I thought it would be heavier, but it’s the perfect lunchtime pasta.” I lean over and kiss his lips in thanks.
I still can’t get over what a fantastic cook he is… who knew.
As I turn to take a seat, I pause, noticing something on the counter that I haven’t had in ages. “Bloody hell, I forgot about these cookies.” I rip open the bag and take a bite, moaning as the deliciousness hit my tongue. Gocciole Chocolate Chip Cookies are one of my favorites, and I’m mad at myself for completely forgetting about them.
When I was younger, my brother Matthew always brought me home souvenirs when he was traveling, and one year, while in Italy, he forgot, so he ran into a random store on the way home and grabbed them, and I’ve been addicted ever since.
“I saw them at the airport and they reminded me of you.”
I still, cookie midair. “You bought them for me?”
He narrows his eyes. “Who else would buy them?”
“I don’t know. Maybe the DeLucas, since they had the whole house stocked,” I answer, still in shock. “How did you know I liked these?”
“Remember when you and Sadie were in college and you went to Italy that one summer? I met you in Positano, and you ate a bag a day… You loved them.”
I take another bite to hide my emotions. I think I need to start taking Gingko Biloba because I remember nothing, yet Jack remembers the type of cookie I ate eighteen years ago.
He turns up the music. “This is my song for you.”
Huh?
I listen closely to “You’re My Best Friend” by Queen playing through the speakers, instantly making me melt into a puddle.
“You’ve always been one of my best friends, now more than ever.”
“I’m your best friend?” I ask with a smile, shamelessly wanting him to confirm.
He gives me a funny look. “Of course you are. What a stupid question.” He sits and passes me my bowl.
“Didn’t your parents teach you that no question is ever stupid?” I freeze the second it comes out of my mouth.What the fuck is wrong with me?“I’m sorry, Jack. I didn’t mean that.”
“Never thought you did, sweetheart. I’ve had a lifetime of getting used to shitty parents. One little mention about them doesn’t hurt.”
I place my hand in his lap and squeeze his thigh in a silent thank-you for letting it slide.
It was a shit thing to say to someone in his position.
“You know, you’re my best friend too, Jack.”
He doesn’t turn toward me, but his lips curve. “I know.”
“What?” I squeal and slap his thigh. “How do you know it’s not just your sister who’s my best friend, huh?”
“I know you better than you know yourself. Plus, Sadie and I practically count as one. We share the same DNA.”
“Good point.” I laugh.
“Don’t tell Bucks, though. He’ll be upset,” he says, placing his fork down. “Shit, I left my phone out by the pool when I went for a swim this morning. I was supposed to forward him an email.”
“I’ll grab your phone while you get dressed. What’s the email? I’ll send it.”
