Page 150 of Come Back to Me

“I’m sorry, Vi. Are you still going to Thanksgiving dinner at the Kaplans’ next Thursday?”

“As nice as it would be to see everybody, I don’t think it would be the best idea, especially if he’s going to be there and we’re still not on speaking terms. To be honest with you, the more I think about it, the more angry I get. He’s right. He vanished from my life. That was a choice he made, and he can’t take it back.”

“I figured you were going to say something like that, and I respect your decision no matter what way it goes. When you told me he did that, I might’ve given him a lot of shit for it.”

“You didn’t have to do that.”

“Look, Grayson is one of my best friends, but so are you. I know he was hurting, but the way he took it out on you was childish. End of story. I will always stand up for my friends, even if it means having to confront my other friend who caused them pain.”

“Well, thank you. What did you say to him?”

She turns into the human version of the thinking emoji. “If I remember right, I said something about what he did was stupid and immature. He didn’t even let you explain further about why you did what you did. Man, if Noah ghosted me the way Grayson did to you, I would never speak to him again. Ghosting has become such a crutch with our generation these days, and I hate it. Did we forget how to properly communicate with each other?” She pauses for a brief moment. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to go off like that.”

“It’s okay. I would break the no contact between us, but I did that once already. It’s his turn now.”

“It might be a little immature in a way, too, but you’re right.You did face your fears and reunite with him after six years. I know he’ll come around at some point because he cares about you, and I don’t think he can live his life without you in it.”

“He may have to find a way to live without me because I’m not going to forgive him so easily if he reappears again.”

“Anyway…how’s work at the bookstore been? I miss working there.”

“It’s been very busy because we’re on the brink of entering our super busy time of the year with the holidays and everything. When did you stop working there?”

“I gave Laura my two weeks’ notice over the summer because I knew I would have a full load of classes this semester, and I wanted a change. I loved working there, but it gives me the freedom to write more and explore other opportunities out there.”

I pick up the other half of my pizza bagel. “I don’t know how I’d handle it if I ever leave there. I love it too much. It’s hard to leave a home you’ve lived in for most of your life, especially one that helped you survive your adolescence.”

“Yeah, I get that. What’s it been like being the assistant manager?”

“It feels like a dream I haven’t woken up from. I work alongside our events coordinator to schedule author signings, release day parties, and our seasonal author/vendor markets. I’m in charge of making sure every book is fully stocked. Honestly, it’s pretty similar to my previous role, but I have more responsibilities.”

“Laura knew what she was doing when she promoted you. I’m really proud of you, Vi.”

I succeed at holding back my tears. “Thanks.” I smile.

We allow silence to peacefully take over, so we can finish our lunches. Dani gets up to throw her trash into the garbage can near us, and I follow suit after she sits back down at thetable.

“Sage told you she’s sleeping over at our apartment tonight, right?” she asks, tilting her head at a slight angle.

“Yeah, she told me yesterday.”

“A whole day’s notice? Wow, I’m impressed.”

“I am, too.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to join us?”

“No, it’s okay. You guys have fun.”

“Okay.” She grabs her backpack and slings it over one shoulder, getting up from the table.

“Thanks for the company,” I say.

“Always. We’ll talk later or at some point tomorrow. Okay?”

“Sounds good.”

Dani waves goodbye to me as she walks away, and I wave back to her.