Chapter 06.04

The next day, Jenny and I met at Tony’s—just like we had at the start of summer. I arrived early, and Tony was already grilling two burgers by the time Jenny walked in. Her sun-kissed skin glowed against the light, flowing summer dress she wore. Her blue eyes practically lit up the room. I hadn’t held her in nearly a year, and I missed it more than I could admit. I tried not to stare as she walked in—others didn’t bother.

“Hi, Jay,” she said with a smile, settling into her usual spot.

“Thanks for coming,” I said.

She smiled again. “I’m the one who asked you to come—but you’re welcome. Our past deserves at least this much,” she added “It started with burgers—might as well end with them.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, just as Tony placed our plates in front of us.

“I want to talk about a few things —some ground rules between us.” she said “Jay,” she said calmly, starting to eat, “you’re going back to a university far away in a few days. I’m leaving for mine tomorrow—it’s only an hour from here. We can’t even stay friends. It wouldn’t make sense.”

“I understand,” I said. And in this form, she was right.

“We share the same friend group, but I’ve already talked to Paul and Brian. When you’re home, I’ll stay away. They won’t mention either of us to the other.”

She was completely matter-of-fact, occasionally glancing at her phone.

“That’s fair,” I said. “What about weddings?”

“Diane and Mayoko will understand if I don’t attend. Brian and Daryl are your childhood friends—it’s only natural that you be there.”

I nodded. She had clearly thought it all through.

“But I do want to be at Paul and Susy’s wedding,” she added. I nodded again. In a few days, we’d probably toss all these rules out anyway.

“What about Aaron?” I asked, curious.

“Well,” she sighed, “because of the bride, we’ll talk it through like adults—if we have to.”

“Over a burger, maybe?” I joked.

“Maybe,” she smiled.

“How long have you been thinking about all this?” I asked.

“Since the group vacation,” she admitted. “We deserve clear boundaries.”

“I agree,” I said. “And what about future vacations?”

“Well, since they’re in the summer, they’re clearly yours,” she said in that clever, matter-of-fact tone I loved.

“Right,” I said, pretending to pay attention—but I was watching her lips as she spoke, and the way the thin strap of her dress slipped slightly off her shoulder.

“Are you even listening to me?” she asked, snapping me back to the moment.

“Sorry, I was just thinking about my burger. Next time I might ask for mustard,” I improvised.

“Mustard?” she grimaced. “That would ruin it. Doesn’t go with yours at all.”

“Okay, okay, I’m listening,” I said, feigning boredom. “Go on.”

“About Amber’s shop,” she began, “I already asked her earlier this fall—she doesn’t want me to step away.”

“It would be fair if you stayed involved,” I said, pretending to be interested. “I won’t be stepping into any clothing stores, and you won’t be visiting Uncle Steve’s clinic.”

“Thank you,” she said with a relieved smile. “Amber, of course, won’t talk about us—just like the others.” She finished her burger and glanced at her phone again, as if waiting for a message.

“When did you talk to them?” They all know I’m staying.

“Before Adam took us on vacation,” she said. “Everyone agreed without hesitation. They said it was only natural.”

“So… are we settled, then?” I asked hopefully.

“Amber’s wedding,” she said with a sigh. “Naturally, I’ll stay away.”

“And the bets?” I asked.

“I don’t think any of our wedding-related bets can be honored in a meaningful way.”

“If neither of us is in a relationship, would you come?” I asked cautiously.

“Then yes,” she said after a moment’s thought. “You can hold me to the bets.”

“Alright, that works for me,” I smiled.

“Mickey asked if you could stop by today if you have half an hour. He’s going to an overnight camp tomorrow, and by the time he’s back, you’ll be gone,” she said. “He really likes you,” she added with a warm smile.

“And what about Mickey?” I asked, pretending to be serious.

“Of course you can see him—just preferably when I’m not around. Uncle Steve can help you figure that out.”

“Anything else?” I asked. She glanced at her phone again. It was starting to annoy me—she never used to do that.

“No,” she smiled. “We’ve covered everything.”

“Then I have a request,” I said, leaning back. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity.

“Sure, what is it?” she asked, signaling Tony that she’d like to try the dessert.