Resplendent (13 page)

Carmin laughed. “You didn’t copyright it, Savannah.”

She was wrong about one thing — I didn’t know him. I
thought
I did. He’d made himself pretty busy after his dad’s funeral. He still called me from time to time — and I couldn’t say that I had been the initiator of those calls myself — but they were few and far in-between. Our conversations had become standard: How’s school? How’s work? Have you seen this movie? When are you coming to visit? Never about our significant others. He knew he’d broken my heart and wasn’t going to stomp on it. Or maybe there was no one significant to speak about. I hoped for the latter.

“Well, I should get going,” Carmin said. “They only gave me three hours since I had to pick up Mom.”

I gestured for Lola to order first since I was still finishing up with Carmin.

“I know. It sucks that you couldn’t take the time off to be here with us.” I fished through my crossbody bag and pulled out my wallet.

“Well … I really couldn’t afford it,” she said and I stopped with my wallet in one hand and phone tucked between my shoulder and ear.

“Why didn’t you tell me? I could have paid!” I couldn’t believe it. Lola loved to travel but rarely got the chance, so I’d gifted her tickets to come visit me. It was her 50
^th
birthday and she didn’t want a party.

“Shh! Don’t say that so loud! She doesn’t know how tight I am,” Carmin snapped and I immediately noticed the frown my godmother wore.
Crap.

“All right, just wish you’d told me,” I said quietly, but I knew with the expression Lola had, I’d have to explain what this conversation was all about.

“Forget it, I don’t need charity,” Carmin grumbled. I opened my mouth to argue, but she beat me to it. “I gotta go.” The click was our goodbye. I put the phone in my purse and took out my credit card. Why hadn’t she just mentioned it? She didn’t have to ask, I would have offered! Lola told me it was due to a conflicting work schedule, but she deserved to be here for her mother’s birthday. Sure, we’d grown apart over the years but that wouldn’t have stopped me.

“You’re up,” Lola said after giving her order. I quickly told the barista what I wanted and extended my card. Lola lowered my hand with hers. “No, on me.”

I shook my head. “No, Lola, let me treat you.”

“You might be a grown woman, but I’m still your guardian and you will do as I say,” she said sternly. The humor in her eyes gave her away.

I smiled. “Si, Señora.”

She wrapped her arms around my shoulder, and we moved out of the way to wait for our drinks. “You treated the entire trip. I think I can afford to buy my girl some coffee.”

I reluctantly put my money away. “Thank you.”

We watched the baristas work their magic quickly, and before we even had a chance to fidget, our drinks were called. Considering how busy they were, I was impressed.

“What did Carmin say?” Lola asked and blew into her cup.
Oh, great.
I cursed myself silently and pointed to an empty table.

“She was confirming the time and asking what we did.” I put two sugars in my cup and stirred, my concentration suddenly on the cup.

“Savannah,” Lola said sternly. I looked up and brushed a strand of hair away from my face. I hated when she used that tone on me. “Did she bring up money?”

I took a sip and thought about my answer.
Yuck, this coffee needs more sugar.
I opened up another sugar packet and could feel my godmother’s eyes on me.

“She just said she couldn’t make the trip,” I said quietly and took another sip.
Much better.

Lola exhaled and leaned back on her chair. “She told me they wouldn’t give her the days off, but I knew it didn’t make sense. There’s always a person swapping shifts. She gets enough with tips and not having to pay rent.” She brought her palms up and rubbed her face. I lost my desire to drink my coffee as I watched her struggle.

“Maybe she’s been saving up?” I suggested.

Lola shook her head. “I think she’s overly stressed. She’s full of anxiety lately. I asked her to see a doctor.” My aunt played with the stirrer and stared out behind me. I pondered. Was Carmin in some sort of trouble? How long had she been struggling with anxiety? I would say she wasn’t taking any drugs but how could I be sure? I barely knew her anymore.

My godmother smiled meekly and reached for my hand. “I can see the worry in your eyes. Stop. She’ll be okay, I’ll be sure that she talks to someone.”

I returned the smile, but it was forced.

“So you’re coming to visit us in a few months? Maybe visit your old friend?” Lola’s lips curved in a smile. She must have seen the airline tickets on my fridge.

Although I wanted to visit Miami and spend time with family and friends, I missed Dre the most. Carmin’s words re-played in my head.
You know Dre.

I twisted the napkin in my hand and answered Lola, “You know, I might not be able to make it after all…”

Brittany’s golden strands fanned around her face as she lay on the grass. My feet were planted on either side of her chest as I stood over her and focused my lens. Click.

I stopped to preview the images and smiled. My friend was gorgeous. The longer hair length suited her — the bangs parted to the side were a nice touch. I hadn’t had bangs since fourth grade. I also loved how the hot pink blouse she wore made the pink petals on the ground at Boston Public Garden to stand out.

“Let’s move over so I can get more of these cherry blossoms,” I told her and started walking.

“Do you promise we can go to Mike’s Pastry after?” She jutted her bottom lip. She might be beautiful, but she was still a pain in my ass.

I smiled. “Come on, skinny. Just ten more minutes and then we’ll go.”

She extended her pinky finger and held it in my face. I grabbed it with my own. “Deal,” we both said in unison.

I pointed to a shaded area under the tree. “Go stand over there and look pretty.”

She smirked and did a little shimmy with her hips. “That’s easy, hun.”

I laughed and smacked her butt. “Yes, loving the top and black and white polka dot skirt!”

Brittany might have liked to give me a hard time but she’d always been there for me when I needed her help. She opened her arms to me and let me cry on her shoulder when I came back from Miami. She pushed me forward.

I stopped and stared at her as she struck another pose.

“What?” She giggled. “Don’t approve of the hand on the hip routine? I can maybe kick out my foot for a little more
oomph
.”

I was warm and it wasn’t due to the spring sun shining down on us. I walked over to her and gave her a hug. “Thanks for being there for me,” I whispered. It was hard for me to open up completely. I was friendly with everyone, but trusted very few.

“Okay, okay, don’t get all sappy on me.” She teased and pulled away, but there was a little shine in her eyes.

I looped my arm with her. “Come on, I think it’s time to have something sweet.”

“Finally!” She bumped my shoulder. “Slave driver.”

I shook my head at her as she changed the subject while we walked to the T station.

“I can smell it from here,” I said and bounced on the heels of my feet as we stood in the back of the line. It extended out the door, which wasn’t bad, considering I’d seen it reach the corner of the building. There was always a ton of people working behind the counter, so it moved quickly enough anyway.

“I can’t wait! I haven’t had any in three weeks,” Brittany said, wide eyed.

“Good for you,” I laughed. Brittany worked down the street as a paralegal, and I knew it was hard on her to go home without grabbing a cannoli or two. She had been trying to eat healthier, and I could already see results.

“I’m proud of you for keeping it up,” I told her sincerely.

“Tomorrow we go back to the gym. I can’t
wait
,” she said sarcastically.

I crinkled my nose.

As long as I don’t have to run.

All thoughts of gym and running flew from my mind as soon as we walked through the doors. I had no problem speed walking for the sweet stuff.

“God, this looks so good!” She kneeled down to look at the trays of pastries through the bakery case.

I couldn’t help myself either and bent down. Those chocolate chip cannolis called out my name.

“I think I’m going to have the pasticiotto, what about you?”

I barely heard her.

“Mmmm?” I couldn’t turn my eyes to look at her. The strawberry cream looked good too. The voice in my head started to tell me how much I’d need to exercise to burn it off and I stomped on that voice. A measly little cannoli was harmless.

“I can see your drool,” Brittany said in my ear and I jumped.

She belted out a laugh. “It’s not like you’ve never had it before,” she reminded me.

“Yes, but it’s just as good as the first time,” I countered. I leaned over and gave my order to the employee. What kind of girl turns down the best chocolate cannoli in the world? Not this girl.

“The caramel cannoli is my personal favorite,” a deep voice said close behind me. My neck prickled, and I turned around to catch a familiar face. I lost my voice.

My eyes trailed the beige pants and light green, short-sleeved polo shirt. It did wonders to his eyes.

“I knew you two looked familiar,” he said and smiled. I remembered how to smile, so I did.

“Sebastian, right?” Brittany stepped in with the pastry boxes in her hand. I hadn’t even noticed she paid.

He nodded and brought his eyes back to mine. “It’s been years since you broke my heart.”

I laughed and raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me?”

“The night my friend and I invited you both to a party and you turned me down.” He placed his hand on his chest and mocked being hurt. “You cut me deep.”

Brittany squeezed my arm. Oh, that night.

“It was a crazy night,” I said softly and tried a smile. He seemed to like it.

“Well, I don’t believe in quitting after being shot down the first time.” He reached his hand in his pocket. “Are you seeing someone now?”

“She’s not,” Brittany chirped. I glared at her and mentally took back every nice thing I said about her. But when I looked back at Sebastian, he was smiling. I took in a deep breath and inhaled his cologne. I’ve always been a sucker for good cologne. He loved caramel, had a nice smile, and smelled good. There were enough positive factors on my checklist to warrant a date.

“I’m not,” I confirmed and pursed my lips.

He pulled out his hands from his pocket and unlocked his cell phone. “Then please tell me you’ll give me your number so we can do coffee,” he jerked his head behind me, “or pastries, sometime.”

I quickly debated. This was tougher than which cannoli to choose! Carmin’s reminder of the “chicks” that keep
him
busy sang in my head.

Sebastian stood waiting for my response. I wasn’t sure what he was looking for exactly, but I figured I could take a chance with him and see where it went. I squinted.

He laughed and held up his hands. “It’s just coffee.”

There was humor in his green eyes and I found myself wanting to see them again. I tilted my head and smiled. “Coffee,” I agreed.