Page 53 of Best Friends for Never

“She hated me.”

I gasp. “She did not! She loved you! She hatedme.”

“Then why do you miss her?”

I shrug. “Nostalgia.”

Noel laughs. “I get what you mean. There’s been a lot of that for me lately.”

We both know what he’s referring to—him being back.Us.

But we don’t address it.

Instead, I tell him about my other plans—the concession stands, something Ms. Goodman was always against, how the movie club that meets in the park is already on board to rent the theater out monthly, and even my ideas for plays.

“You’ve spoken to the school board? Are they okay doing productions there, even if it means providing a chaperone? I know we always struggled with getting someone in there.”

“Are you kidding me? Of course they are. Did you know their theater department hasn’t been able to put on a real play infive years? They’ve just been sitting around on stools reading lines in the middle of the gymafterbasketball games. I already have three teachers signed up to volunteer. Besides, I think nobody wanted to do it before because of Ms. Goodman. She was so ...”

“Mean?” he says with a laugh.

“Somean. Gosh, remember that time she threw the script at you? Like, straight up chucked it right at your head, then made you pick it up and give it back to her?”

“I can’t believe she got away with it.” Noel shakes his head. “Nowadays, there’s no way that would fly.”

“And with good reason. Our parents should have never allowed us back after that.”

“Please. As if they could keep us away. We practically lived at that theater.”

I smile. Wedidpractically live there. In fact, one time, we even stayed the night there. Not on purpose—we totally fell asleep in the dressing room on a pile of clothes after a late-night painting session and got grounded for it—but still. It really was like our second home, even if it meant putting up with Ms. Goodman.

“I’m glad you’re bringing it back,” Noel says quietly, his attention on the tabletop. “I’m not sure I’ve told you that yet, but it’s true. Those words you spoke during the ceremony ... I feel them too.” He lifts his eyes to me, and I don’t think I’ll ever get over how clear yet so stormy they are. “I know ...” He exhales slowly. “I know I haven’t been around, but no matter where I’ve been, I’ve always had a piece of that place with me.”

My throat tightens with emotions I wasn’t expecting, especially not sitting in the middle of the café.

It doesn’t feel like he’s just talking about the theater. It feels like he’s talking about me.

Luckily, I don’t have to respond, because Gianna chooses this moment to bring our food out to us.

“Okay,” she says cheerily. “We have one Rossi sub, double meat, double cheese, and extra EVOO with a side of Rossi chips that I know you’ll love.” She sets the overcrowded plate in front of Noel. “And one meatball sub, extra provolone with two pickles on the side for you.” She settles my plate in front of me. My sandwich looks wimpy compared to Noel’s, thanks to all the extras he had added on there. “And finally, I brought your lavender lemonade, Parker.” She turns to Noel. “I wasn’t sure what you wanted, so I grabbed you a water, but if you want something else, just let me know and I can grab it.”

“Water is fine. Thank you.”

“Of course. If you two need anything else, flag me down.”

“Thanks, Gi. This looks incredible. You really didn’t have to—”

She waves off my praise. “Please. This is nothing. Now eat. Enjoy.”

She tosses a wink, then hurries back to the front counter, which is still at least ten people deep. It’s amazing to watch people leave, just for someone else to waltz in and fill their spot seconds later. I’m thrilled people love the makeover. Hopefully, it means continued good business for many years to come.

My lavender lemonade is swiped from the table the moment we’re alone again.

“Hey! That’s mine!”

I reach for it, but it’s pointless. Noel’s arms are too long, holding it perfectly out of reach.

“Sorry. Taxes.”

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