Page 60 of The Significance of Moving On

“I take it’s going well then?”

“Thanks to you and Demetrius, yes. Are you at a hotel?”

“No. Haven’t checked in anywhere yet. Came right here from the airport trying to catch Case before he left for work.”

“Then you’ll stay here in my room. I’ll sleep in Casey’s.”

He raises that kind of ‘ohreally’ eyebrow at me but moves to sit more comfortable on the couch. I know exactly what to infer by his ‘oh really’and he should know his buddy better than to think things had changedthatmuch in the short time he’s been gone.

“D around, you know?” He asks.

“No. He’s still in Florida.”

“Weren’t you supposed to be in Florida?”

Sometimes I forget that he and Case talk on a regular basis. I think they’re better friends now than when they actually got to see each other every day. He’ll find out anyway, so I unload the whole sordid story of my trip to South Beach, or should I saythroughSouth Beach, minus the part about Daniel.

“And you were alright leaving her like that?”

“When Demetrius got there, there wasn’t any more room for me. She’s my best girlfriend, but I know when to concede. Casey’s one of your best friends but you left him to go to your girl. I guess that’s what growing up is about. Determining the significance of moving on in life and finding the people that we know we can’t live without.”

“Damn, girl. You sure you’re only eighteen?”

“Only for a few more months.”

“Well there’s a lot of wisdom in there.” He points to my head. “I will always be sorry for what happened to your brother, but I am grateful that you found your way to Case. That’s why I was okay leaving him. I knew he was in good hands.”

His sweet words they blindside me making my eyes get that pin pricky sensation, but as I’m not prepared to cry in front of Jesse, I rub my face and point to the kitchen. “You hungry?” I ask.

“Starving.”

“C’mon, let’s get some breakfast.” We both stand to walk into the kitchen and I know that whatever brought Jesse back up here in the middle of winter to talk with Casey, it’s significant.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

“Jess, seriously. Quit stalling and tell me what you’re doing here?” Casey looks from him to me and back again as we sit relaxing around the kitchen table, mostly empty plates pushed closer to the half-eaten pan of lasagna, mess of antipasto salad and the crust of garlic bread in the center. Like I know anything?

“Well, I’ve got some news. I’m here scouting reception halls.”

“For the wedding?” I ask.

He nods.

“No offense but that’s not news.” Casey laughs at him.

“Well no, but moving the date to next month is. Dude, Becca’s pregnant.”

“What?” Casey shouts at the same time I practically shriek, “Oh my god. Congratulations.”

“I’m gonna be a dad. Can you believe it? Bec wants to be married before the baby gets here.”

“That’s awesome, man.” He slaps Jesse on the back. “You’re the first of us. Crazy.”

“There’s more. I’d like you to be my best man. I wanted to ask D to stand up with me, too.”

“I’d be honored. Wow—adad?”

“I know.” Jesse just beams with pride. These two together discussing marriage and babies, well it’s pretty much the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.

---