Page 10 of It Happened Back Then
Blossom: Yeah. I get that. But It’s what you’re meant for.
Me: You okay?
Blossom: Of course. It’s just funny how things change.
Me: Totally. But I’ll come back home and visit soon. Who knows, maybe I’ll burn the mayor's steak and get fired.
Blossom: Ha! You know better than that.
Me: Promise me something?
Blossom: Anything.
Me: Take care of you.
Blossom: I’m trying. I miss you, Bennett.
Me: I miss you too. Every day.
CHAPTER 4 - BENNETT, AGE 23
Istand at the kitchen island in just a pair of shorts. The rain is falling, because it’s Seattle, so of course it is, and I’m trying my best to perfect this au jus sauce for a prime rib going on special this weekend at Rain’s Steakhouse.
The city lights pour in through the windows of my small Seattle apartment, and music plays low in the background with some old playlist Blossom and I made back in high school. The same playlist I always put it on when I’m missing home.
This week has been difficult. Not only did Savannah and I break up, again, but it’s the anniversary of the death of Blossom’s dad. I hate that I can’t be there with her, to hug her, hold her, cry with her.
So today I laid low. I was determined to perfect this sauce and did well at avoiding Savannah’s calls. She keeps texting that we need to talk, but I don’t know what she expects of me anymore. We seem to be broken up more than we’re together.
As I reach for the pan, hot and waiting for the sauce, myphone buzzes on the counter. Wiping my hands on the dish towel, I glance down expecting to see another text from Savannah, but it’s not her.
Blossom.
And that first text is everything.
Blossom: I miss you.
I respond back instantly.
Me: I miss you too. What’s wrong?
Blossom: Why does something have to be wrong for me to miss you?
Me: It doesn’t. But I can tell by your tone.
Blossom: My text has a tone?
Me: What did you do tonight?
Blossom: …
Me: Tell me
Blossom: I had a date.
I squeeze my phone a bit tighter. I shouldn't be upset hearing this. She’s been dating and telling me about each one. Besides, I’ve been dating Savannah for years, but the hard truth is that doesn’t mean I like the idea of Blossom being with someone.
I abandon the sauce I’m trying to perfect, turn the burner off, and go sit on my couch.
