Her Bet

chapter 37

Few months later

Danton

As the crisp  end of November air swept through the streets , the vibrant colors of the autumn leaves clung to the last remnants of life before winter’s grasp. I stood at the center of a bustling café, wrapped in the warmth of my friends’ laughter. The holidays were fast approaching.

"Come on, Danton! You have to at least try the pumpkin spice latte!" shouted Meera, her eyes sparkling with delight. We were huddled around a long wooden table, a mishmash of warm drinks and pastries between us.

I  smiled and took a sip of my own drink—an uncharacteristically plain black coffee. The taste was familiar, but it lacked the sweetness that seemed to follow laughter and companionship. It felt so good to be back with my friends, with the year almost over. We were all together, yet, for all the noise and warmth surrounding me, a hollow emptiness lingered in my chest.

“Earth to Danton!” Barry's voice broke through my reverie. “Anyone home?” The others erupted in laughter, teasing me for zoning out. I laughed too, but it didn’t quite reach my eyes. Maybe it's because I know I'll not be here next week. Right?

“I’m here, I’m here. Just… thinking,” I  replied, forcing a grin. But what was I  thinking about? Yes, I  loved these moments, our shared jokes, the warmth of their camaraderie, but something felt off, like a puzzle with a missing piece.

.....

The dining room was filled with the warm, savory aromas of roasted chicken and garlic mashed potatoes, creating a cocoon of familiarity around me as I took my seat at the table. My dad is dishing out generous servings onto our plates, while  mom set the table with her usual care, placing colorful napkins beside each plate.

“Eat up, buddy,” my dad said, a glint of good humor in his eyes. “You'll need your strength for all the festivities.”

Just as  mom  reached to pour a glass of cranberry juice, dad cleared his throat dramatically. “Speaking of festivities,” he began, glancing at me. “I have some news.”

“What is it?” I  asked, digging into the potatoes.

Dad leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. “Your grandmother and your cousins are coming for the holidays. They’ll be here on the twenty-third!”

. “Grandma? And… and the cousins?” I  said, disbelief coloring my voice. My cousins were a wild bunch, three boys and a girl with laughter that echoed through every room, turning the house into a raucous wonderland. I always preferred going to Italy for holidays . What changed?

“Yup!” dad said, unabashedly cheerful. “It’ll be great to have them around! It’s been a while since we all got together. And it's about time they come visit us.”

I thought back to last year’s holiday gatherings in Udine—the chaos of my cousins clambering over each other to get the best gingerbread house piece, the competitive gleam in their eyes as they challenged me to board games. I loved them, but I  also dreaded the noise and interruptions of their boisterous antics.

“Don’t worry, you’ll enjoy it,” mom chimed in, slicing the chicken. “They’ll want to spend time with you. You’ll be the big cousin this year.” She smiled brightly, her enthusiasm a comforting balm against his growing apprehension.

“Yeah. The ‘big cousin’ who might lose his hearing” I  mumbled, poking at my mashed potatoes.

Dad laughed, his laughter booming and contagious. “You’ve got to embrace it! Remember, it’s all in good fun. And there will be plenty of time for you to walk with them through the state.”

I perked up at the thought of strolling around.

“Plus, Grandma has promised to bring her famous Baccalà,” mom added, her eyes lighting up. “Your favorite!”

That did it. The thought of Grandma’s Baccalà was enough to shift the tides of hesitation swirling in my mind. Her sea food were legendary in the family,

I found himself smiling at the vivid image and the warmth it brought. “Alright, I guess it’ll be fun,” I  conceded, my voice gaining a bit of strength.

......

I dial Barry's number the minute I lay on my bed. I know this is news for him .

"Oh, you're back to life now."

I roll my eyes as that is the first thing he says to me .

"I have some news."

"Does it have to do with you zoning out today .?"

"No , guess ."

"If only you knew how I'm so not in the mood for guessing games."

"Ok, I'll be here next week."

I say and there's silence on the other side .

"Does that mean...?"

"Yeah!"

"Ahhhhhh! Yes ! Yes! Now that's what I'm talking about!"

I laugh at his reaction rolling over the bed.

"Relax dude."

I say still laughing.

"No , you don't get it. This will be the first time for all the 15 years I've known you. This is hall of fame news . "

"Ok ok. Don't cry now."

"I'm going to the minute I hang up . Are the famous cousins coming or...."

"Yeah, they are."

"Yes! It was about time I met the bitches haunting my guy."

"Don't make it obvious I talk about them behind their backs ."

"Uh... I hope you're ready to talk now."

He says slowly. Ugh, I knew this was going to come one way or the other .

"Yeah , I was thinking about what felt missing inside me."

"What do you mean . There's something you're lacking or..."

"Yeah. I don't know what it is but..."

Again. Dead silence.

Barry sighs before talking.

"Look. I know I said I'll let it go but maybe you're missing someone. Someone that your heart has forgiven but your brain hasn't . "

"Barry..."

"It's been months . What else do you want for you to realise that she actually completes important parts of you. Your heart and your mind. Those two things are important to you and she satisfies their needs wether you like it or not. "

"I..."

"Tommorow it's the last day of school , or at least school for this  year .  So go talk to her . Barry please come help me with this. Sorry I gotta go . Think about what I said ."

He hangs up and I'm still staring at the phone .