Chapter 19

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“You’re positively glowing,” Gretchen said as she sipped her guava nectar. She and Sara were sitting under an umbrella outside their favorite outdoor cafe. Gretchen was on another healthy diet—no more Diet Cokes for her.

 Sara wasn’t ready to break the news to Gretchen yet. Getting married at twenty wasn’t something she thought her best friend would understand. How could she? Gretchen couldn’t know that they only had so much time before Xanthus had to leave forever. If Sara didn’t marry him, she’d be saying goodbye.

“How can you look so amazing this early in the morning?” Gretchen asked.

“It’s this new sushi diet I’m on. Xanthus has got me hooked. And I’ve never felt better.” Okay, maybe that was lame compared to marrying her true love, but she had to think of something on short notice.

“Sushi huh? I like sushi. Maybe I’ll try it. But I was thinking more along the lines of the love in your life. I’m glad you two got things worked out. Shane Adams is doing wonders for you.”

“Would you please stop calling him that? I just know you’re going to slip up and I’ll be mortified.”

“Not to worry, sweetie. I’ll behave. You’re not going to cancel on me, are you? Hal got us tickets to see the new Steven Spielberg movie tonight.”

“No, I won’t cancel.” And she wouldn’t unless she got attacked by another maniac, which since Xanthus had taken up residence in the apartment next to hers, installed a state-of-the-art security system, new windows, new doors, security cameras, replaced her cell phone, insisted on taking out her garbage, and escorting her out in public, she couldn’t see how a criminal would have the opportunity. She’d never felt safer.

Sara did some Googling and found out she should be paying much more than she was in rent, considering the updates to her apartment. She tried to bring that up to Xanthus. But he growled at her and told her he couldn’t care less whether she paid her rent at all. Whatever happened to Miss Independence? Well, she was about to become Mrs. Dimitriou.

Sara still couldn’t wrap her mind around that one.

“Earth to Sara…” Gretchen chimed in.

“What?”

“I’ve been telling you about Hal and me.” Gretchen smiled.

“Oh, sorry.”

“I said, I think Hal is the one.”

“The one?”

“Yes, my one true love. He hasn’t said the words, I love you, yet, but I think it’s just a matter of time.” Gretchen’s eyes were dreamy.

Sara wondered if that was how she looked when she thought of Xanthus. “That’s so wonderful, Gretchen.”

“Yeah, he’s amazing. And I’m so glad you have a man you love too.”

“Am I that obvious?” Sara didn’t remember ever telling Gretchen she loved Xanthus.

 “It’s very obvious. Just look at how much you’ve changed. You no longer hide under a giant tent. You’re wearing bright colors, clothes that show what a great figure you have, and you always seem to have a smile on your face, especially when you’re thinking about him. I sure hope he knows how lucky he is.”

The waiter stepped up to the table again. “Can I get anything more for you ladies?”

“No, thank you,” Sara said. The waiter smiled at her and walked away. “It’s amazing he’s giving us the time of day, with you sipping nectar and me eating a small muffin with water.

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