“Hello Miranda!” Eve called to the seemingly empty room as she came sauntering in the next afternoon.
“Hi Eve,” I answered flatly as reached for the remote to change the cooking show I had been watching on TV. “Did you have fun with Brian?”
“Yes, so much fun. Brian says I’m a natural at basketball, I beat him in three straight games. And we’re going out later tonight!” she squealed excitedly as she took a seat next to me on the hotel bed. “Me, Brian, Kevin, and Kat. I can’t wait!”
“I’m sure the excitement must be overwhelming,” I responded sarcastically. “So, where are the four of you going?”
“I’m not sure, wherever Brian and Kevin decide. Can you help me pick something out? I’m not sure how dressed up I should be.”
“Yeah, whatever,” I said, rather disinterested in what Eve had to say.
“Miranda, is there something wrong that you want to talk about? Does it involve your past?”
“My past is none of your damn business!” I snapped.
Eve looked hurt. “I’m sorry, but I thought we were friends and could talk about what’s bothering you.”
“Maybe we are friends, but my past does not concern you and I don’t appreciate you giving me the third degree about it. Look, pick out whatever the hell you want to wear. I’m leaving.”
“Where are you going?”
“To think. I’ll be back when I’m in a better mood.” I hopped off the bed and walked out the door towards Brian’s room. I was curious to see what he was up to and I couldn’t stand being in the same room as Eve anymore. I walked into the room and found him, Kevin, and Kat sitting and talking.
“I’m telling you cuz, Eve has to be the one for me. I’ve never seen a girl so good at basketball. She kicked my ass and I actually tried!” Brian declared. He had a starry, lovesick look in his eyes that made me sick.
Katrina suddenly looked up from her spot in Kevin’s lap. Her eyes darted across the room as if she was looking for something. Finally, she fixed her gaze on me, as if she knew I was really there. “Miranda?” she mouthed. I wanted so badly to answer her, but I knew that if she could tell that I was in the room, she might hear me. I decided to play it safe and stayed near the door, intently listening to what they were saying. Katrina seemed dejected, but focused her attention to Brian to rejoin the conversation. “That’s great. Are you going to ask her out?”
“I’m not sure. I mean, I really like Eve but I don’t think I’m ready yet. I know it’s been six months since Miranda’s death, but it feels like it was only yesterday.” Brian shuddered as the painful memories flooded his mind. “That day is going to haunt me forever. If only I had done something, she would still be here.”
“And you wouldn’t be going after Eve,” Kevin pointed out. “Brian, I know how hard it is for you because you blame yourself, but please don’t. I’m sure Miranda knows that you had nothing to do with it, it was fate. And fate is what’s brining Eve towards you. Go for it and ask her out tonight after the date.”
“All right, I will. It’s about time I moved on,” Brian said firmly. “Speaking of tonight, where are we going?”
“Why don’t we go to that little Italian restaurant we saw today Kevin?” Kat suggested. “What was the name of it again, Dimanco?”
“Dinamico,” Kevin corrected her. “That’s a good idea hun. What do you think Bri?”
“It’s fine.”
“All right then, we’ll go there. I’ll call and make reservations for 7:30. Come on Kat, we’d better go get ready. We’ll meet you in the lobby, okay?”
“Sure. I’ll see you then.” Kevin and Kat exited, and Brian scurried around the room, digging through the dresser drawers and tossing all unwanted items over his shoulders. I moved closer, watching him curiously. Finally, he produced a small box from the very bottom of the drawer. He opened it, looked at the contents, and quickly shut it as well as his eyes, squeezing them tightly. His eyes reopened, glassy with tears building up. Brian blinked them back, sighed deeply, and stood back up. “I’m sorry Miranda,” he whispered. “But I have to move on.”
‘I know Brian,’ I thought sadly, wiping away my tears. ‘I know.’ I decided to leave, so I headed back to Eve’s room. “Hi,” I called softly.
“Hello,” she answered curtly. “I suppose you want something?”
“Yeah, to apologize. I’m sorry I was so bitchy before, it’s just that my past is something that I don’t really like to think about too much. You forgive me?”
Eve smiled. “Of course. Now hurry and help me with my hair and make-up. Kevin called a few minutes ago and said that we have reservations at some Italian place for 7:30.”
“No problem. Go get me your make-up bag.”
Eve hurried into the bathroom as I sat down on the bed and sighed. I was having a very difficult time believing that Brian was ready to move on and forget that I ever existed. But I knew this was something he had to do. I just wished I didn’t have to be a part of it.
