"Dante!" Jennie screamed immediately she saw him. She saw him through the taxi mirror and got out immediately not minding that she was on the road.
Dante was standing in front of his small bungalow waiting for her to arrive.
Pushing the door open she ran into his arms and he embraced her gently, like a father would his daughter, or a long lost lover
"You came. How are you? You look so beautiful now." Dante complimented with a strained smile. He was shivering a little from the cold. His bones were growing old.
"Never as beautiful as Gloria though. Gloria is an absolute Queen!" She blurted out. Realizing what she just said she pressed her lips together.
"But, yeah, I look nice too. Always was your beautiful girl." She laughed awkwardly pulling on the strands of her hair. She plastered her face with a strained smile of hers too.
"Of course. Always was my pretty girl always would be." He smiled and pulled her to him. Jennie kissed his chin as they embraced again.
"OMG!" She exclaimed suddenly, then she started running towards the taxi again. She remembered that she didn't pay the taxi driver. She also stupidly left her box in the taxi.
Dante for the first time that evening laughed heartily. "You're still so forgetful Jennie." He called to her, giggling all the more at her childishness. She didn't change one bit.
"Thank you sir." Jennie said to the taxi driver as she paid him and even added a little more tip than she planned to give him because he was so nice. He helped her bring out her box and took it in.
Dante shook hands with him when he came out, they did their weird manly greeting while Jennie watched amused.
He later waved Jennie goodbye and drove off. While she walked back to Dante. "I've stopped being forgetful I promise." She pouted.
"Mhm mhm"
"Common." Jennie drawled. They both laughed at this. "Lora is on her way." Jennie chipped in.
"Mhm mhm."
They both walked into his home side by side like they used to all those years ago.
He opened the door for Jennie and as she walked in a feeling of nostalgia hit her. She remembered all the times she used to come here to see Gloria during girls night in college. And all the times she came just because she wanted to. And all the lies that was told here and games that were played here.
A sudden grief enveloped her and her heart constricted. She cleared her throat to break the sudden awkward silence that came with all the memories. But it was time to address the reason why she was here. There was no need running away from it, it would definitely have to be spoken about.
"I remember when last she was here like it was just yesterday." Dante said deep in thoughts. "Anyway what do you want. Juice or wine."
Jennie exhaled as she sat down on the sofa closest to the door. She wanted to be able to leave immediately should Lora annoy her and Lora was definitely going to.
"I normally would have said juice but wine. I will have wine."
"So will I."
Dante poured a glass of wine for the both of them then sat down besides her on the couch. "I have missed you Jennifer." He said softly. He took in a very deep breath before he spoke again. "I really have."
Jennie swallowed. She knew that it wasn't the best time to be talking about this but she couldn't help it. " I've missed you too. So much. So so much." She confessed.