Page 36 - In Five Years

have happen in one day, but there’s no way they don’t hire you. You’re the
perfect candidate, Dannie.”
I feel like asking him what job?
“The food came,” he says, sitting back. “I stuck it in the fridge. I’ll get

plates.”
I shake my head. “I’m not hungry.”

David looks at me with shock and awe. “How is that possible? You told me
you were weak with hunger, like an hour ago.” He stands up and goes into the
kitchen, ignoring me. He opens the refrigerator and starts pulling out containers.
Pad Thai. Chicken curry. Fried rice. “All your favorites,” he says. “Hot or cold?”

“Cold,” I say. I pull the blanket closer around me.
David comes back balancing the containers on plates. He starts taking off

tops, and I smell the sweet and sour and tangy spices.
“I had the craziest dream,” I tell him. Maybe if I talk about it it’ll make sense.
Maybe if I lay it all out here, outside of my brain. “I just . . . I can’t shake it. Was

I talking in my sleep?”
David piles some noodles onto a plate and grabs a fork. “Nope. Don’t think
so. I showered for a little, so maybe?” He jams a giant bite of Pad Thai into his

mouth and chews. Some stray noodles migrate to the floor. “Was it a
nightmare?”
I think about Aaron. “No,” I say. “I mean, not exactly.”

David swallows. “Good. Your mom called twice. I’m not sure how long we
can hold her off.” David puts his fork down and threads his arm around me. “But
I had some plans for us alone tonight.”

My eyes dart to my hand. The ring, the right one, is back on my finger. I
exhale.
My phone starts buzzing.

“Bella again,” David says, somewhat wearily.
I’m already off the couch, snatching the phone and taking it with me into the
bedroom.

“I’m gonna flip on the news,” David calls after me.
I close the door behind me and pick up the call. “Bells.”
“I waited up!” It’s loud where she is, the sound of people fills the phone—

she’s out partying. She laughs, her voice a cascade of music. “You’re engaged!