"We have new neighbors, by the way," Ben told her. "The cabin to our right was bought by a couple with two daughters our age. Ivy and Amber."
"Oh, really? That's great! Let's organize a barbecue and invite them sometime."
"Good idea. I took the old barbecue from the shed yesterday and cleaned it. I was in one of those moods again."
"A cleaning mood? What do you mean, 'again'?"
Ben smirked. "As friendly as ever. Come on, pick something from the menu. I want to order."
She quickly decided to get the trout before reading the text Emily had sent her back. Ben put in their orders.
Hannah put her phone down. "We're going to have lunch at a vegetarian restaurant opposite the pharmacy tomorrow. I'm eager to find out how she's doing! Do you think I'll still recognize her?"
"Sure you will. I recognized her too. She hasn't changed that much in four years."
Hannah nodded. "You have a point. I haven't changed much either."
"Of course you have, Han. You look so much smarter, and prettier, and more grown-up…" Ben summed up in faux admiration.
Hannah raised her eyebrows. "You're beginning to scare me. What do you need from me? Forgot your money?"
Ben opened his mouth to say something, then fell silent. His eyes widened. "Oh," he mumbled, patting his pockets. "Oh, damn."
"Yeah, right. Drop the act."
"Look, I'm really sorry. I think I left my wallet in my car."
She laughed. "No worries. I am used to your chaotic lifestyle by now."
"What do you mean, chaotic? I'm getting better at planning my life all the time. Don't tell me you didn't notice I brought my textbooks."
"I saw a pile of something in the living room, yes."
"Well, that pile means I'm going to catch up on stuff from last year," Ben said, a self-satisfied look on his face.
"Do you have exams straight after summer?"
Ben didn't reply. He was staring at the water. "Oh, I think Josh is on the beach." He got up from his chair. "Hold on, I'll tell him we're sitting over here." He walked off the deck toward the water. Hannah tried to see where he was going, but the beach was still quite crowded and soon she'd lost sight of him.
In one corner of the deck, a band of three guitarists and one saxophone player had set up. They started playing soft music, giving the perfect backdrop to a slow and warm summer night.