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immediately after I close it behind me. The cold metal door feels refreshing against my already scorching back as I stand there, trying to bring my breathing back to a normal rate.
    What is he doing here? I thought I’d never have to see him again. And now he’s here with his family? Even better.
    Splashing some cold water on my face, I decide that I’m going to have to go back out there. I’m going to have to face the man who has been haunting my dreams and consuming my every thought. After quickly checking on my other tables, I slowly return to his.
    “Sorry about the wait. My name is Hope and I’ll be taking care of y’all tonight. Can I start you off with any drinks?” I ask cheerfully, even though every nerve and emotion I possess are running wild within.
    The older couple, I’m presuming his parents, order waters and the younger boy orders a cola. Finally making my way to Joey, he smiles, and says politely, “I’ll just have a water, thanks.” Really? A water? Although he still looks the same, hair perfectly gelled, polo shirt with the collar popped, and a pair of faded blue jeans, he seems different. Not as obnoxious, and not so into himself. Sure, it could be because he’s here with his family, but I don’t think it’s that.
    Slightly squinting my eyes I look at him puzzled, trying to figure out what it is. Noticing that I’ve been standing here longer than anticipated and that I’ve got a pleased grin on my face, he says “it’s nice to see you too, Hope.” Startled by his voice that snaps me out of my gaze, I respond, “Yeah, it’s great to see you, too.”
    With a smile on my face I turn around, and head back to the waitress stand to start filling their drinks. Kelly is once again waiting for me with an intrigued look and grin. “Is that who I think it is?” she asks once I get behind the divider.
    “It is,” I respond.
    “So I’m guessing that he’s not getting under your skin this time?”
    “He seems different. It’s weird,” I answer, still puzzled.
    “Huh,” she replies like she knows something I don’t.
    “What?”
    “Nothing,” she laughs, filling her drinks.
    “Tell me!”
    “I think someone has a crush on a certain Italian guido,” she declares with confidence.
    “What? No. No way. Look at my boyfriend, and then look at him. How can you even think that?” I protest, but apparently I’m not convincing because the smirk on her face hasn’t faded.
    “Maybe Trent isn’t your type. Maybe you just want him to be.”
    Staring at her, frozen, I realize she has just said out loud what I’ve been fighting in my head since last summer. Trent has every quality that you dream your future husband will have–good looks, big heart, sensitive, hardworking, and an overall great guy. He’s the perfect guy, just not mine.
    “Nailed it, didn’t I?” Kelly asks, draping her arm on my shoulder. “It’s okay. The heart wants what the heart wants. You’ve got no control over it. You just have to follow it.” She rests her head on my shoulder.
    “When did you get so philosophical?” I look at her with a raised eyebrow.
    “It was in one of my books. I’ve always wanted to say it, and it seemed fitting,” she smiles, shrugging her shoulders.
    “I’m so happy you’re back,” I laugh, hugging her.
    Picking up my tray of drinks, I walk back over to Joey’s table. As soon as I turn the corner from the waitress stand, I spot him staring at me. Our eyes lock and don’t shy from one another; the closer I get, the more butterflies I have in my stomach.
    He’s giving me butterflies?
    Placing their drinks in front of them, and standing next to Joey, I ask if they’re ready to order. Starting with his parents, I make my way to him, smiling at Joey when it’s his turn.
    “I’ll take the personal pan pizza with sausage on it, please,” he orders with a sly smirk on his face.
    Letting out a soft chuckle, remembering how this conversation went last summer, I ask, “sweet or