Page 34 of Sunny Skies Ahead
“Hey, Abs,” I said when she picked up the phone. “Got a minute?”
“For you, always,” Abbie said. “Kev, can you take over the register for me? I’ll just be a sec.”
I poured the hot water over my chosen tea bag and took a seat at the dining room table.
“So, there’s mold in my bathroom,” I said, cutting straight to the chase.
“What?” Abbie screeched. She whispered a soft ‘sorry’ to whoever she’d scared. “How did you find that out?”
“Long story, but Joe Sakis just confirmed it. He gave me the number of a guy in Brighton that has experience with remediations, but I’m pretty sure it’s going to take a few days.”
“Jesus, Imogen, I’m so sorry,” Abbie said. “I’m sure that’s stressful.”
Understatement of the freaking century.
“I’m the worst friend for even asking this of you when you literally just got married, but can I stay with you tonight? I was supposed to be at Winding Road this weekend, but I canceled so I could focus on renovations here since I was feeling motivated, and now. . .”
“Why not just go to Winding Road like you originally planned?”
“Ouch,” I muttered, though she had every right to say no. It was a strange thing, your best friend getting married. On the one hand, they were the same person they’d always been. But every so often, I was reminded that things were different now. There was another person to consider in the dynamic. It was no longer just Abbie and I against the world.
That meant there was a distance there that I couldn’t quantify. Our friendship wasn’t in question, but things had shifted, and rightfully so. True friendships evolved and changed with life’s seasons, and as Abbie entered this new chapter, so would I.
That didn’t make it any easier to navigate the gap.
“Not that I don’t want you here,” Abbie responded quickly. “It’s just that, if Kameron was already expecting you, it might be easier if you reverted to the original plan.”
“Right,” I said. “I guess I could bring myself to text him and grovel.”
Abbie’s laugh brought a smile to my face.
“I doubt you’d have to do much groveling. In fact, I’ll bet you ten bucks you make his entire weekend by telling him you can still come.”
My stomach did a weird twist that had nothing to do with my anxiety over the mold situation.
“I don’t know about that.”
“Guess there’s only one way to find out,” Abbie said teasingly. “I’ve got to get back to the register, but call me if you still need a place tonight. But I doubt you will.”
We exchanged I love you’s and hung up. My fingers hovered over Kameron’s contact. I had just canceled on him less than three hours ago.
Was I really about to ask if he could just disregard my inability to be professional?
Then again, the whole job setup we had going for us was strange. Most administrative assistants probably weren’tliving part time in a tiny home their boss had constructed on their property.
What was supposed to come first here? Professionalism or friendship?
This wasexactlywhy overthinkers like me shouldn’t mix the personal and professional.
Even so, I swallowed my pride and pulled out my phone.
Me
At the risk of sounding like a complete ass for going back on my word. . .
Is there any way I can still come to Winding Road tonight?
Kameron’s reply came before I’d even put my phone down on the table.
