Page 18 of Thanks for the Love
As I continue to get ready for my day, I think about that kiss. The old Gabby wouldn’t have done that. When Dustin and I first got together, we had a slow start—we were friends first, and it was several weeks before anything like that happened.
My clothes are still in disorganized piles around the room, but I finally choose a black maxi dress under a distressed denim jacket. I carefully wrap the bandage around my wrist and quickly blow dry my hair. I can’t even look at my hand without thinking about Theo.
Now I just have to break the news to Lila. I know she wasn’t happy when she suspected I might be attracted to Theo, and she’s more than eager to introduce me to other people.
I take one more glance at my disaster of a room. I still haven’t unpacked, and ironically, I’ve spent more time with Theo than I have in my new home.
When I return to the kitchen, Reagan and Lila are chatting. Lila is wearing a light pink mini dress with nude wedges. Her black hair is perfectly straight.
“Good morning. How did you sleep?” she asks.
Reagan gives me a wistful look. I’m assuming she didn’t say anything about my breakfast with Theo, and I appreciate that.
“I had a rough night, but that’s normal for me when I’m in a new place.”
“I’m heading out,” Reagan says. “I was wondering if you two wanted to meet up for dinner tonight.”
“I’d love it,” I say.
“Sure,” Lila adds.
“My friend just opened a restaurant. It’s called Golden, and the reviews are great so far. I’ll text you the info.”
Reagan picks up her water bottle and laptop and heads out the door. I’m excited for dinner and more opportunity to get to know my new roommates better.
“I was going to suggest we ride to the office together, but I’ll be with clients most of the afternoon,” Lila says. “I could go back and pick you up though.”
The idea of not having to parallel park does appeal, but so does food. I have to get some groceries, or I’ll definitely be eating Lucky Charms for breakfast tomorrow.
“Don’t worry about it, I have to go shopping this afternoon anyway.” I pause as I prepare to break the Theo news to her. “Guess what happened earlier this morning?”
Lila gives me a worried look. I know I don’t owe her an explanation, but I feel it’s the right thing to do.
I launch into my story about my impromptu run-in and breakfast with Theo, purposely leaving out the more intimate details.
“I warned you about him,” Lila reminds me. “I promise you there are dozens of decent, eligible men in this city.”
She makes it sound as if I’ve committed myself to him and closed myself off to meeting anyone else. That’s definitely not the case.
I hold up my hands in protest.
“It was only breakfast,” I assure her. “We were talking outside, and I think he offered because he feels guilty about this.” I point to my wrist.
“He should feel guilty,” she snaps. “If he minded his own business and let you relax peacefully in the hammock, then it wouldn’t have happened.”
I sigh. I know it’s pointless for me to try to change her opinion of him. Clearly there’s years of built-up animosity that isn’t going away anytime soon.
“The point is I’m not in a place to get involved with anyone right now,” I say. “I’m basically starting from scratch—a man is the last thing I need.”
Lila gives me a sympathetic look. “I understand. But you should always keep your options open. Good things can happen when you least expect them to, and it won’t hurt to put yourself out there.”
She’s right, and I’m certainly not giving up on love forever.
“That’s true.”
I imagine Lila’s brain is working overtime to steer me away from Theo. Her feelings for Cal must’ve been very strong for her to still hold so much disdain for Theo.
Thankfully the subject changes to Reagan’s friend’s restaurant when we walk out front.
