Page 10 of Thanks for the Friendship
“Hey, babe,” a voice calls.
No way.
Sara joins us in the foyer and kisses Cal on the cheek.
“Oh, you two have met,” she says, wrapping her arms around Cal’s waist.
So Cal is Sara’s boyfriend … I didn’t see that coming. I guess Diane was right about us hitting it off. Not only did we show up in the same outfit, we obviously have similar taste in men.
“Actually, we go way back,” Cal says. “We went to high school together.”
Sara’s face lights up. “Oh, my goodness, how funny. What a small world.”
Yes, a small world after all.Why is the song from the Disney ride playing in my mind? That can’t be a good sign. Maybe this is some weird defense mechanism. A way to deal with this strange turn of events.
“Yes, I was just asking how he knew Diane and Dave,” I say. “And now I know.”
I guess I could’ve picked up on Diane’s doctor comment, but the last man I expected to be Sara’s boyfriend, was a man from my past. There are plenty of doctors in Miami.
“I was just talking to Theo about you,” Cal says, making my stomach do a flip.
“You were?” I exclaim.
“Yeah. The big birthday. His party is at your house, right?”
Ah. Of course, that’s what they were talking about. What else would it be?
“Wait. I thought the party was at Theo’s girlfriends house,” Sara interjects.
I force a smile and hold up my hand. “It is. Gabby’s my roommate.”
Sara’s mouth drops open. “This is wild. I guess our paths were meant to cross one way or another.”
I nod while trying to keep my gaze off Cal. “It sure seems like it.”
“We’re planning to attend Theo’s party,” Sara adds. “I’m so happy to know that you’ll be there too.”
Sara tells Cal that I’m the realtor who helped the Hillards get the house. Cal and I exchange a glance, making something stir inside me.
Nope—not good.
“I was wondering where you girls went,” Diane says, joining us.
“Hello, handsome,” she says, putting her hands on Cal’s cheeks and then giving him a hug. Clearly Diane is a big fan of Cal.
“And you’ve met Lila,” she continues. “I was telling her that you could probably introduce her to one of those eligible doctor friends of yours—since she’s not seeing anyone right now.”
I grit my teeth. Why does it seem like her voice got louder all of a sudden?
“Aunt Diane, she just got out of a relationship,” Sara scolds. “I’m sure she wants some time before getting involved with a new man.”
Ugh. Get me out of here. Why is my personal life the topic of discussion?
“We should get back to the party,” I suggest. “I don’t want to keep you from your guests.”
“Yes. I’m starved,” Cal adds.
Hmm … did he catch on to my discomfort? Diane obviously didn’t.
