Page 100 of Thanks for the Friendship
“I believe it does,” I agree.
“My Sara is healing, thankfully. She’s going to be just fine.”
I guess that’s my answer. I have no doubt that sweet little Sara will land on her feet. She will snag herself another man in no time, if she hasn’t already.
“That’s good.”
“I really do love my house, Lila,” she says, her voice cracking slightly.
Hearing her say this brings a smile to my face. And like she said, everything happens for a reason. Maybe the Hillards were meant to come into my life—who knows if Cal and I would’ve reconnected if they hadn’t. And to think, I almost didn’t go to their housewarming party.
“It’s a beautiful home, and I hope you make years of happy memories there.”
“Thank you. Good Luck, Lila.”
I hold the phone in my hand for a few seconds before walking back inside. For all I know, that might be the last conversation I ever have with Diane Hillard. I’m glad we ended on a better note this time, and one thing’s for sure—I’ll never be able to look at a Mountain Dew without thinking of her.
* * *
“So, I guess this means we’re going to be neighbors for a very long time,” Theo says, giving me a wink. “What a great day.”
I roll my eyes.
“Lila, it’s okay to admit that you’re really happy about it.”
He opens the pizza box and adds two slices of pepperoni to his plate.
“Oh, yes. I’m so happy. This is the greatest thing to ever happen to me,” I say in the most monotone voice I can muster.
He pats me on the shoulder. “It’s okay. I know how you really feel deep down. Expressing your true feelings can be difficult.”
Theo ordered dinner for us to celebrate Cal’s new home purchase and Gabby’s new position at Fun in the Sun. Of course we all gladly accepted because none of us wanted to cook. Reagan and Jeremy should be home soon, and Cal is joining us after his shift ends.
“I’m going to change,” Gabby tells us. “Is it safe to leave you two? You’re going to be nice to each other, right?”
I grit my teeth. “I’ll try my best.”
As soon as she leaves, I take the opportunity to thank Theo for putting Cal in contact with my parents. I may enjoy giving him a hard time, but I’m super grateful to him.
“You’re welcome, but if I’m being honest, some of it was purely selfish. It’ll be awesome to finally have a friend living next door.”
I giggle. “I figured as much. Who would’ve known that deep down you’re a good guy, Theo?”
He smiles. “Lila, I think this is the start of a real friendship.”
I snort. “It took long enough.”
He shrugs. “Sometimes the best things are worth the wait.”
Cal instantly comes to my mind. “You’re right about that.”
“And just think, someday our kids are going to be neighbors too. Do you think they’re going to get along?”
Kids? Whoa, is he trying to stress me out? This might be the quickest friendship in all of history.
“Um, I have no idea,” I hesitate.
“I’m sure they will be,” he insists. “Theo and Cal part two. Can you imagine all the trouble they’ll get into?”
