Page 20 of Thanks for the Friendship
The host interrupts her and points to the empty table right next to us. “Would you like this table?”
“Oh, we don’t want to intrude,” Dave chimes in. He always seems to be the voice of reason when it comes to his wife. I’ve always liked Dave Hillard.
“No intrusion at all,” my mother says. I notice her eyes move down to Diane’s black rubber sandals. She’d never say anything to her, but I know what’s she’s thinking. If they were friends she’d tell Diane to burn them this instant.
Sara sits directly to my right, and motions for me to lean in with her finger.
“I’m so sorry we’re interrupting your dinner.”
I wave my hand. “It’s fine.”
Even though our tables are right next to each other, we’re not actually sitting together.
The four of them start discussing the menu and talking to the server. My mom leans over to whisper to me.
“Is my memory failing me, or is that the same—”
I hold up my hand to stop her. I’m not sure Sara or the Hillards know about my history with Cal, and although it’s been a long time, I don’t want things to be weird around them.
“Yes,” I whisper, putting my finger to my lips.
My dad raises his eyebrows and takes a sip of his wine.
“Anyway, what did you want to talk to me about? Does it have to do with the house?”
My dad puts his glass down.
“Lila, as you know the market is very good right now.”
Ugh. I knew it.
“And of course, you’d be the listing agent.”
“You’re ready to sell the house.” I spit out the words like they’re poison.
“Not immediately,” my mom insists. “But within the next few months we’d like to get it all wrapped up since things are going so well in your career. And we know you have roommates, so giving them notice is important.”
“Why is it so urgent?” I whine.
“This is the exciting part,” my dad announces.
“I’ve been approached by a friend to invest in a company.”
I groan.
Another investment? Sometimes I wonder if it’s an addiction.
“I thought you were retired and enjoying life.”
“Oh, we are. I’ll be completely hands-off.”
What can I say? When I told them I wanted to move back into the house for a time, I knew it was on borrowed time.
“Honey, you can relax,” Mom says patting my arm. “This isn’t happening tomorrow, but we want you to start preparing and taking the time you need.”
I nod without saying a word. I know I won’t have a hard time finding a place to live, but the idea of not living with Gabby and Reagan makes me sad. Sadder than I ever expected. I’m not the one to show emotion. I usually leave that to Reagan.
I attempt to swallow the lump in my throat. “I know, it’s just sad to think about saying good-bye to my childhood home.”
