Page 44 of Thanks for the Friendship
Of course she and I are both wearing shift dresses and booties.
“I love yours too.”
“Mom, this is Lila Barlow,” Sara says. “She’s Aunt Diane’s relator.”
“Oh, yes. Diane hasn’t stopped talking about you,” she gushes. “And you’re as gorgeous as she said you were.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I think I see Sara scowl, unless my eyes are playing tricks on me.
“And you’re Christine, Diane’s best friend. It’s a pleasure.”
Her eyes light up. “In the flesh.”
She introduces me to the redhead, who’s another friend of hers and Diane’s. Both ladies are wearing pastel floral print dresses and have the same shoulder-length bob hairstyle.
Two other women arrive and place their gifts on the already towering pile. I think I recognize them from the Hillards’ housewarming party, although that night is still a bit of a blur. I’m really happy for Diane—she’s obviously making good friends in Miami.
“It’s so nice of you to travel all this way to be here for your friend,” I say to Christine.
“We’ll take any excuse to get out of Minnesota,” she says, laughing loudly. “And I get to see my gorgeous baby girl which is always a bonus.” She reaches over and pushes a strand of hair behind Sara’s ear.
“Have you met my Sara’s sweetheart, Dr. Calvin Sims?”
It’s been years since I’ve heard someone refer to Cal by his full name.
“Yes, I’ve met Cal.”
“Aren’t they precious? I’m sure we’ll be hearing wedding bells for the future Dr. and Mrs. Sims any day.”
Thankfully, Diane arrives just in time to save the day. All attention shifts toward her as she squeals when she hugs each one of her guests.
“Lila. Having you here makes this day even more perfect. You’re so thoughtful.”
I give her a warm smile. “Well, when Sara invited me, I knew I couldn’t miss it.”
She claps her hands together. “I just love that you two have become friends. I knew you’d hit it off.”
Sara nods. “And I have more exciting news—Cal and I are talking about buying Lila’s home. It’s a gorgeous house.”
Cal was right, she doesn’t let up.
“That’s wonderful,” Diane squeals. “Lila, when are you moving out?”
I give a noncommittal shrug. “I’m not sure. I’ve been living there with some friends the past few months. The house isn’t up for sale yet.”
I feel like I need to reiterate that fact over and over. Maybe at some point this girl will take the hint.
Unfortunately, it goes right over her head, and she continues talking about living next door to their close friends Theo and Gabby after they get married.
Maybe she’s just not in touch with reality or she believes she’ll be able to talk Cal into it eventually. Clearly she doesn’t know that he and I talked about it.
“That would be so special,” Diane says. “You two will be connected for life, and then you can go back and visit the house.”
Nope. Just hearing her say that makes me cringe internally. It will be hard enough knowing that someone else is living in my childhood home. Sara and Cal there together feels wrong on so many levels. Ugh. I think I need a drink. I quickly excuse myself and make my way over to the bar. I usually don’t day drink, but when in Rome …
Sara invites everyone to sit down. “We’re waiting on one more guest, but she should be here any minute.”
While we wait, Diane begins talking about a few projects she’s working on at the new house, and of course the attention shifts back to me. One of her friends, Carole, asks how long I’ve been doing real estate, and the conversation takes a turn. Sara picks up her phone and starts scrolling. I have a feeling she’s growing tired of Diane’s praise of me.
