Page 51 of Thanks for the Friendship
I breathe a sigh of relief that my big mouth didn’t get me in trouble.
“Anyway, I’ll keep you updated on everything. Where are you off to next?”
I know that the best way to shift my mother’s focus is to talk about their next trip. I listen as she goes on and on about their upcoming visit to the Oregon coast.
Just as I’m ending the call, Gabby turns around in her chair, with a mischievous smile on her face. We are the only two in the office right now.
“Guess who’s coming to dinner.”
I raise my eyebrows.
“Theo talked to AJ and told him we were having a casual dinner party, and he’s in.”
Theo is really stepping up his game lately. I almost feel bad about all the terrible things I’ve said about him over the years—almost.
“Apparently, he was really interested in learning more about you.”
I chew on my pen cap.
“Do you think we’re wrong about him and Sara?” I ask. “I mean if they were doing anything, would he be asking questions about me?”
“I was thinking about that.”
All of a sudden I wonder if this poor guy is innocent. What if he’s just getting a bad rap because he’s a big flirt?
“I guess we’ll find out,” she says with a shrug.
Gabby returns to her desk, and I scroll through my client list.
I have one closing this week, and I’m waiting on two other offers. Elizabeth hasn’t approached me about taking over the agency, and I’ve been avoiding it.
Is all this avoidance a coping mechanism? I avoided telling my roommates about the house, and that made it worse. This reminds me that I have to call Paul and ask him why he told Bethany about the house. He knows better than to discuss my life with her.
I scroll through my phone and find his number. I send him a quick text.
Call me.
Not even two minutes goes by when my phone rings.
“You summoned me?”
“Very funny,” I say. “I’m surprised you actually called me back so fast.”
“I figured I might as well take my beating and get it over with.”
Paul has an amazing way of twisting things so it’s hard to stay mad at him.
“How could you?” I shout. “I told you Bethany was trouble.”
“I know, I know.”
“Wait. So you’re actually admitting it? Hang on, I need a witness.” I put my speaker phone on so Gabby can listen.
“Gabby’s here too. Why would you tell her about the house? She called Reagan and tried to wreak havoc like usual.”
He’s quiet for a few seconds. “Lila, what are you talking about?”
I look at Gabby and roll my eyes.
