Page 56 of Thanks for the Friendship
“Excuse me. I’ll be right back.” She hurries out of the dining room, and I glance at AJ who’s munching on one of Mrs. Sims’s orange rolls. All of sudden he’s not as attractive as I thought he was.
Jeremy steps up and saves the day with a story, but I’m barely listening to him. I can’t stop thinking about Cal. For years I was angry at him for breaking my heart. He was my first love, and do you ever completely get over your first love? I believe there’s a place in your heart that they always hold, no matter what your life brings.
I’m not sure what he’s thinking right now or what’s really going on, but I have a feeling this thing with AJ and Sara isn’t new. I saw their interaction at Theo’s birthday party, and although it’s hard to imagine that people could do such a thing—it happens. I’ve learned that life isn’t a fairy tale, but I still have hope that true happiness exists. No matter what, I still believe in the one person who our souls are meant to find. My grandma used to say that you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince.
The door slams again. I’m guessing that Sara went after Cal and, judging by the loss of color in her face, she’s panicking.
Chapter Sixteen
My mother always loved to entertain, partly to show off her latest house project. Anyway, we always had people over—holiday parties, women’s clubs, pool parties. I enjoyed it because otherwise the house was really quiet.
Sara and Cal don’t return before we finish eating.
Our dinner party continues, and AJ makes every attempt to ask me questions like we’re on our first date. I play my part and answer them while my mind is far away, wondering if Cal is okay.
Reagan, Gabby, and I meet up in the kitchen while the men continue chatting at the table.
“I’m totally confused,” Reagan whispers. “What’s going on?”
Gabby turns on water in the sink and explains what we assume happened. Reagan’s mouth drops open.
“Did he catch them together?” she asks.
“I don’t think so, but he was pissed.”
“AJ seems fine,” Reagan says.
I frown. “Don’t get me started on him. I don’t understand any of this. Isn’t he supposed to be their friend?”
Theo joins us in the kitchen. “Where’s Cal?”
“I don’t know, but I’m worried. Will you call him and make sure he’s okay?” I beg.
He takes his phone out of his pocket. “I’m on it.”
Theo walks outside, and I watch out the window as he starts walking back and forth. I can tell that he’s talking to him. A few seconds later he comes back inside.
“Is he okay?”
“Yes. He apologized for leaving.”
“Is Sara with him?” Gabby asks.
He nods. “Yes. He said they were having a long overdue conversation and got off the phone very quickly.”
I’d give anything to listen in on that conversation.
“Is anyone else ready for donuts?” Jeremy asks, coming into the kitchen.
“I am. There’s always room for donuts,” AJ chimes in from right behind him.
Reagan grabs some plates and takes the box out to the patio. I mindlessly load the dishwasher while thinking about all the possible scenarios of Cal and Sara’s conversation. Cal was preoccupied when they arrived, so maybe there’s more going on than we know. Regardless, I haven’t heard AJ say one word about either of them being gone.
AJ and I are the last two in the kitchen, so I take advantage of the moment.
“I hope everything is okay with Cal and Sara. They left so abruptly.”
He shrugs. “I’m sure they’re fine.”
