Page 60 of Thanks for the Friendship
“It’s totally fine,” I say, yawning.Typical.
Of course it is because I don’t actually want him to leave.
He stands up.
“I have your mom’s bowl. Do you want to take the rest of the rolls with you?”
He shakes his head. “Nope. Those are for you.”
“Please thank her for me.”
He starts to walk toward the front door, and I’m right behind him.
“Thanks for the food and for listening.”
“Sure, I’m here anytime you want to talk.”
He opens the door and gives me a wave. “Good night, Lila.”
“Cal,” I say with a nod.
He laughs.
I start to close the door, but before I do, he pushes it open and pulls me into his arms. He tightens his arms around me, and I melt into them. I must need this hug as much as he does because I hold on tight.
His body is warm and familiar, even after all the years that have passed. My head rests against his chest, and I feel his chin rest on the top of my head. His chest rises and falls against mine, and just as our hearts begin to beat at the same speed, he starts to pull away.
“Okay, I’m really leaving now.”
No.
I watch as he walks into the darkness. After I close the door, my heart is still racing.
This night definitely took a turn I wasn’t expecting, and I’m not complaining.
Chapter Seventeen
As soon as I open my eyes, the memories of last night flood my brain. Starting with the dinner party that went rogue and the surprise ending to the evening. The truth is that I’m not sad about Cal and Sara breaking up. Does this make me a terrible person? I know there are always two sides to every story and then there’s the truth. I’m not expecting to hear from Sara, at least not today, considering the connection I have to Cal. I’ve only known her for a minute compared to him, so it wouldn’t be unusual for me to take his side. The only complication is Diane Hillard. I have no doubt that she’ll be Team Sara, and she doesn’t know about my history with Cal. She’s probably going to be devastated when she hears that Sara lost her lobster. Thank goodness we finished the deal before all of this went down, and this serves as a good lesson for me. I know better than to mix business and friendship. Of course clients can be friends, with appropriate boundaries.
I lie in bed for a while, which I rarely do, but it’s Sunday. My parents used to say that doing this was time wasted, the early bird gets the worm and all that jazz. I have some big decisions to make that I’ve been avoiding.
Elizabeth hasn’t brought up her offer, but I know she’ll want an answer soon. I’m flattered, but I don’t think I’m ready to give up the freedom I have. As much as I’d love to be the one to keep Fun in the Sun up and running, I don’t think that role is for me. Right now I’m able to devote my time and energy to my clients, and that’s one of the aspects that has brought me to this point in my career. The Hillards are a perfect example, before the Sara and Cal debacle.
I finally hop out of bed and head to the bathroom to get my day started. I’ve been mentally preparing myself to focus on finding my new home. The benefit of my job is that I always have my eyes open for amazing properties, and I’m sure I’ll be able to find a great place to live. I loved my condo—it was in a great area near the beach, shopping, and some fabulous restaurants. I’m going to search the same area. I also need to have a conversation with my roommates. We’re still avoiding the moving conversation, but it’s time. I’d love to continue living with them if they’re interested. Of course, Gabby and Theo may have had a different conversation now that they’re engaged.
After dragging myself out of bed, I curl up with my coffee and my laptop on one of chaise lounges next to the pool. I’ve already answered five emails, and I’m working on a listing for a referral one of my clients sent over.
As hard as I try to focus on work, I keep thinking about Cal. I know how it feels to wake up the next morning after a breakup. Every aspect of your life is in flux, and even when you know it’s the right decision, it’s hard. Cal was with Sara for three years, so they must’ve cared deeply for each other. I don’t know the intricate details of their relationship or what went wrong. I’m sure they hurt each other along the way. It happens even when it’s not intended.
“Morning,” Gabby says. She’s wearing aMiamiT-shirt that looks about two sizes too big, so I’m assuming it’s Theo’s. Her hair is all over the place, and she’s wearing her glasses.
She plops down on the chair next to me and stretches her arms over her head.
“Tell me everything.”
“What are you talking about?”
She rolls her eyes. “What do you think I’m talking about? When I went to bed, Cal was here.”
