Page 65 of Thanks for the Friendship
“I heard that,” Gabby calls from the kitchen.
“You know what I mean,” I reply.
Reagan leaves, and Gabby sits down next to me on the couch.
“Why don’t you just come over to Theo’s with me?”
I shake my head. “Because it’s weird. Cal just broke up with Sara, and it’ll look like I’m trying to …”
“To what? Be his friend? How dare you!” she says dramatically.
I’m still trying to get used to the idea that I’m friends with Cal and Theo after all these years.
“Okay, if he brings it up, maybe I’ll come over. But you have to promise me that you won’t initiate it.”
“I promise.”
“I’ll be really mad.”
Her eyes widen. “Yikes. I definitely don’t want that.”
“Hey. I think I’m getting nicer in my old age.”
She laughs loudly. “That’s what Theo said.”
I scowl. Maybe I need to reconsider this newfound friendship we have going on.
Gabby leaves a few minutes later, and I try to make myself busy. I’m probably being really stupid. Ugh, sometimes I think Cal Sims brings out a different, vulnerable side of me. That’s definitely not something I’m used to.
* * *
I’m completely zoning out when a knock on one of the french doors makes me jump up in the air. When I get up to check, I see Cal waving to me through the glass.
“Hey. What are you doing here?” I ask, opening the door.
“I came to invite you to Theo’s.”
I frown. “Did Gabby make you come over here? What did she say?”
He holds up his hands innocently. “It was all my idea. She just said that Reagan went to her sister’s and you were here alone working.”
“That’s all?”
He nods. “Yep.”
He leans against the door frame. “So, can you pull yourself away from work for an hour? Please don’t leave me alone with the lovebirds.”
I sigh. “Come on in while I get my shoes.”
I run to my room and quickly check myself in the mirror.
You’re friends, Lila.There’s no need to check your reflection.
I’m wearing a simple, black, cropped T-shirt and jeans and my hair is falling loosely down my back. At least it’s an improvement from the faded flannel pajamas I was wearing last night.
Cal is sitting on my couch with his feet up when I come out. I can’t help but notice how good he looks in his white T-shirt and gray joggers.
Ugh. Pull it together, Lila.
