Page 68 of Thanks for the Friendship
“Yep. I always said he’s like the brother I never wanted.”
I add a scoop of ice cream to a small bowl.
“Maybe you just need to have fun tonight,” she suggests. “And let things happen naturally.”
That’s exactly what I’m afraid of, but she’s right. I need to just relax and be myself.
I bring my ice cream back to the living room to find Theo sitting in my seat, whispering to Cal.
“Okay, break it up,” I announce. “You’re in my seat, Jorgenson.”
He laughs as he stands up. “You haven’t called me that in years.”
“Probably because I haven’t talked to you in years.” I wink at Cal as I reclaim my seat.
“Yeah, you used to be really mean,” Theo says, moving back to his seat next to Gabby.
“Well, you deserved it.”
He nods. “I know, and I was wrong for assuming the worst about you and Brent.”
I glance at Cal who is eyeing me curiously.
“I’ve forgiven you for that. I know everything happens for a reason.”
“I’m sad you’re not going to be my neighbor anymore,” he says softly.
“Me too.”
The craziest thing is that I actually mean it. I’m going to miss living next door more than I ever thought I would.
“Aw, you guys are going to make me cry,” Gabby wails.
After all these years I think we can finally put this subject to rest. It’s time to move forward and be ready for what comes next.
Chapter Nineteen
We finally finish watching the movie, despite Theo’s complaints about all the second-hand embarrassment. When I announce that I need to get home, Cal asks if he can walk with me, making my stomach do a nervous flip. I appreciate his chivalry, but it’s not like I’m walking down a deserted street in the middle of the city.
We thank Theo for hosting and set out on our long trek right next door. We’re both quiet as we walk, so I decide to break the silence first. “I can’t believe I admitted that I was going to miss living next door to Theo.”
“Yeah, that surprised me too,” he says.
“I only did it for Gabby,” I insist.
“Absolutely, because you’re a good friend.”
We both start to laugh.
He clears his throat. “Lila, about what happened over there—”
“Don’t worry about it.”
He stops me before we reach my door. “I just don’t want you to think I did that because I’m on the rebound … I’ve really enjoyed spending time with you lately.”
Here we go, sometimes honesty is the best policy.
“I feel the same, but you just broke up with Sara last night,” I remind him.
