Page 89 of Thanks for the Friendship
The thing about time is so true. You can’t get it back. Thankfully you can make the most of the time in the present. Cal and I weren’t in each other’s lives for a long time, but he’s here now. I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow or even next week, and that’s what concerns me the most.
Chapter Twenty-Five
When we return to my house, Cal takes off his suit coat and sits down on the couch.
“Come here, let’s talk,” he says, patting the area next to him.
I sit down and start unbuckling my shoes.
“You’ve been quiet since we left Sonny’s,” he says, concern in his voice. “What’s going on?”
“Shocking, isn’t it?” I tease. “You should probably enjoy the peace while you can.”
He gives me a half-smile. “Nah. I like the outgoing, fiery Lila.”
That’s good to know. Although he probably doesn’t want to hear what’s on my mind right now.
Tonight was wonderful, and once again Cal made every effort to make it that way, just like he did on our first date. Maybe that’s what’s bothering me. Is this all too perfect? What happens if and when the novelty wears off? There’s going to come a day when I’m in one of my moods and he realizes that I’m not the easiest person to deal with. Maybe he should talk to Gabby and Reagan and get a head’s up?
I let out a puff of air. “Tonight was perfect, again.”
He twists his mouth to the side. “That’s good, right? Why am I sensing abut?”
I open my mouth, but no words come out. Instead something happens that I’m not expecting. My eyes fill with tears, and I quickly jump to my feet, so Cal doesn’t see them.
“Lila?”
“I’m fine,” I say, clearing my throat.
“No, you’re not,” he stands up and makes me turn around to face him.
“I hate this,” I wail. “I don’t cry.”
Cal presses his lips together to keep from laughing.
“Don’t laugh,” I whine. “What I mean is, Irarelycry.”
He leads me back to the couch and begs me to tell him what’s bothering me.
“Honestly, I’m worried that this is moving too fast,” I moan, looking away. I can’t bear to look into his beautiful blue eyes. “You were with the same person for three years. Certain feelings don’t just disappear overnight.”
He groans. “Lila, I told you that Sara and I were over a long time ago.”
I exhale and finally bring myself to look at him. “Yes, but what happens after we continue to spend time together and you realize that you didn’t give yourself a break or time to mourn that relationship.”
He rubs his forehead. “I don’t want a break,” he says, frustration in his voice. “I’m not sure what more I have to do to show you that I’m serious about you, and us.”
I believe him, but my worries and insecurities are totally hijacking my gut. I’ve been known to back away before things get too serious.
“Well, what about when we run into more of your friends like we did tonight?” I ask. “I know that was uncomfortable for you.”
He shrugs. “If they’re my friends, they’ll be happy for me no matter who I’m with.”
My heart is racing as I continue to spit out the what if’s.
He doesn’t flinch or back down.
“I can be a real pain in the ass sometimes.”
