Page 91 of Thanks for the Friendship
“Hello, Lila, I was going to text you, but I figured since I was in the area I’d just stop by.”
I’m sure she did. I have a feeling this isn’t a friendly visit, judging by her unusually formal greeting. Diane isn’t a good liar, unlike her niece, Sara.
“Well, you have great timing,” I say. “Would you like to walk next door and grab some coffee?”
“Yes, that would be good.”
Gabby looks up and gives me a worried look.
I grab my bag and walk outside into the warm sunshine. “How are you?” I ask.
She hesitates. “Well, um, to be honest I’m puzzled.”
Here we go.
“Okay, is there something I can help you with?”
She sighs loudly. “Sara told me something very concerning … I don’t understand what’s going on.”
We walk into the cafe and sit down at a table near the window. She pulls a bottle of Mountain Dew out of her bag and takes a few loud gulps. I don’t even bother to get a coffee or anything. I’m not expecting this to be a fun social visit.
“I need you to be honest with me.”
I give her a nod. “I will always be honest with you.”
“Sara says you and Calvin are seeing each other,” she blurts out. “It doesn’t make any sense to me, and I knew that you would be able to clear this up.”
Even though I don’t owe Diane or anyone else an explanation, I’m going to tell her the truth.
“Cal and I have gone out two times,” I tell her. “I’ve known him since I was a teenager. We dated for six months when we were in high school, and he was my neighbor’s best friend even before that.”
She puts her fingers to her temples and stares down at the table. “How could you do this to Sara?” she asks, her tone full of disgust. “We welcomed you into our home, into our family. I encouraged you to be friends with her, but I had no idea you’d step in and steal her man. When she told me, I thought there had to be some mistake …”
I remain calm as she continues to berate me, even to the point of wishing they hadn’t bought the house. Hmm, she’s definitely reaching.
“I’m sorry you feel that way,” I say calmly when she finally gives me a chance to speak.
“Oh, you bet I do.”
“Well, I guess there’s nothing else to say,” I start to rise to my feet.
“That’s it? You’re not even going to have the decency to explain why you did such a terrible thing to Sara?” she says. “Calvin and Sara were happy. They were even willing to purchase your home.”
Ugh. Not the house again.
“She wanted to buy my house, not Cal.”
“Why does that matter?” she asks, raising her hands. “What kind of person breaks up a happy couple?”
“I’m not the reason their relationship ended,” I snap. “Why don’t you ask Sara about AJ Bennett?”
All the color drains from her face. “Sara and AJ are friends,” she says, her voice shaking. “They have been for a long time.”
“Ah, so you’ve met AJ,” I say. “Why don’t you ask Sara about the real reason they left my dinner party?”
Diane rises to her feet. “I don’t appreciate you trashing my niece. It’s a good thing our business relationship is complete because we’re done here.”
I nod my head. “I understand. Regardless, I’m glad I was able to help you find your home. I wish you the best.”
