Page 96 of Thanks for the Friendship
All of a sudden I realize what’s happening. I gasp loudly and stare at Cal.
“You?” I ask, a lump forming in my throat.
The corner of his mouth curls up. “It’s a great house.”
I cover my mouth with my hands.
Cal’s buying my house. His was the offer my parents got.
“Cal contacted us a few days ago,” my dad explains. “He got our information from Theo Jorgenson.”
Theo was in on this too?
“I figured it’d be a great investment for the future. You and the girls can continue living here in the meantime … And then we can go from there.”
“He made us an offer we couldn’t refuse,” my mother chimes in. “Honey, I know you’re the best realtor in the state, but your mom still knows a few things too.”
This is really happening. I can’t even form a sentence. It’s official—Lila Barlow is speechless.
“Are you still there?” my father calls.
“She’s here,” Cal says, rubbing my back.
“Yeah, I’m … processing.”
“Why don’t we call you back?” Cal says. “I want to talk to Lila.”
“That’s a good idea,” my mom says. “We love you, honey.”
“Love you, too,” I mutter.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
It’s not often that I’m surprised. When I was growing up, I’d always guess my Christmas and birthday gifts before opening them. I’m usually very aware of what’s going on around me. The events of the last few minutes might be the biggest surprise (or shock) of all time. After Cal ends the call with my parents, we both remain quiet.
“Are you sure about this?” I ask finally.
“I’m positive about all of it. The house and us.” He exhales slowly. “I told you I was willing to do anything to show you how serious I am.”
“But we’re talking about purchasing a house,” I exclaim. “And I thought you were against buying it.”
I’m reminded of multiple conversations having to do with purchasing this house.
“I didn’t want to buy it with Sara because I knew we didn’t have a future”—he takes my face in his hands—“Listen, I can’t guarantee that it’s always going to be easy, but I know that I haven’t been this happy in a very long time. Since you came back into my life, I feel like I’m alive again. And I have a really good feeling about what lies ahead.”
My chest rises and falls as my heart starts to race.
“I don’t have to leave.”
He shakes his head. “No, you don’t.”
“And we’re doing this—you and me.”
He lets out a low laugh. “I really hope so.”
I throw my arms around his neck and pull his mouth to mine, kissing him with every cell in my body.
After I pry myself away from him, I fire off every question that’s spinning in my head.
