Page 12 of Thanks for the Friendship
“No fair,” she says bluntly.
“Exactly,” I agree.
“He seems to be very happy with Sara,” I say. “And I’m happy for him.”
“That’s good,” she suggests.
“Definitely. And they’re coming to Theo’s party.” I pause. “Which I expected. Theo and Cal have been friends forever.”
Reagan doesn’t say anything for a few seconds. “You’re a good friend. I know Gabby is so grateful to you for being okay with having the party here.”
I smile. “It’s fine. This is her home too. And yours.”
“Yes, but she knows you and Theo have had issues in the past,” she says. “You could’ve said no.”
I shake my head. “There’s no reason for that. It’s a party. I’m sure it’ll be fun.”
I fold the top of the bag down to stop myself from eating too many chips. “Anyway, enough about that. What’s up with you?”
I listen as Reagan tells me about the project she and Jeremy have been working on. I’m really trying to give her my undivided attention. There’s no reason not to. So I saw Cal tonight, and he’s dating Sara who seems like a great person. There’s nothing else to say. Our paths have crossed again, and that’s life. I refuse to overthink it.
Chapter Five
Pilates, friends, and real estate. Is there anything else in life? That’s all I have going on right now, and I’m not mad about it. Maybe this is what I’ve needed for a while.
Our house is all abuzz with plans for Theo’s birthday party. Gabby is loving every second of the planning process and has even made a few comments about becoming a party planner. She’d probably be pretty amazing at it too. I know she’s struggled with having to restart her real estate career since moving to Miami. She left a thriving business behind when she left Central Florida. Reagan is also really enjoying the planning, and I even jumped in and helped tie ribbons around party favor bags. I also stayed quiet while Gabby went on and on about Theo not wanting her to make a big deal out of his birthday.
Yeah, right.
Theo Jorgenson has always loved being the center of attention, but I don’t say that out loud.
I’m just about to walk in to my six a.m. Pilates class when my phone buzzes from inside my bag.
Hey, it’s Sara, Diane gave me your number. It was great meeting you. Cal and I are looking forward to the birthday party. We have to make plans to get together soon.
I stare at the text and put the phone back in my bag. I don’t need to respond to her right this second. It’s not like she’s a client.
I try my best to focus on my class and not think about seeing Cal again on Saturday. Not to mention that he’ll be back in my home—the same home I grew up in. He’s been there before. We made out in my old room which is now Reagan’s room.
Gah. None of this matters anymore. The past is the past. He’s happy with Sara, and I’m thrilled for them. Really.
After my class I run home to shower, and I already have six emails waiting for me when it’s time to start my workday. The closing on the Hillards’ home has freed up a lot of my time. I didn’t realize how much of my time Diane required.
“Lila, you’re on fire right now,” Elizabeth calls from her office. I jump up from my chair, saunter into my boss’s office, and sit down.
I really thrive on getting compliments, especially when it comes to my job. I’m good at what I do, it’s one of the few things that I’m confident about. My dad always teases me that I could sell ice to an ice cream shop or something like that. I guess it runs in the family. My father worked in sales for years, and my mother also did real estate when I was young.
“Thanks, E. I guess you can say I’ve thrown myself into my work.”
She nods as she looks at my forecast.
“I can see that—not that I’m surprised.” She raises her eyebrows. “The Hillards left a stellar review. It’s obvious that they think you walk on water.”
I snort. “Yes, Diane still texts me. Not as frequently as when I was working with her, but more than my own mother.”
“Clearly, you left a lasting impression.”
“I guess so.”
