Page 18 of Thanks for the Friendship
She grits her teeth. “I’m not sure. I’ve never really thought about doing anything else.”
I give her a thoughtful look. “You’ll figure it out. If there’s anything I know about you, it’s that you always land on your feet.”
She lets out a frustrated sigh. “Yeah, it seems like I’ve had to do that a lot in the last few years.”
I really admire Gabby. She’s strong and determined. I don’t know how I would’ve reacted if I went through what she did, but she’s a much kinder person than I am.
“Anyway, I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”
I laugh. “You don’t have to worry. I’m getting used to seeing Cal, and it’s fine.”
She jumps up from my bed. “Good.”
“Now go take care of your boyfriend,” I demand.
After Gabby leaves I think about what she said. I’m not in the same situation as she is when it comes to her career, but I like the idea of trying new things. Maybe that’s how I need to look at life in general. I’m definitely at a crossroads, and it’s time to reevaluate.
But first I need to have dinner with my parents. It will be nice to see them.
* * *
When I was a little girl, I distinctly remember the period of time my mother sold homes. One of my favorite things to do was go to open houses and tour model homes. There was just something so exhilarating about it, and I think that’s when my love for real estate was born. I considered other careers, but I do much better if I’m able to manage myself. And even though Elizabeth is my boss, she’s mostly hands-off when it comes to managing me.
I pop in and out of the office a few times in between meeting with clients, and before I know it, I’m sitting in Bellawaiting for my parents. I’m wearing a cap sleeve white T-shirt with high-waisted, pinstriped pants. It may seem silly to care about my outfit because it’s dinner with my family. But it’s important, especially to my mother.
I’m about to request a table, when the door flies open. I immediately take in my mother’s familiar scent. The same perfume she’s worn for as long as I can remember.
She’s wearing a knee-length navy blue dress, with a pair of gorgeous wedges that look perfect on her tanned and toned legs.
My mother is stunning—yes, she’s had some help in keeping the wrinkles under control, but she still looks fantastic.
“There she is,” my dad says excitedly. My father looks great too. Tall, lean, and his wrinkles look minimal as well, not that I’m surprised. My mom takes good care of him.
I hurry to my parents and throw my arms around both of them. In this moment it hits me just how much I miss them.
“You look wonderful,” my mother says. “And your hair looks very healthy.”
She runs her fingers through the strands and examines the ends closely. Like I would actually show up to see my mother with split ends.
“Thanks, Mom.”
The host leads us to a table, and we sit down. I immediately ask them about their recent travels. I know how much they love talking about them, and I’m genuinely interested. Someday I’d love to do the same, whether it be with my husband or solo. Apparently solo trips are super popular right now. I met a woman from Germany at a party recently who has done two separate solo trips here in the states. She told me about how much she loved having the freedom to go wherever she wanted at any time.
“You should join us sometime,” my dad says, pulling me out of my thoughts. “We’re heading to New York soon.”
I smile. “I do love Manhattan.”
“Oh, you should,” my mother exclaims. “When’s the last time you took some time off work?”
Hmm … I’d have to think about this. The last trip I had was a quick weekend getaway with friends in Islamorada on my friend Paul’s boat. It was fun, but it wasn’t an actual vacation. I’m probably long overdue, and maybe a trip with my parents would be good for me right now.
“I definitely have some vacation time saved up,” I tell them.
“Perfect. Then we’ll get planning,” my mother says.
The server approaches our table to introduce the specials and take our drink order.
My mother orders a bottle of wine and compliments the server on her hair.
