Page 19 of Thanks for the Friendship
“So, business has been good?” my dad asks once we’re settled.
“Really good.”
I take the opportunity to show them the review the Hillards left for me.
“Aww, they consider you a part of their family now?” my mother asks. “How lovely.”
I think about the endless number of calls and texts from Diane. Dare I say, I miss them a little? I don’t want to jinx it though.
I sigh. “We accomplished quite a feat to get them that house.”
“I guarantee no one else would’ve been able to do it,” my father says.
I appreciate his faith in me.
“I have quite a few clients in the pipeline and should have some more closing very soon,” I add.
“Of course you do,” my dad exclaims. “I’ve always said that you could sell ice to an ice cream shop.”
His silly catchphrase always makes me laugh.
“So, you said you wanted to talk to me about something?” I ask. As much as I love hearing their praise, I’m very curious about any possible hidden agenda to this dinner. And I don’t mean hidden agenda in a negative way.
My parents look at each other.
“Lila,” a voice shrieks.
Wait. I’d know that voice anywhere. I turn around to see the Hillards standing a few feet away, and of course they’re not alone. Sara and Cal are with them.
Okay, I’m not one to believe in signs from the universe or fate or any of that stuff, but what are the chances of them coming here—tonight. It’s totally my fault though. I raved to Diane about the food here on many occasions. I guess they finally decided to try it, and they happened to pick tonight. Lucky me.
My parents look over as I wave.
“Mom and Dad, these are the clients I was just telling you about, the Hillards.”
Diane approaches my mother like she’s a long lost friend she hasn’t seen in twenty years.
“It’s so good to meet you,” Diane gushes.
The introductions begin, and I immediately wonder if my parents are going to recognize Cal. I should probably get out in front of any awkward moments.
“Do you guys remember Cal Sims? We went to high school together, and he’s one of Theo Jorgenson’s good friends,” I say nonchalantly.
I can almost see the wheels turning in my mother’s brain as I pray she doesn’t say anything that will make everyone uncomfortable. I know she remembers him. Cal and I dated for several months, and if he wasn’t at our house, he was playing basketball or hanging out at the neighbor’s house.
“Urm, yes. Hello,” she says slowly.
My dad shakes his hand.
“It’s nice to see you both again,” Cal says warmly.
“And this is his girlfriend, Sara, who’s also the Hillards’ niece,” I add.
“Isn’t this a fun coincidence?” Diane exclaims. “I had a feeling these girls were meant to meet.”
One of the things working in sales has taught me is to keep a smile on my face at all costs.
Diane continues talking about getting their home, which is a better subject than how Cal and I know each other.
