Page 22 of Thanks for the Friendship
“I guess that’s my cue to go be social,” I say, sitting up.
“Me too. The food looks divine,” she says. “And I should probably find my man.”
“Good idea, save him from Theo.”
She leans her head to the side. “About that—Cal told me that you and Theo don’t get along.”
Hmm … I wonder if that’s all he said.
“We didn’t for many years. He lived right next door when we were growing up,” I say, pointing to his house. “I always said he was like the annoying brother I never wanted.”
“And now he’s going to propose to your roommate.” She freezes, and all the color drains from her face.
“Um, what?”
She covers her face with her hands. “Crap. Please don’t say anything.”
I’m about to ask her how she knows about this turn of events, but she starts talking before I have a chance.
“I overheard Cal talking to Theo about it on the phone, but I swore I wouldn’t say anything.”
Wow, Gabby is going to be ecstatic. At least I think she is. Her last engagement didn’t have a happy ending, so who knows.
“Is it happening tonight?”
She shrugs. “I don’t know any of the details, but now I need a drink.”
As we head inside, my mind is racing with questions.
Is he planning to ask her tonight at his party? Have they discussed marriage? Is she ready to take this step with him? I know Gabby’s head over heels for him, but they’ve been together less than a year.
When I get inside, I check my phone and find a message from my friend Paul.
Hey, stranger. It’s last minute, but I’m getting the crew together for a day at sea tomorrow. You in?
That’s code for a party on his family’s mini-yacht.
I adore my friend Paul, but things have been a little uncomfortable since he got close to Reagan’s friend Bethany. She came to stay with us a few months ago, and it was a nightmare. Anyway, she connected with Paul, and I think he still spends time with her. It’s a taboo subject that neither of us brings up. I know there’s a chance she’ll be there, but I’m certainly not going to let that stop me. My phone buzzes again with another text.
Bring Jordan.
Ugh. I guess the news hasn’t gotten to him yet. We’re all in the same circle, so I figured he’d know by now.
Hey, you. I’m in, but solo.
I hit send and then start typing again.
I guess you haven’t heard the news. Jordan and I are no more, but everything is fine. At a party. See you tomorrow.
News travels fast via Paul, so the rest of the social circle will know before the night is over.
I look around at the party décor. Gabby really did an amazing job. She carefully thought out the details and went with a sports theme because Theo loves everything sports related.
The guests are a wide range of ages, and everyone seems to be having a great time. The catering company sent a few people to take care of food and make sure everything is running smoothly.
Reagan and her boyfriend, Jeremy, are slow-dancing to a fast song. Those two just started dating within the last few months and are completely enamored with one another. They actually might be more outwardly affectionate than Gabby and Theo. She has her arms linked around his neck, and his are wrapped around her waist. They are gazing into each other eyes, and by the looks of it, you’d think they were the only two people at this party, or on this planet.
Gabby putters around the kitchen in her black romper and denim jacket.
