Page 27 of Thanks for the Friendship
“AJ, this is Lila Barlow. She’s one of the party hosts. This is her house.”
AJ holds out his hand to me. “It’s nice to meet you. You certainly know how to throw a party.”
I shrug. “Thank you, but I can’t take any of the credit. This was all Gabby.”
“Well then, I’ll be sure to tell her later. I think she’s a little busy now.”
We all glance over at Gabby, who looks happier than I’ve ever seen her.
“So, AJ, how do you know the birthday boy?” I ask playfully.
A little flirting never hurt anyone. And since I’m single, I’ve got nothing to lose.
He points to Cal. “I met Theo through this guy. Circa who knows how many years ago. It was an adventure in Cancun, and we can leave it at that.”
“Whoa. That’s all you’re going to say?” I look at Sara. “Have you heard this story?”
She looks back and forth between the men. “Bits and pieces. But I’m sure Cal cleaned it up for me.”
Cal gives an innocent shrug. “I told you everything I remember.”
I laugh. “That’s a fair answer.”
“So, Lila, what do you do?” AJ asks, running his hand through his hair.
Full disclosure. AJ is kind of hot.
I launch into the details about my career, which is a subject that’s easy to talk about.
AJ smiles. “Very impressive. I dabble in real estate here and there. My brother-in-law and I own a few properties. He manages them, and I’m just in it for the fun.”
“Lila helped my aunt and uncle find their dream home,” Sara chimes in. “They adore her.”
I give her a warm smile. “And I them.”
Diane’s endless calls and texts may have gone over the top, but she’s a sweet lady.
“So you just have fun and make your brother-in-law do all the work?” I ask.
AJ takes a sip of his drink. He chuckles. “Wow—we just met, and you know me so well already.”
Neither Sara nor Cal seem enthused by our banter. I’m not sure why they’d care, either.
Wasn’t Diane just asking Sara about Cal introducing me to one of his doctor friends?
“To answer your question, I’m an anesthesiologist,” he says. “I used to work with Cal.”
Cal nods. “It was always an adventure working with you, Dr. Bennett.”
AJ grips his shoulder. “And you, Dr. Sims.”
“So you’re everyone’s favorite doctor,” I suggest. “Who doesn’t love the anesthesiologist?”
“Exactly.”
Applause suddenly erupts, making us turn around to see Gabby and Reagan bringing out a huge birthday cake. The guests start singing “Happy Birthday” to Theo. Theo wraps his arms around Gabby and kisses her. It’s all very romantic and theatrical.
With the presentation of the cake, my conversation with AJ ends as the party begins to wind down.
