Page 35 of Thanks for the Friendship
“I’m not worried about it.”
When I get home, neither Reagan nor Gabby are there. The house is quiet, and it makes me instantly feel sad. I look around my house, and a wave of emotion comes over me. Things are changing so fast, and I better get used to it. When I made the decision to move back in here, I didn’t know what to expect, but now I know it was meant to be. Becoming friends with Gabby and Reagan made it all worth it. I don’t know what lies ahead, but Harry was right—I can handle anything. I’m always up for a new adventure, and I have a feeling that’s exactly what I’m in for.
Chapter Eleven
“I’ve never seen Elizabeth so frazzled,” Javier whispers. “She looks like she hasn’t slept in days.”
Elizabeth does look disheveled. Her hair is flat, her blouse is wrinkled, and she has dark circles under her eyes. Nothing like the powerhouse boss we’re used to seeing.
Gabby asked her sister-in-law, Nikki, if anything was going on with Elizabeth, and she didn’t know. Or at least that’s what she said. Regardless, there has to be something because she doesn’t seem like herself. And I totally get it. Sometimes life throws weird curveballs our way, and we have to figure out how to handle them.
“I’ll talk to her today,” I reply.
Suzanna is typing away on her laptop, but I know she’s trying to listen to our conversation.
When Gabby arrives, the whole office is abuzz with her engagement news. I’ve never seen her so happy, and it could be my imagination, but I feel like she’s more focused on her work this morning. One of her clients finally put in an offer on a home after dragging their feet for a month. I’m thrilled for her, because she really needed a few wins.
I’m listening to Gabby tell Javier about Theo’s party when my phone rings. I’m surprised to see Sara’s number on the screen, and I hesitate for a few seconds before finally answering.
“This is Lila Barlow.”
“Hey, girl, it’s Sara. I have the best news.”
My ears perk up. Who doesn’t lovethe bestnews?
“Do tell.”
“Cal and I were talking, and I think I finally convinced him that we should buy your house.”
What?
I frown. First of all the house isn’t even for sale yet. And how can they decide this already, not even knowing what we’re listing it for? I’ve pulled the specs, but I’ve been avoiding them—pictures haven’t been taken yet, and I haven’t even told my roommates.
I glance over at Gabby, who’s scrolling through her phone, showing Javier pictures from the party. This isn’t the place I want to break the news to her.
“That’s great. I’ll let you know as soon as it’s listed, and we can go from there.”
“Oh, I was thinking you wouldn’t even have to list it,” she suggests. “We could meet up for dinner and work out all the details.”
Damn, she’s pushy.
“That’s a possibility we can discuss for sure.”
I’m trying to sound professional and satisfy her at the same time. I have a feeling I’m about to have a Diane, Part Two on my hands. Endless calls and texts—just when I thought I was free.
“Anyway, we can talk about that later,” she says. “The other reason I’m calling is to invite you to a birthday lunch for Aunt Diane.”
She goes on to give me the details, and I add it to my schedule. Since I have Sara on the phone and Gabby is now busy with her own phone call, I take the chance to ask her about AJ. I’m not surprised when she grows quiet.
“Um, sure. I can ask Cal for his info.”
“That would be amazing,” I say. “Things got so crazy at the party that I didn’t have a chance to talk to him again.”
My intuition is kicked into overdrive. Sara doesn’t want me to reach out to AJ, and I’m going to find out why. When we get off the phone, I wait for Gabby to finish her call and then tell her about my theory.
“I’m sure Theo can connect you with AJ.”
I nod. “I know. But I don’t understand why Sara is acting so strange about it.”
