Page 42 of Thanks for the Friendship
Sure. I have a busy day. How about this evening?
Oh well, what’s a little more added stress to my day. But, like my friend Harry said, I can handle anything.
A text from Gabby pops up on my phone.
Well?
Crap, seeing the text from Cal made me forget to text her.
Elizabeth is going to London,I type quickly.
First she gives me a curious look, and then her eyes grow wide. She doesn’t have a chance to text me back before Javier arrives.
As soon as the Fun in the Sun Realty team is assembled and present in our small conference room, Elizabeth clears her throat and starts talking.
“I’m sure you’ve all noticed things have been a little off with me over the past month or so.”
“Have we ever,” Javier chimes in. “But you’re looking fabulous today.”
He always knows the right things to say.
She continues and gently breaks the news of her impending move to London. There’s a collective gasp, and even I join in. Although I already know what’s happening, it sounds as dramatic as it did when she told me.
“You’re leaving?” Javier wails.
“I had a feeling,” Suzanna says glumly.
“What does this mean for us?” Gabby asks.
Poor Elizabeth tries to answer questions and contain her emotions at the same time.
Gabby looks at me, and I just give her a subtle nod.
Elizabeth continues telling the team that she’s looking into a few different possibilities to keep the agency open, but things are still up in the air. Thankfully she doesn’t tell them about asking me to take over. The last thing I need is added pressure from Gabby and Javier. I don’t think Suzanna would care either way. She’s probably already prepared to move on anyway.
“I’ve spoken to other agencies, and there are many doors open to any of you who are willing to move over. I know this is difficult news, and I promise that I’m not making these decisions lightly”—she pauses, dabbing the corners of her eyes with a tissue—“You’re all like family to me, and I’ve wrestled with this for days.”
I find myself getting emotional as well. Fun in the Sun has been one of the constants in my life. When my relationships didn’t work out, I always had my work to fall back on. I know I’ll be able to move over to another agency, but I doubt anything will be like the environment here. This agency truly lives up to its name. Unfortunately, I’m still not sure I can assume the role of running it. I have a lot to think about.
* * *
Anticipation can be a strange feeling. You can be super excited about something or dread it. I’m not sure what to think about my conversation with Cal. I hope Theo wouldn’t throw me under the bus. Our relationship has come such a long way.
Gabby finally calmed down after Elizabeth’s announcement, and luckily she had a few house showings, so she left the office early. I’m sure she’ll want to talk tonight. I also need to tell her and Reagan about the house. Too many people know now, and it’s going to come out. Of course I’d rather them hear it from me.
As I drive home, I realize that I haven’t heard from Diane in a while, not that I’m complaining. I’m sure she’s busy getting used to her new home. If it turns out that Sara and AJ have been involved, then that could potentially affect my relationship with the Hillards. Thankfully, we already closed. I’m sure they’ll be Team Sara, and I’ll most likely be Team Cal.
I know I’m getting way ahead of myself, but this is how my brain works. When I sort things out in my head, I’m able to see things clearly.
Just as I pull through the gates of my neighborhood, my phone rings, and I see Cal’s number. I take a few deep breaths and exhale loudly. No matter what this conversation brings, I stand by everything I’ve said.
“Hello.”
“Hey, Lila.”
“Cal.”
Why am I being so formal? Ugh. And why do I care so much? It’s been almost ten years, and somehow Cal Sims still has some effect on me.
