Page 43 of Thanks for the Friendship
“How was your day?” he asks.
“Well, dear,” I say sarcastically, which makes him laugh. “It was actually pretty stressful. We have some big changes happening, so everything feels chaotic. How about you?”
“I’m working the evening shift tonight, so I’m getting ready to go in.”
“Ah, yes. Dr. Sims.”
I’m actually not surprised that Cal became a doctor because he’s always had a nurturing quality. I remember a time there was a car accident right in front of our high school. Cal was the first person to jump in and help. He had an amazing bedside manner even at the age of eighteen, so I’m sure it’s even better now. That day when Gabby first moved in, I never expectedhe’dbe the doctor she saw after falling out of the hammock. I was so surprised to hear that my new roommate was hanging out with both Theo and Cal.
“Anyway, I’m sure you want to unwind after your day, so I won’t keep you long.”
“It’s fine,” I say quickly.
He launches into his conversation with Theo. Thankfully there’s no mention of AJ. At least not yet.
“Just to be clear, Sara and I did have a discussion about buying your house. But that’s all it was.”
“Well, she made it sound like a done deal,” I tell him. “She even told me not to list it.”
He sighs. “I’m sorry. Sara can be overzealous at times. Once she gets something in her head, that’s all she can think about.”
Hmm … like AJ?
“It’s okay … She really must like the house. I mean, she mentioned that you two have been talking about moving in together.”
“We have—off and on.”
“And I’m sure you’d love to be right next door to your bestie.”
He chuckles. “Yes, that would be great. But it wouldn’t feel right living in your house. There are too many memories.”
Memories? Does he mean—ofus?
“Well, yes, but that was a long time ago.”
He doesn’t say anything, and my pulse begins to pick up.
I clear my throat. “So, I guess you’ll have to talk Sara out of it.”
“Um, yeah. I’m counting on you to get it sold before she even realizes it.”
“I’ll do my best,” I say. “We’re not in a rush, but I need to start the process soon. Doing projects and touchups around the house and stuff like that.”
We chat for a few more minutes, and I realize how nice and comfortable this feels. Thankfully, Theo didn’t let me down and there’s no mention of AJ. I’m not trying to cause trouble, and it’s not like I actually want his girlfriend to cheat on him. When we finally get off the phone, I stare at the screen for a few minutes as I try to make sense of what I’m feeling. Is there actually a part of me that wants something to be going on with Sara and AJ? That would make me a terrible person, right? Ugh. The good news is that Cal won’t be living in my home with his future wife.
Chapter Thirteen
Inever thought I’d be going to a birthday lunch for Diane Hillard, but a lot of aspects of my life don’t make much sense right now. I considered canceling but I really do like Diane. She’s a good person, and today is about her.
When I arrive at the Serena Rooftop, I immediately see that Sara went all out for this celebration. I have a feeling she doesn’t do anything small, which I guess is one of the traits that Diane recognized in both of us.
There are two bunches of pink and green balloons. A large vase with pink and white flowers sits in the center of the table, and a gorgeous cake with pink and gold embellishments. There’s even a small bottle of Mountain Dew wrapped with a bow at each seat. Clever.
I notice a stack of gifts, so I add the card I brought to the pile. Sara and an older woman who looks just like her are talking to an elegant redheaded woman by the bar.
“Lila, you made it,” Sara exclaims. She seems surprised to see me. Why does everyone have the same reaction when I actually show up to these parties?
“Love the outfit,” she says with a smirk.
