Page 45 of Thanks for the Friendship
A few seconds later, Sara jumps to her feet to greet someone at the entrance. I feel like I’ve seen the woman before, and I watch curiously as she approaches the table. All of a sudden, my heart sinks.
Diane stands up to greet her. “Louise, thank you for coming.”
It’s Louise Sims, or as I know her, Mrs. Sims. Otherwise known as Cal’s mom. She has a few more wrinkles around her eyes and the same wavy blonde hair.
This totally makes sense. Of course Diane knows Cal’s mom. Sara and Cal have been together for a long time, and they’ve probably had a few happy family get-togethers by now. Christine is next to jump to her feet and give her a hug. All of a sudden I feel like the uninvited guest at a family reunion. I need to think, and quick. Pretending like I don’t know her will make things even more awkward, and although Cal said she remembers me, I’m not convinced.
Diane begins making introductions, and when she comes to me, I give Cal’s mom a warm smile.
“Hi, Mrs. Sims. You probably don’t remember me.”
A huge smile spreads across her face. “Oh my goodness, Lila Barlow. Of course I do.”
She engulfs me in a hug that only a favorite teacher could give. She was never one my teachers, but she treated all the kids the same. She gives me one final squeeze before letting go.
“How do you know each other?” Diane asks.
“Cal and Lila went to high school together, remember,” Sara answers for us. She shoots me a glance letting me know that she doesn’t want anyone to know about my history with Cal.
Mrs. Sims gives a nod. “And I taught school for years and made it a point to know as many of the kids as I could.”
I’m actually glad she redirected the conversation. This table of ladies doesn’t need to know that Sara and I have similar interests other than fashion sense.
Our lunch continues, and we all share some of our favorite stories about Diane. She looks over the moon that everyone came to celebrate her, and I’m happy for her.
When a few of the ladies walk over to the bar, Mrs. Sims slides to the chair next to me.
“It’s such a treat to see you,” she says patting my hand. “Cal was just telling me about how you all reconnected.”
I nod. “Yes, it’s been very interesting.”
“Tell me what you’re up to.”
What is there to say? I do real estate, but my agency is closing. I love living in my childhood home with the greatest roommates, but we’re selling the house. I just broke up with a great guy. Ugh. Not a chance. Like my mom always says, fake it until your face hurts.
“My job keeps me extremely busy. And I love to travel when I can,” I say with a shrug.
“How are your parents?”
“They’re great. They are loving retirement and traveling.”
“Retirement is wonderful. I golf and do Zumba now.” She laughs while shaking her head. “If anyone would’ve told me years ago that those would be my hobbies, I would’ve said they were crazy.”
“Cal told me that you still feed him and his friends once in a while.”
She sighs. “Yes, much to my husband’s dismay. But my boy needs to eat, and he works so hard taking care of other people.”
I grin. “He was meant to be a doctor.”
“That’s what I always say.”
Sara returns and sits down next to Mrs. Sims. “Isn’t it fun, that we’ve all become friends?” she coos. “And this lady is one of the best.”
She squeezes Mrs. Sims hand.
“And like Diane said, if you buy my house we’ll be connected forever,” I add.
Mrs. Sims smile fades, and she gives me a confused look.
