Page 46 of Thanks for the Friendship
“What house?”
Sara shoots me a dirty look.
Oops.
In my defense, we were just discussing this before Louise arrived. So how was I to know that we weren’t supposed to talk about it in front of Cal’s mom?
Sara quickly explains that they briefly discussed purchasing my parents’ house. Of course it sounds different when she explains it to Louise. Hmm … I’m starting to wonder if Sara is just a big liar.
The party quickly shifts back to being about Diane and her opening the gifts. I think she might cry tears of joy when she opens my card and finds gift cards to HomeGoods. But who wouldn’t? Everyone loves HomeGoods.
After the cake is served, I’m ready to make my exit. Although part of me wants to stay and talk to Mrs. Sims some more. She has the same warm and nurturing presence that I remember.
“I hope you had fun,” Sara says before I leave.
“I did. Thank you so much for including me … I’m sorry if I said too much about the house in front of Cal’s mom.”
She waves her hand. “It’s fine. I just think she’d rather us get married before moving in together.”
My stomach twists into tiny knots at the thought.
“You never know. Look at Gabby and Theo.”
She nods. “Yes, that happened very fast. But my grandmother used to say that nothing can stop love.”
I purse my lips. I wish I believed that.
“That reminds me, were you able to get AJ’s info for me? If not, it’s fine. I’m sure I can get it from Theo.”
She shakes her head. “Not yet, I’ve been so busy with this party. I’ll try to talk to Cal about it.”
Yes, please do that.
“Great. Maybe we can all go out for a drink or something,” I say eagerly.
“Uh, sure. That sounds fun.”
I pick up my Mountain Dew party favor and say my good-byes, including one last big hug from Mrs. Sims.
Talk about an interesting day. I definitely didn’t expect to see Cal’s mom. And he was right, she does remember me.
* * *
I stretch out on the couch and pull a cozy blanket tightly around me. I’ve learned a lot today, including the fact that Mountain Dew isn’t as bad as I thought. I couldn’t drink it twenty-four hours a day like Diane does, but it’s not terrible. I hear the door open, and Gabby walks into the kitchen.
“Hey,” I say, holding up my bottle.
She gives me a funny look. “Are you drinking Mountain Dew?”
She sits on the edge of the couch while I tell her about Diane’s birthday lunch and about seeing Cal’s mom.
She laughs. “How did you get into this mess?”
I shake my head. “I’ve been wondering the same thing all day.”
We’re still chatting when Reagan comes in.
“Hey, Reagan,” Gabby calls.
