Page 50 of Thanks for the Friendship
“I have a condo closing at the end of the week.”
“Excellent.”
“Speaking of sales, I have some news,” I say. I’m just about to tell my mother about Fun in the Sun, but she starts talking before I have a chance.
“Great, I was hoping you were ready to move forward with listing the house.”
I let out a frustrated sigh. “Um, not yet—but soon.”
I explain that Elizabeth is moving to London and will probably close the agency. I’m hoping this will convince her to delay the house a least until Gabby and I figure out where we want to land.
“Oh no, I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Me too. It’s been a rough few weeks.”
My mother and I don’t have the type of relationship for me to cry on her shoulder. She means well, but she’s not a Mrs. Sims type. I remember coming home from school upset about friends or boys and she would tell me that my heartache would help me in the future and make me a stronger person. It was always good advice, but sometimes I just wanted her to give me a bowl of ice cream and a hug.
“I’m sure there will be companies fighting to add you to their teams.”
I was going to tell her about Elizabeth’s offer, but I hold back. I haven’t shared this with anyone yet, and the last thing I need is added pressure from my mother.
“Have you spoken to your roommates yet?” she asks.
“Yes, they’re both really sad.”
“I’m sure. Maybe you could all find a lovely house to rent.”
“Yeah, we haven’t had a chance to discuss it,” I say. “You told me I had time.”
“You do. I just don’t want you to wait too long.”
“I’m not. I have the landscaper coming on Friday. And I’m going to do a walk-through checklist this weekend.”
“Wonderful,” she says excitedly. “Have you seen Cal Sims recently?”
I almost fall off my chair. What on earth would make her ask about Cal?
“No, why?”
“I was just curious.”
“Mom?”
She sighs into the phone. “Okay. I’ve been thinking about how we ran into him at the restaurant. Daddy said he kept looking over at you throughout the evening.”
Huh. My parents have never gotten involved in my personal life. They’ve met a few of the men I’ve dated from time to time, but they always cared more about my success than my relationships.
“Cal’s girlfriend wants them to buy the house,” I blurt out.
As soon as I say the words out loud, I regret it. She’s probably going to tell me to close the deal ASAP.
“They can’t buy our house,” she shouts.
Whoa. I didn’t expect that reaction.
“They aren’t. Cal said no when she suggested it.”
“I should think so.”
