Page 66 of Thanks for the Friendship
“How are you feeling today?” I ask. “Did you have to work?”
He shakes his head. “I’m back on shift tomorrow, and I’m doing okay.”
I sit down on the couch and slip into my flip-flops.
“My mom says hi, by the way.”
Hmm … I guess that means they were discussing me.
“She’s the sweetest lady,” I say.
“I have to agree.”
Neither of us says anything for a few seconds.
“I’m ready when you are,” I announce. “Let’s go to Theo’s.”
Those are words I never thought I’d be saying.
As soon as I stand up, Cal stops me by putting his hand on my arm.
“Lila, I wanted to thank you for listening last night.”
“Of course,” I say, clearing my throat. “I was happy to help.”
We’re standing a few inches apart, which is making my heart pound against my chest. Our gazes lock and I feel dizzy from the invisible pull that’s happening between us.
What the hell am I doing?He just broke up with his girlfriend not even twenty-four hours ago. I won’t be a rebound for any man, not even Cal Sims.
“We should probably go,” I say.
We walk through my backyard in silence, but I’m still thinking about the moment we just had. There have been a few since we reconnected, except this time he’s single.
Once we’re safely inside his house, Gabby and Theo do a great job of breaking the ice. Theo ordered pizza and breadsticks from Slices and Salads, the best pizza shop in town. He’s really pulling out all the stops to win me over.
“Maybe we should find a movie to watch,” Gabby suggests.
“Fine, but no horror or end of world stuff,” I say, popping a piece of pepperoni into my mouth.
“Boo,” Theo whines.
“I think Cal should choose the movie,” Gabby says. That’s fair considering the purpose of this night is to cheer Cal up.
“I like that idea,” he agrees.
“All right, man, what’s your choice?” Theo asks, reaching for the remote control.
He pauses and gives a thoughtful look. “Let’s watch ‘Never Been Kissed’ with Drew Barrymore.”
Wait, what? That’s my favorite movie. I make every effort not to show any emotion, but inside I’m dying. I can’t believe he actually remembered.
Gabby shoots me a glance.
“Great movie,” I say nonchalantly.
“Seriously?” Theo exclaims. “Of all the movies ever made you choose that one. Come on, man.”
“I think it’s a good idea,” Gabby insists.
