Page 90 of Thanks for the Friendship
He snorts. “I already know that—it’s not like we just met yesterday.”
I scowl.
“Sometimes I’m impossible,” he continues. “Especially after an exhausting shift with very little sleep.”
Ugh. This is worse than I ever expected. I’m totally falling in love with Cal Sims and it’s too late to stop it.
“This isn’t going to be fun and exciting forever,” I remind him. “You’re going to get sick of me like you did before.”
The words slip out before I realize it.
“Is that what this is about? Are you purposely pushing me away because you think I’m going to break up with you again?” he asks, concern in his voice.
“I don’t know,” I snap. “I’m scared, okay?”
My chest is rising and falling quickly as every bit of emotion I’m feeling finally comes to the surface.
“Why all of a sudden are you pulling out every stop to be with me?” I ask. “What about all those years? You could’ve reached out to me if you really wanted to—I certainly wasn’t hard to find.”
I can see the frustration rising in his face.
“I knew where you were,” he says. “Youwere living your best life—all the parties, the yachts, the vacations. You became very successful, and you seemed happy. It didn’t look like you were missing me from your life.”
But I wasn’t ever truly happy. Something was always missing. Maybe it was him. I can’t be sure.
“I’m going to leave to give you time to think,” he says, lowering his voice. “But just so you know. I’m not walking away from this until you tell me to.”
He kisses me on the forehead and heads for the door.
I want to go after him, but I’m much too stubborn for that. It’s probably a good thing. I should sort out my feelings because I don’t want to mess this up. Not again.
* * *
“Yes, it is the perfect floor plan for what you’re looking for,” I say eagerly. “I’ll meet you there at three thirty. I know you’re going to love this home.”
I end the call and add the appointment to my calendar.
“We need to talk,” Javier demands. “Some things are more important than work.”
“What?”
“Um, hello. You’re holding out on me, Lila.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m not sure what you’re referring to?”
He moves his chair closer to mine. “I’ve heard through a reputable source that you have a new man in your life.”
I glance back at Gabby who’s pretending to be busy. She’s obviously the source he’s referring to.
I haven’t yet told my roommates about my last conversation with Cal. Mainly because we’ve all been busy, and also because I don’t want to hear their lectures.
The good news is that everything seems to be okay with him. He called to check up on me, and he said he wants to see me whenever I’m ready. After he left, I realized I probably overreacted. It wouldn’t be the first time and probably won’t be the last. At the same time I don’t regret it because I had to say what was on my mind.
“I’ll tell you all about it when—”
The office door opens, and we both look over. My eyes grow wide when I see Diane Hillard walk in. She gives me a wave, but her expression remains cold, which makes my heart sink into my stomach.
“Hi, Diane,” I exclaim. “What a nice surprise.”
