Page 92 of Thanks for the Friendship
She tightens her jaw and walks toward the door without saying good-bye.
Well, I think it’s safe to say that the endless texts and calls from Diane Hillard are officially over. I didn’t expect our partnership to end under these circumstances, but nothing surprises me anymore.
Chapter Twenty-Six
I’ve always been proud of the fact that I have very tough skin. I’ve learned to let things roll off my back, especially when people insult me. But for some reason, all the things that Diane Hillard said are bothering me. Even though I know that none of them are true, it makes me sad that she thinks so poorly of me. Not that I would ever expect her to take my side over Sara’s.
I’ve worked with hundreds of families over the course of my career, and I’ve lost touch with many of them. I guess I’ll just add the Hillards to that list and move on.
“How did it go?” Gabby asks when I return to the office. “I’m assuming she came to talk about Sara.”
“Of course, and it went as bad as you can imagine,” I say, sitting down in my chair and sliding myself closer to my desk. “She basically accused me of breaking them up and then stealing Cal away from her.”
Gabby rolls her eyes. “If only Diane could’ve had the pleasure of meeting AJ.”
“Oh, I think she has,” I say. “Although she told me that Sara and AJ are only friends. I guess nothing is going to change her mind about her perfect angel Sara.”
Gabby raises her eyebrows. “She’ll figure it out sooner or later. The truth will always come out, no matter how hard you try to hide it.”
Gabby’s right. However, I’m not sure Diane would believe the truth if it hit her in the face.
As the day goes on, I’m trying my best to concentrate on my work, but I can’t. I want to see Cal.
I grab my phone and send him a text.
Just wanted to say hi. I hope you’re having a good day.
I stare at my laptop screen and think about what happened. Diane really pushed my buttons, but what she doesn’t realize is how much I care about Cal. I would never do what Sara did to him. My phone buzzes, making my heart skip a beat.
I was just thinking about you.
A smile spreads across my face.
Diane Hillard just came to my office. It wasn’t pretty.
While I wait for his response, my phone rings. I’m surprised when I see my father’s number on the screen.
“Hello.”
“Hi. How’s my girl?”
“I’m okay, and sales are good.”
I figure I’d just cut to the chase on that before he asks me. He goes on to tell me about a museum tour he and my mother just did and how their guide passed out and nearly fell down the stairs.
“That’s quite a story,” I say. “You and Mom have had some interesting experiences.”
“Well, life is the greatest adventure you could ever take,” he says adamantly. “And spending it with your soul mate makes it even better.”
I smile to myself. My dad is hard core when it comes to business, but when it comes to my mother, he’s a big teddy bear.
“Anyway, the reason I’m calling is to give you some news.”
My body stiffens. I’m not sure I’m ready to hear any more news from them.
“What is it?” I ask cautiously.
“Drum roll …” He makes an annoying sound mimicking a drum.
