Built To Last

Erin could always count on her friend to be up for lunch. And she’d be honest with Erin when so many others may tell her what she wanted to hear. How about Adolfo’s? 12:30?

Sounds perfect. See you then.

Even without giving Abby all the details, she would help Erin make this decision. Besides, Abby had the chance to leave Laguna Beach and instead she came home after college. She and Austin both did.

Erin was tucking her phone into her purse when it vibrated with another text. Good morning.

Good morning to you, too. Thanks again for Saturday. I had fun.

He inserted a smiling face. Are you free for lunch?

She paused. She wanted to have lunch with Jake, to see if the magic was more than just a fluke, but she shouldn’t even consider rearranging her life for something short-term.

And her time with Jake had an expiration date.

I just made lunch plans with a friend. Sorry :(.

I’m sorry too. Have a great day at work!

You too.

As much as she wanted to see Jake again, she’d done the right thing. She needed this lunch with Abby, to give her a chance to weigh in on the entire situation, and besides, she could use a bit of distance to process every minute of her time with Jake.

The morning rushed by quickly, patients shuffling in and out, the office operating smoothly. Noon rolled around and Ashley stopped at Erin’s desk. “Hey, I’m running out to grab a salad. Can I bring you something?”

“Thanks, but I have plans for lunch.”

Ashley shot her a knowing grin. “Lunch with Jake, huh?”

“No, as a matter of fact, I’m having lunch with a friend.”

The expression on Ashley’s face said she didn’t quite believe Erin.

Just then, Austin ambled down the hall behind Ashley, a pile of papers in his hand. “Hey, Erin. Abby told me you guys are having lunch. Could you take these papers to her?”

Erin stuck out her tongue at Ashley, then turned back to Austin. “Sure. I’ll be back soon.”

Erin grabbed her purse and hurried to her car. As much as she was disappointed that she missed out on the chance to see Jake again, this lunch with Abby was important. Hopefully she could help Erin sort through the dilemma she found herself in.

It didn’t take long to drive to Adolfo’s right off the Coast Highway, certainly not enough time to still her mind. The sun shone bright from the cloudless sky on the outdoor patio. A perfect day to eat in the fresh air. Erin loved the eclectic decorations at Adolfo’s. Blooming pots of flowers of all shapes and sizes lined the railing and sat along the ground, the bright purples, reds, yellows, and greens painting the space in a rainbow of colors. American flags tucked into several of the pots waved in the light breeze. Greenery and kitchy knick-knacks decorated every flat surface, bringing life and character to the otherwise simple yellow building. The entire place exuded happiness.

Erin spied an open table on the rail and snagged it.

As soon as she got settled, a waiter approached. “Miss, will you be dining alone or are you waiting for someone?”

“My friend will be here soon. Can we get a couple glasses of water with lime and some chips and salsa?”

“Absolutely. I’ll be back in just a moment. Please let me know if I can answer any questions about the menu.”

Abby passed the departing waiter on her way to their table. Erin stood and hugged her friend. “Hey, sweetie. You look great. I swear I don’t know how you do it after having three kids.”

Abby laughed. “I think it comes from chasing those three kids around every minute of the day.”

Her friend looked happy. Correct that, she was happy. While Erin’s future lay on the horizon, Abby had found her bliss right here at home. And that’s why Erin was stuck with this dilemma.

Erin gave Abby a minute to get settled and for Erin to organize her thoughts. The waiter returned with their drinks and salsa and slip

ped away without a word while they studied their options.