132 GUARDIANS AND GRUDGES

“Hey, Anna,” Lily said as she plopped down on the couch. “So now you have time for me. Isn't that nice?” Lily rolled her eyes. “Come on. I was starving and so was Paul. After forcing him to have dinner, it would make no sense to delay his food.” “I'm still surprised he agreed to have dinner with you. He didn't strike me as the type to eat with a stranger or even stay with you. It's also shocking he didn't drive home without giving you your phone because that's what I expected he'd do even after telling him not to,” Anna said. Lily chuckled, a smile that would make one believe she won an award for being the best chef there was on her face. “Well, you know me. I'm quite convincing,” she chuckled. “Plus, he seemed hungry. Perhaps that's why he was so irritable.” “Trust me, that's just how he is,” Anna laughed. “Anyway, why did you call again?” “I can't call my best friend anymore?” Lily said with an eye roll, her tone one of fake anger. “If you don't talk, I'm gonna