Page 46 of Molly: Part One
“Okay, so whatever it is you want to ask me can’t be as embarrassing as asking that so out with it.”
“Okay, he wants me to pole dance for him and it’s his birthday in a couple of months so I looked up classes and the strip club in town have dance studios at the back where they do lessons. Would you come with me, they’re on a Monday night at seven o’clock?” She huffs out a breath as if she’s relieved she got the words out.
“Oh my god, yes of course I’ll come, I’ve always wanted to have a go. I’ve heard it’s hard work though.”
We continue chatting about our new hobby while Oscar wears himself out running around the soft play area.
A couple of hours later I’m sat in the pub with Jax. He told me yesterday that Lucy was going out with mates tonight and didn’t really want to spend the night at home on his own so I invited him out for dinner to celebrate his new job. I presumed Ryan would be out again like every other night this week so I didn’t worry about what he was doing.
Jax could tell right away that something was wrong. We may have only known each other a few days but I feel like it’s much longer, and with Jax noticing my detachment he obviously feels the same. We’ve both enjoyed the awesome steak and just finished dessert when I notice we’d managed to drain a bottle of wine. As usual, conversation is really easy between us and we’ve been chatting about everything and nothing for ages.
“What’s the matter Molly, you don’t seem yourself?” he asks looking concerned.
“It’s nothing, sorry, I don’t want to ruin your evening.”
I hadn’t realised the situation with Ryan had got to me so much it was obvious. I guess Megan would have noticed if we hadn’t spent our time together getting excited about our new class. In order to keep it a secret from James we agreed to tell people we were just going to a dance class. I really hope Megan is good at it because she is so excited to give James the best birthday ever.
“You won’t ruin my evening Molly. If you need to get something off your chest, I’m here to listen. I know we haven’t actually known each other long but it doesn’t feel like that. I’m here if you need me is all I’m trying to say.”
And with that I burst into tears. Apparently someone being nice was the final straw. Jax reaches his hand across the table to hold mine while I cry.
“It’s Ryan. He’s acting really weird, going out getting off his face every night then coming in late. He was really horrible one night and he’s never acted that way to me before. I’m really worried about him.”
Jax knows about me living with Ryan and his relationship with Hannah but I haven’t mentioned to him about the chemistry that has been between us recently. I go on to explain what has been going on over the past couple of weeks.
Jax opens his mouth to speak but is suddenly pulled out of his seat and held up against the wall of the pub.
“Why the fuck is she crying? What have you done to her?” Ryan hollers in Jax’s face while he holds him up against the wall by his throat.
“Get the fuck off of me, dickhead,” Jax growls back at Ryan making me jump to action. I get up and start pulling at the arms Ryan has around Jax’s throat.
“Ryan, what the fuck is wrong with you?” I scream in his ear. I see his hold of Jax loosen slightly.
“Wait…you’re Ryan?” Jax questions. Ryan just glares at him. “I think you should be asking yourself why Molly is crying because it is not something I have done, I can fucking promise you that,” I watch as Jax looks Ryan up and down, “mate,” he snarls out.
At Jax’s words Ryan snaps his head around to me and takes in my tear stained face. He lets go of Jax, comes to stand in front of me and gently wipes the tears from my face.
I see the manager coming towards us over Ryan’s shoulder. “You two go and wait outside whilst I settle the bill before we have a bigger problem on our hands,” I say to them both and watch them scurry out of he the pub.
Once I have apologised profusely to the manager, paid the bill and left a hefty tip I make my way out to join Ryan and Jax. They are both stood with their backs to the wall, hands in their pockets and staring out over the car park. Both of them have their jaws set like they are both ready to jump on each other if one of them says the wrong thing. When I see them I can’t help but think what a lucky bitch I am having two seriously hot men fighting for me. I must have done something right in a previous life to deserve to be protected by both of them.
“Right, Ryan this is Jax. As in Jackson Parker whom I employed. Jax this is my idiot best friend that I live with.” They both glance at each other. “I suggest you both make friends because I’m telling you now that you are both important to me and I will not have you at each other’s throats.”
After staring each other down for a few more seconds Ryan slowly puts his hand out for Jax to shake.
“I’m sorry mate. I just panicked, Molly was crying and I jumped to conclusions. I’m sure she won’t mind me saying she hasn’t got the best reputation for picking the good guys.”
“Thanks for that Ry,” I say feeling and I hope looking seriously pissed off at him.
“It’s okay I understand. I’d probably do the same if it was my girl.”
“I’m not his girl,” I snap. “Ryan, I think you’ve done enough for one night I suggest you go home.”
“Come on then,” he says and starts walking away.
“No, I’m not coming with you. I am way to angry to be anywhere near you right now.”
“Where the fuck are you going to go then?” he asks looking seriously pissed off.
