Page 6 of You Were Invited
“I was going to say ‘over it.’” A wry look shone in Molly’s hazel eyes. She scrunched up her mouth. “Can I please say that even if you won’t admit it?”
When they’d picked Annie up, Peter had held his wife’s hand as if he were afraid Molly would storm right into the houseparty. If Annie chose to forgive Chris and hope for the best, Molly could never be in the same room as Chris ever again.
“I mean, I can’t tell you what to do... but he’s being a huge douche-canoe.”
Annie nodded, numb.
Molly’s eyes swiveled to the floor. Her mouth broke into a grin. “Oh my goodness. Look how cute Belly is!” she crooned. She snatched her phone up and took a picture. Her dog, Isabelle, slept under the coffee table. The jack terrier mix let out a little snore. Her white and brown head rested on Peter’s slippers, which were nearly as big as her.
Annie smiled and fiddled with her hair.
Nearly three years before, they’d gone together to pick out the sweet little dog, the runt of the litter, as Molly’s college graduation present to herself. Thousands of photos existed of Bell.
Molly took a sip of her tea. “I think we can salvage some relationships. It’s your relationship. Not mine. And only if both people work on things.” Molly looked sternly over her mug at Annie. “You don’t, right. Want to? He’s always been an asshole.”
Annie cringed. Chris hadn’t “always been an asshole.” The words to defend him tipped her tongue when his own words interrupted the thought.
“Don’t be so fucking boring.”
Annie picked up her red mug. She studied the earl gray and tapped the ceramic surface with her fingernail.
“I would’ve exploded on him months ago if I were you.”
Annie sighed. “Well, he’s been more of an asshole since he started spending more time around friends.”
Molly let out a bitter snicker. “Remember your New Year’s party? They belted out Jingle Bells to your Christmas tree before one of their dogs knocked it over. I didn’t see one of ‘emacknowledge you once when you spoke. They weren’t very inviting to me–”
“I think they noticed you were glaring–”
“I know– or even Peter. You can’t have that many shitty friends and not be a shitty person.”
“I’m not great at opening people up, either, though.”
Molly stared at Annie. She then shook her head. “No, they’re jerks. Repeat after me. They... are...”
“Jerks?”
“Jerks.”
Yes, Molly was right. But it still didn’t stop the self-doubt.
Maybe I give too little... Maybe I’m cold... Maybe I am too obsessed with work and it’s turning me into Miss Boring?It hadn’t escaped her that Christopher’s friends hadn’t exactly taken to her. Maybe they thought he deserved better. Someone full of life with a smile that reached her eyes.
“Annie?” Molly’s soft voice broke through Annie’s thoughts. She set her mug down. “You okay there?”
Chris always preached that when people offered a helping hand, one shouldn’t reward them with negativity. Molly and Peter had so generously taken her in. Annie snapped out of it. She forced a smile, even though that was the last thing she felt like doing. “Yeah, I’m good. Thanks for letting me stay here.”
“Of course! C’mere.” Molly leaned forward with a grunt and hugged her. “Guest room is yours ‘til Friday, hun. Peter’s parents are visiting this weekend.”
Where’ll I go after that? The couch? Is that too awkward?Molly and Peter weren’t responsible for her life — and while they were actively trying for another pregnancy, it was only a matter of time before their guest room really did become a nursery. The last thing Annie wanted was to threaten her friend’s dreams.
Was it too soon to find a place to rent? In the middle of the month? Could she keep a place alone? Her mind spun. Molly pulled her warm arms away. Certainly, she couldn’t expect Molly to coddle and accommodate her every little woe. Even the most patient people had their breaking point.
Annie twisted the ends of her jaw-length blond hair.Does it need another trim?
“Why are you making that face?”
“Sorry.”
