Page 181 of As They Are
“They’re gonna love it. They’ll call you a hero.”
I laughed. “I don’t know if I’m that.”
“You went to bat for this library, and we all know it. It’s incredible.”
“I was happy to. This was the first project in a while that I genuinely loved.”
“Now, what was this last thing you wanted to show me? I’m trying to be patient, but it’s killing me.”
“All right, all right,” I said. “Let’s go see the final thing.”
We walked down the back stairs, and Mollie bounced on the balls of her feet as I opened the door that led to the first floor.
I gestured for her to turn around to look at the mural. We’d cleaned it up and hired someone local to come and restore it. Most of it was the same, though I’d had the artist update a few of the buildings.
“Oh my God,” she said, hands flying to her mouth. “I remember this!”
“It’s perfect for the center of town.”
She walked close, her hands tracing the details. “I thought it would have been painted over. Or vandalized. This was the surprise the whole time?”
“It was. We got lucky with how good of shape it was in. It was just here, waiting for us to come and find it.”
“The farm’s on here!” She walked closer. “It has my name!”
“It’s supposed to reflect the town residents as they are now.”
Mollie stared at it for a long time. When she finally turned to me, her eyes were wet. “It’s amazing.” She hugged me once more. “I didn’t know you were doing all of this.”
“When I saw it, I knew it had to be done. I’m glad you like it.”
“Like it? Iloveit.” Her arms tightened. “You’re the best friend ever.”
“Like you’re not too.”
“What’s happening here?” a voice called. We both turned to see Madison.
“I’m showing my best friend the library,” I said. “I’ll be back to work in a few.”
Mollie blew out a breath. “You’re just taking a break.”
“If you’re showing someone the library, we should get it on camera.” Madison crossed her arms. “We could use it in the finale.”
“I don’t wanna be on camera,” Mollie said.
“But she’s your best friend.”
“You do know that no means no, right?” Mollie’s voice was cold. “Or do you need a lesson on consent?”
“I don’t think I like your attitude.”
“And I don’t like how you make Wren feel, so we’re on the same page.”
Madison’s jaw dropped for one second before her glare turned bad. She’d been steadily getting more and more frustrated with me. And I’d done the same with her. “Wren wanted this.”
“Wrenis right here,” I said. “And I wanted some of it, not to be forced to be with Jude after it looked like he cheated on me.”
Madison shook her head. “Then you don’t have what it takes to be on TV.”
