Page 48 of October
“Can I get the chicken Caesar salad with the dressing on the side?”
“Salad?” Finley asked her, looking confused again. “Do you at least want extra dressing?”
“No, I’m okay,” she replied and took a sip of the wine she didn’t want.
Finley ordered as well, and their waiter walked away.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah. Why?”
“You just ordered wine and a salad a day after ordering all delicious food and drinking beer with me,” Finley pointed out.
“I like different things,” she lied.
Finley nodded and said, “Okay.”
Molly knew why she was acting like this. She thought back to that day in the parking garage where she’d watched Finley and India kiss. It had hurt worse than almost anything in her life. They had only just broken up after years together, and now, Finley was suddenly ready to move on with Molly of all people? It didn’t make sense and, likely, wouldn’t lead anywhere good because inevitably, they’d get back together. Even if they didn’t, Finley needed more time to get over the breakup. Everyone needed time to process and move on, and Molly wouldn’t be her rebound girl.
“Molls?”
“Yeah?”
“You’ve gone silent on me. What’s going on?”
Molly stared down at the salad she hadn’t eaten much of and pushed it away.
“Oh, nothing. I guess I wasn’t that hungry, after all.”
“You’ve eaten one piece of the calamari, and I think, like, half a piece of lettuce. It’s nine at night, and you haven’t eaten since that cookie unless you got something at home before I picked you up.”
“I didn’t. Just not hungry. Big breakfast.”
“Molly, something happened. What is it? We were having so much fun at the puppy thing.”
“We were. I had a great time.”
“Had?”
“No, I mean, I’m having a great time. This is great, Fin. Thank you for making the reservation.”
“You’re thanking me for booking a table?”
“Can I get you two anything for dessert or some coffee?” their waiter asked, arriving just in time to help Molly avoid this conversation.
“No, thank you,” she answered for them.
Finley just nodded in understanding, and within fifteen minutes, they were back in Finley’s car and on their way to Molly’s building.
“So, I’ll see you at work?” she said when Finley pulled up.
“I’m not walking you to your door?”
“Oh, it’s just up there.” Molly pointed and opened the car door. “I’m fine.”
“Molly, what–”
Molly leaned over and quickly kissed Finley’s cheek before getting out of the car right after. Then, she leaned down and looked at her, wishing she had no self-esteem issues.
