Page 100 of October
‘Okay, so we definitely need some of that adjustment time,’Finley thought.
Molly walked over to her, carrying a six-pack of beer and a container of what looked to be pasta salad, which made Finley smile. When she arrived at Finley’s car, Finley took the beer from her, leaned in, and kissed her on the lips.
“I could’ve picked you up,” she said.
“I know. But this is fine. I don’t know how long I’ll stay. You might want to stay later.”
“Why would I want to stay later if you’re not here?”
“Jules is your friend, too. Maybe you’d want to hang out longer.”
“Molls, can we–”
“Hi. Is this the house?” India asked.
Finley looked across the street and saw her ex carrying a fruit tray that she’d undoubtedly made herself. India nodded at the house behind them as she walked toward them.
“Hey, Molly.”
“India,” Molly said, turning from India to Finley.
“I invited her,” Finley explained. “I hope that’s okay.”
“You didn’t tell her? Finley, what the hell?” India said.
“I fell asleep,” she said, trying to defend herself. “Sorry, babe. I ran into India this morning on a walk, and you invited me here, so I invited her here. I meant to tell you, but I took a shower and passed out until it was just time to get here. I was going to tell you when I saw you, but she’s–”
“I’m here. And I’m sorry, Molly. Finley was supposed to ask if it was okay. If it’s not, I can go.”
“No, it’s fine. I mean, of course, it’s fine. It’s not really my party, but I’m sure it’s okay. Yes, this is the house. Juliet told me they own both of them and kind of share a yard. You can just go on back, if you want. I need to talk to Finley just for one second.”
“I bet you do,” India said, glaring at Finley. “I’ll maybe wait for you before I walk in, though, if that’s okay. I don’t know anyone back there.”
“Sure,” Molly replied.
India gave Finley another glare and walked to the front yard and toward the houses. Finley didn’t follow her with her eyes, though, because she was too busy staring at Molly.
“I’m sorry,” she said.
“You invited your ex-girlfriend?” Molly asked.
“Not like that,” Finley replied. “We bumped into each other this morning, like I said, and she asked if we could be friends, Molls. I told her that I don’t know yet, but you said everyone would be here right when she was telling me that she doesn’t really have any good friends, and I thought she might get along with some people at the barbecue. It was totally innocent, I swear. I should’ve asked you first, though, and I didn’t.”
Molly sighed and replied, “It’s fine. She’s here. It’s not like I’m going to tell her to leave.”
“Am I in trouble? I’m in trouble, aren’t I?”
“You’re not in–” Molly stopped. “Finley,I’min trouble. I need–”
“Hey, you two,” Juliet said from just down the sidewalk.
“Fucking hell,” Finley said under her breath. “Can we just go somewhere and talk? We keep getting–”
“Finley, hi,” Gwen said.
“Interrupted,” Finley finished and took Molly’s hand with her free one. “Hey, Gwen.”
“Why are you all out here?” Gwen asked when she approached hand in hand with Juliet.
