Page 69 of The Choices I've Made
“You’re not weak. That’s my point. You’re strong and hardheaded. You’ve known where you were headed since we were kids. You’ve always had a handle on who you are.”
“Boring and dull apparently,” she scoffed.
“Determined and fearless,” I corrected. “But this? Hanging over some guy, pretending to be drunk so you can what, feel sorry for yourself? That’s not you, Molly.”
“And so you thought you’d make it a point and show me? Along with the rest of the town?”
I took a deep breath, remembering our unforgettable kiss. “No,” I said, as I drove onto the gravel driveway of the inn, stopping by the front door. “I’m sorry about that. I forgot my place. It’s just—”
When I’m with you, I forget who I am.
Who I’ve become.
I held my tongue, withholding that specific truth.
“I’m sorry,” I repeated, not knowing what else to say. “Look, I’ll get out of your way. Go get some sleep.”
She nodded as Millie took the lead, stepping out of the car toward the inn. I watched as Molly hesitated next to me.
“Where are you sleeping, Jake?” she asked, the need to help outweighing the anger she felt toward me.
“It doesn’t matter,” I replied.
“Where, Jake?” she repeated.
“The clinic.”
She sighed, opening the car door only to pause on her way out. “Take the yellow room,” she instructed. “But you owe me.”
I smiled sadly. “I’m okay, Mols. I don’t need you to save me.”
Her demeanor changed, turning back around to face me. It was that determination I’d spoken of earlier making an appearance once again. “I’m not asking, Jake Jameson. Now, get inside.”
My lips pursed together as I tried not to laugh. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Don’t you dare sass me,” she muttered, making a beeline toward the front door. I pulled the keys out of the ignition and followed quickly behind.
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” I laughed.
“God, I hate you,” she muttered.
I shook my head. “If only that were true.”
Life between us would be a whole lot easier.
