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Like Lucas, for example.
Mollie’s gaze had turned to the band, and she was smiling while looking at him.
God, I fucking hated this bar.
“This place is so cool. I hear that’s a local artist.”
“Not so much anymore,” Mark said. “He moved out a year ago.”
“I’m sure it’s tough when someone leaves.”
“Eh, he and Gabriel were always meant for bigger and better things. We felt worse for Jade, though. She’d rather die than admit it, but she had a crush on Gabriel.”
“She doesn’t need to admit it for people to know,” Mollie said.
“Oh, we know all about that.” Mark’s eyes flashed to me. “Have you met Lucas yet? They’re finishing up a set.”
“I’ll go say hi in a few.” She smiled before taking a sip, and I tried not to let my annoyance get the better of me.
I finished my water before sliding it to Mark. Mollie was still working on her drink, searching for familiar faces.
Jade finally saw her and nearly bowled over the crowd to get to us.
“You made it!” she called, pulling Mollie into a tight hug. Then she saw me. “Andyou got Cain here. Did you take what I said as a challenge?”
“More like inspiration. He needs to get out.”
Jade’s eyes slid over to me. “That I can agree on. How are you? I haven’t seen you in the shop in a while.”
“I’m good,” I said. “Happy to be out of the house.”
The words came out stilted and were far from believable.
“You sure sound like it.” She laughed and turned to the stage. “They’ve got a few songs to play still. Wanna join me on the dance floor?”
“No,” I said immediately.
“Absolutely!” Mollie replied.
Jade laughed and dragged her off. I stayed by the bar. I wasn’t sure where to look, but my eyes landed on Mollie anyway as the song started up.
She was following Jade, gearing up to dance. When the song reached its peak, she was fully moving without a care in the world.
Her smile was so much like Bennie’s. Bright. Happy. Unburdened by the issues that mine had.
And despite it all, I couldn’t help but return it.
Another glass slid in front of me, and I turned to see Mark. The song ended, replaced by something slightly quieter.
“You were smiling at her. I saw it.”
“I wasn’t,” I replied. “I don’t smile.”
“You used to only smile at one person. Your kid. Now, we all need to add her to the list.” He winked and walked off to serve someone else.
I had a sickly feeling in my stomach. I didn’t want to agree with Mark.
But I’d been wanting to smile at Mollie for a long fucking time.