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“In a few hours.”

The sun was shining as they walked. Faith thought it a good idea to get out in the fresh-ish air. “So wanna talk about why you look so down?”

Molly chuckled. “Can’t get anything past you, huh?”

“Mol, it’s blatantly obvious. Is it because Carmen left?”

Molly sighed. “Yeah.”

“And…” Faith drew out the word, hoping Molly would jump in.

“Well, you already know we, you know…”

“Boned, yup, I’m aware.”

“Brat,” Molly laughed. “Ugh, I feel like a teenager talking about this.”

“You like Carmen. And let me guess, you hoped to start something while you were here, but then you arrived and Carmen is gone.”

“Wow, yeah, hit the nail on the head there, sweetie.”

“But you know she’s coming back, so what’s the problem?”

“Faith, she could be gone for months. I don’t really understand why she’s gone. Mateo was all close-lipped about it.”

“Carmen has stuff she needs to work through, Molly. She’s taking time.”

“Okay, that’s good for her, I suppose?”

“It’s great for her, and for you, actually!”

“How do you figure that?”

“Because, Molly, if you want to woo Carmen Ruiz, you need to have a plan.”

“Woo her? Really?”

“Yeah, really. Look, I’m having awesome sex now. I know these things!”

Molly threw her head back, letting out a deep belly laugh. “Oh, Faith, I have missed you. Go on then, pass on your wisdom.”

“Carmen is away figuring out a lifetime of stuff. She wants change, so she can get serious with someone, but until she feels better in her own head, she can’t offer that. That’s what she told me, anyway. But, when she’s in the right headspace, you can bet your ass she will give all of her heart to the woman she loves. Carmen is just like that. She loves fully. If you want to be that woman, Molly, you need to be on the same page. I’m not saying you have to be ready to walk down the aisle or anything, but you will have to give her more than casual. You need to be prepared to be in it for the long run.”

“Jesus, Faith.”

“I know, it’s a lot, but I know Carmen. Actually, I think you know Carmen enough to agree with what I said.”

“Okay, I see that. Carmen is fierce with the people she loves. I can see that being the same way with a woman, too.”

“So, while she’s away sorting her shit out. You get to be here with me preparing yourself.”

“That sounds scary, to be honest.”

“Of course it does. But when you think of Carmen, and the possibilities for you, do you see yourself taking those steps? Waiting for her?”

“Yes. It’s stupid, considering we barely know each other.”

“It’s not stupid. You guys connected. It’s awesome, and you have the time to get to know each other. That’s what love is, isn’t it?”