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“Well, yeah,” Carmen laughed sarcastically. Wincing at her outburst, she side-eyed Molly. “Sorry. It’s just, she made it obvious she wants to be more.”

“Yeah, I’ve told her it’s not going to happen.”

“Why not? You seem to get on.”

“She doesn’t give me the fuzzies.”

“The fuzzies,” Carmen chuckled.

“Hey, don’t laugh at me,” Molly grinned, jabbing Carmen in the ribs.

“No, not laughing, I swear,” Carmen smiled.

“I… I just don’t want to settle for less than love, you know. It takes something from you every time you give your heart to the wrong person, and I don’t think I’m strong enough to keep doing that.”

“You’re strong enough for anything, Molly Parsons. But I understand.” Carmen completely understood. She’d never given anyone her heart. Well, Mateo had it and now Faith, but that was different. The thought of making herself vulnerable with a woman scared the living shit out of her. For a long time, she convinced herself that she didn’t need that kind of connection. Sex was good enough. But her perspective and outlook on life were changing.

“I don’t think she’s going to take it well,” Molly whispered, looking out the side window.

“Just be honest with her. Completely. That’s all you can do. You can’t control how she will react. That’s on her as long as you give it to her straight.”

“You’re really good at this, you know?” Molly commented, turning her head to look at Carmen.

“What stuff?”

“Talking, listening. You’re easy to be around, Carmen. Easy to talk to. I feel you really pay attention.”

“Oh, um, thanks.”

“I’ve embarrassed you?”

“No, it’s just no one has ever said that. It’s nice to hear.”

They pulled into the parking lot of the grocery store. “If you ever need someone to listen. I’ll only be a phone call away. I know you have Mateo, but you know, if you need another ear,” Molly said softly, shrugging her shoulders. The air constantly became charged when they were alone and Carmen didn’t know how to deal with it. She wasn’t going to let herself do something stupid. But damn, Molly Parsons was making it difficult!

Chapter 20

Molly

The bell above the coffee shop door jingled as Molly pushed her way through. The smell of coffee instantly calmed her nerves. Strange, really, considering how unsettled she felt, that caffeine of all things should relax her.

In the far corner of the shop, Molly saw Chelsea waiting with a smile. Ugh, this isn’t going to be pleasant. It didn’t matter though, Molly needed to break things off, even if, technically, there wasn’t anything to finish. Except a loose arrangement. Clearly though, after yesterday’s stunt, Chelsea was pushing for more.

“Hey,” Chelsea cooed, leaning in to kiss Molly once again. Molly smiled politely, shifted her face a fraction, and allowed Chelsea to kiss her cheek.

“Hi,” Molly replied coolly. Chelsea saw the change in Molly’s demeanor but didn’t comment.

“I ordered you an Americano,” she chirped.

“Thanks.”

“Tonight’s party should be fun.” Chelsea’s upbeat attitude was irritating and Molly hated feeling that way towards her friend. Come on Molly, get it over with.

“Chels, we need to talk.”

“Okay, what about, babe?”

Molly winced. She wasn’t Chelsea’s babe, or anything else, for that matter. “I think it’s time we stopped our arrangement and just went back to being friends full-time.”