Page 27 of November

“She didn’t say it like that, did she?”

“Not exactly, no, but that’s what she meant.”

“You’re telling me that Maisie wanted you to eatbadshrimpandsit in bird poop while you do it?”

“It was how she described the ambiance that concerned me, so I suggested someplace nicer. She told me never mind because we’re not compatible if we don’t like the same food or places to eat it.”

“Compatible?” Molly asked. “Compatible, like–”

“No, in a friendly, hanging out kind of way,” she said.

“How did you two even get to talking?” Molly asked.

“I went over there to… check out the competition. She’s running against my brother for city council. I just found out and wanted to see who she was, and we got to talking. She’s nice, even though she asked if I wanted to eat the bad shrimp with bird poop.”

“What did I just walk in on?”

India looked up and saw Finley heading toward them, so she rolled her eyes because, of course, Finley would overhear that.

“Nothing,” Molly replied.

India appreciated Molly trying to cover for her, but Finley knew her well, even if they were no longer a couple, and she stared at India, clearly knowing that something was up.

“Someone asked if I wanted to hang out, and I screwed it up,” India confessed to avoid the interrogation.

“Someone?”

“The woman who owns the bookstore next door. She’s running against Colter for city council.”

“Your asshole of a brother shouldnotbe in public office,” Finley said.

“I agree with you on that. On both counts. Maisie seems like she actually wants to help people, though.”

“Maisie?” Finley asked as she moved to stand next to Molly, grazing her forearm with her fingertips in an intimate act that had India wanting another piece of leftover Halloween candy from her purse.

“She’s the owner. I’ve met her. She’s nice,” Molly said.

“She asked you out?” Finley asked.

India didn’t think she could get away with lying to Finley, but she shook her head all the same. She wasn’t sure why she was lying to both of them. Maisie had asked her out on a date. India was single. Finley wouldn’t be hurt. She’d already moved on, after all.

“Shedidn’task you out?” Finley checked. “No, she did. You just don’t want to admit it.”

“Can you please just pretend like you don’t know me so well?” she asked. “It’s not nice to do that in front of Molly.”

“I’m okay with it,” Molly replied.

“Thanks for the help,” India said sarcastically.

“I’m trying to be comfortable with the two of you being friends. I’m a work in progress.” Molly shrugged.

“Yes, she asked me out on a date,” India admitted.

“And you suggested a super fancy, rich-people restaurant, didn’t you? Please tell me you didnotmention a tasting menu, India.”

“Finley, you’ve had some pretty great food at some of those places over the years,” she argued.

“Sure. But you made me dress up, and I was totally uncomfortable the whole time. Is that what you want for a first date with this woman?”