Page 30 of November

“But, like, a casual, chill mixologist,” Molly said. “She’s always wanted to own her own place, and it’s not like one of those weirdly blue-lit places with frosted glass that looks like it belongs in outer space.”

Maisie laughed and said, “There are a lot of those places in this city.”

“I know. I’ve been to some, but this isn’t one of them,” Molly said.

“I could buy you a drink,” India offered. “If you’re able to go, I mean.”

“I’ll see if I can finish up early. We canhangout.”

India caught that tone and understood it to mean that tonight wouldnotbe considered a double date. They would be there just as two friends because she’d messed things up by suggesting they go someplace she wanted to go instead of going along with Maisie’s idea. And she had done this in the past, too. Repeatedly. In fact, it was one of the reasons she and Finley were no longer together: India’s inflexibility. She knew that it was something that she needed to work on.

“Okay,” India said, giving Maisie a soft smile.

“Let me give you the info,” Molly said.

While Molly and Maisie talked more about the bar for a minute and made plans for the four of them, India remembered that she had said something about wanting to buy another book, so she reached behind her for one, thinking any would do. She picked one up without looking and put it on the counter.

“I’ll take this too while I’m here.”

“How to Appear Normal at Social Events: and Other Essential Wisdom?” Maisie looked up at her. “Thisis the book you want?”

Finley laughed hard before Molly pulled her away from the counter. India blushed, which rarely happened, but she cleared her throat again and tried to hold it together.

“Um… Yeah. It’s a gift.”

“For whom?” Maisie asked.

“Finley. As you can see, she’s terrible at picking up on social cues,” India replied, handing Maisie her credit card.

“Hey!” Finley said as she continued to laugh.

“Anyway… I’ll just get this and see you later.”

“Yeah, okay,” Maisie replied and rang the book up for her. “Do you need a bag?”

“No, I’m good.” India took her purchase and pushed it into Finley’s chest. “There you go. All yours, asshole.”

Molly laughed a little, took the book from Finley, and said, “See you later?”

“Sure,” Maisie replied.

India then pulled open the door, not waiting for Finley and Molly, and walked outside, hearing her heels click, click, click against the sidewalk and not stopping until she was in front of her office building.

“What was that?” she asked, turning around to see Molly and Finley catching up to her.

“Sorry. I thought it would be nice to hang out with her,” Molly replied. “We can talk you up.”

“I don’t need you to talk me up, Molly,” she said. “And couldyouhave been any more obvious?” she asked Finley.

“What? You were both right: sheiscute. You should go for it.”

“So that you wouldn’t have to worry about me trying to get back together with you again because I would’ve moved on?” she asked.

“What? No,” Finley replied. “I thought you liked her.”

“I barely know her.”

“Yougetto know people by spending time with them, India. Maybe a night at a bar is just what you two need.”