Page 27 of October (New Orleans #10)

“Don’t give up on this yet,” Finley pled.

“It’s new. It’s scary, I know. I’m scared, too.

But it’s supposed to be scary right now, Molly.

It’s only been two dates. We work together.

There’s my ex-girlfriend and all the baggage there.

There’s the fact that you liked me, and I didn’t know it.

I liked you when I was trying to end things with India.

I know it’s a lot, but the other night, when I held you, it felt right, Molly.

I loved holding you like that. And when we kissed yesterday, that was real.

That was the best kiss I’ve had in a long time; maybe my best first kiss ever.

I should have told you about India being there on our call, but I wanted to buy you lunch today and talk about our date tonight.

I was going to see if I could maybe stay over and just sleep next to you, or ask if you’d want to stay with me.

I will take this thing as fast or as slow as you want.

All I ask is that you don’t give up on it when it’s right here, Molly; this thing that we could have that could be exactly what we both need.

It’s right here.” Finley took a chance and reached over, and Molly didn’t pull away when Finley pressed her hand to Molly’s heart how she’d done the other night, leaving it there for a moment before she pulled it back and covered her own heart. “It’s here, okay? When you’re ready.”

Molly just gave her a small nod, which Finley took as an agreement.

“Will you do me one more favor? Will you please text me later so that I know you’re okay? If you don’t want to text me, have Jules do it or something. I just need to know that you’re okay, Molls.”

“I’ll text you. I can at least handle that much.”

“Thank you,” Finley replied, meaning it. “Should I go now?”

“I’m sure you have work you’re missing because you’re trying to deal with me.”

“Molly, I’m not dealing with you. I’m talking to you. God, I wish you could see yourself how I see you.” She shook her head. “You’re who I want, okay? Just… remember that while you’re doing that thinking you need to do.”

Finley pushed open the door, even though that was the last thing she wanted to do.

Then, she got out of the car and closed the door behind her.

She stood there for a moment, in case Molly would get out, too, but when the car started, she backed up and watched as Molly put it in reverse and headed toward the exit.

Finley wanted so badly to follow her, but she had something else to take care of first.

“India, now,” she said, pointing to the server room when she saw India walking past about ten minutes later.

“What?” India asked.

“We need to talk.”

“Where was this last night?”

“Inside,” she stated and held the door open for India, who walked in before her.

“Okay. What is going on?”

“Did you tell someone about last night?” Finley asked, closing the door behind them.

“What? No.”

“You weren’t on the phone this morning, telling someone that you were at my place?”

“Oh, yeah. I forgot. Yeah, I was. Why?”

“What did you tell them?”

“Nothing. It was my sister, Finley. I told her I want you back, but you’re dating someone.”

“Right outside the office?”

“She called me,” India replied. “What is going on here? Why do you look so pissed off?”

“Because Molly overheard you, and now, she needs to think about us.”

“Well, I didn’t say anything that should make her need to think. It’s not like we slept together, and you jumped when I tried to kiss you. That hurt, by the way. You looked repulsed. So, thanks for that.”

“Can you just keep our crap out of the office, please?”

“Um… Hello?” India motioned with her open hands. “We’re in the office now. You just yelled at me and dragged me in here.”

Finley sighed and ran a hand through her hair.

“I’m sorry. But, India, Molly works here, too.”

“Finley, it’s not my job to make your new girlfriend feel good. Pretty sure that’s up to you. And I didn’t know she was there, okay? Had I known, I would have walked away or not talked about you at all. I’m not trying to be a jerk to Molly.”

“I know,” she said. “I’m sorry.”

“You really like her, don’t you?” India asked.

“Yes, I do,” Finley replied.

India stared at her for a minute, seemed to realize something, and then nodded.

“I swear, I didn’t say anything that I think would make her run, Finley. I just said that I still thought you and I could figure this out, but that’s me. And I said that I missed you, I think, which is true. I didn’t say that you felt the same way or anything.”

Finley nodded this time and replied, “Okay. Well, thanks for–” She shook her head. “I don’t know. Just thanks for telling me the truth.”

“I’ve never lied to you, Finley,” India said. “And I don’t want you to hurt, either. If you really like her, just give her a minute, okay? I’m sure it’s weird for her, with us working together and everything.”

“You’re giving me relationship advice?” Finley smiled at her.

“Well, now you’re being a brat, so I’m thinking about taking it back.” India smiled back. “I have to run. I’ve got a lunch meeting that I need to get to, but I’m sorry if I caused you problems.”

“Yeah, okay. Thanks,” she replied. “And sorry for dragging you in here.”

“Yeah… That’s not a great idea if Molly already thinks we’re getting back together, Fin.”

“She went home sick.”

“Shit. Sorry,” India said.

“Yeah, me too.”