Page 80 of Finding Molly Parsons

Carmen nodded and led the way outside. “What’s up?” she asked, even though she knew what Faith was about to say.

“Would, um… would you be okay if I came back to Seattle with you?”

Carmen didn’t get the chance to answer because Mateo squealed so loud she had to cover her ears. “Fuck, Hermano,” she growled. “You just startled every dog in a hundred-mile radius.”

“Oh my God, are you serious?” he continued, ignoring Carmen. “You want to come home with us?”

Faith was laughing. “Yes, if that’s okay?”

“That’s such a dumb question. Obviously, it’s okay. Oh my God, we are going to have so much fun.”

“Carmen?” Faith asked.

“You don’t need to ask. I told you earlier, you always have a home with us. But are you sure? What about Molly?”

“I’ve spoken to her and she knows it’s for the best. It’s where I feel I should be.”

“Okay, say no more.” Carmen and Mateo surrounded Faith in a hug. Looking over Faith’s shoulder, Carmen saw Molly watching them from the kitchen window. “Come here,” she mouthed. Molly looked like she was going to say no, but eventually she stepped outside and joined Faith and the Ruizes in an embrace. Suddenly, they were engulfed by more arms and bodies. Carmen laughed as Bessie, Lisa, and Courtney joined them.

“Hey, don’t leave me out,” Enid squawked as she rounded the corner from the front porch.

“Okay, let’s plan a party,” Mateo announced.

???

To Carmen’s annoyance, Chelsea stuck around for the entire evening. Mateo was in full party planning mode. Carmen reigned him in several times, reminding him the guests weren’t his friends from home and he needed to keep it PG.

“So, everyone is okay for tomorrow night, right?” he asked the group. There was a general nod.

“I’ll nip to the store and pick up some stuff,” Bessie said.

“I’ll go,” Carmen interjected. “Actually, I’ll go now. It’s still open.” Carmen ignored Mateo’s pointed stare.

“Oh, I’ll come too,” Molly said, surprising Carmen. Chelsea looked super pissed.

“Sure, let’s go. Have we got a list to stick to? I don’t want you throwing a fit when we get back.”

“Oh, Hermana, you know me so well,” Mateo smiled. “It’s here. Don’t forget the liquor. Once the rugrats are in bed, we’re getting it on.”

Carmen rolled her eyes. Enid clapped and pumped her fist in the air. “Let’s go,” she whispered to Molly.

They spent the first few minutes in silence as Carmen navigated the winding roads. Why did it feel awkward between them? Oh, maybe because you were seconds and millimeters away from kissing her!

“Chelsea seems nice.” Why was she bringing Chelsea into it?

“Yeah, she’s cool.”

“Sorry about Enid.”

“It’s not your fault she has zero filter,” Molly laughed.

“Still, you looked really embarrassed.”

Molly chewed her bottom lip. “We… we have an arrangement,” Molly began.

“You don’t owe me an explanation,” Carmen replied quickly. She did not want to have this conversation, ever!

“I know. It’s just, I think Chelsea wants it to be more.”

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