Page 97 of Finding Molly Parsons

“Or because she has feelings and doesn’t know what to do with them. Have you considered that she panicked about what Faith would think if she found out?”

“Of course I did. I worried too.”

“Right, but look at it from Carmen’s point of view. You know her background, you know why she’s probably freaking out.”

“Jesus, this is too much. It doesn’t matter, anyway. Like I said, she lives in a different state.”

“And you move a lot. Maybe moving north is your next stop.”

“Bessie, I’m here for the foreseeable future.”

“If you say so, but don’t stick around here out of some sort of loyalty to me, or because you’re scared to find out what it would be like to have someone in your corner.”

“Bess—”

“You know I’m right, Mol. I love you, and the work you do is invaluable. You give everything you have to help, and usually at the detriment of yourself. For a long time, you have told me you were looking for that person who made you feel safe, like you were home. Molly, several times you’ve mentioned Carmen made you feel both those things. Maybe, just this once you stop running away from things and run towards something.”

“Bessie,” Molly sighed.

“Love, just think about it. And don’t sleep with Chelsea again, Christ!”

???

“Molly, hey,” Faith waved. Their video chats were becoming more frequent.

“Well, hey there, honey. You look great!”

“Aw shucks,” Faith chuckled. “Nat’s taking me on a date tonight, so I wanted to look good. I was just trying some stuff on. I’ve got a shift at the shelter before, and won’t have time to decide later.”

“Oh, fancy. Where are you being swept off to?”

“I don’t know, she wants it to be a surprise.”

“Well, Nat has moves, huh?”

“She does,” Faith winked. “So, what’s going on your end? I haven’t heard from Lisa and Court in a few days.”

“Ah, that’s because they are having a bit of a tiff.”

“Oh no, why?”

“Lisa got into college in New York.”

“Ah, and I take it Courtney is super happy, but majorly depressed at the same time.”

“Yeah, something like that. They’ll work it out.”

“God, I hope so. They’re great together.”

“Talking of cute couples. How are Mateo and Daniel?”

“Daniel is moving in here,” Faith squealed happily.

“Really? Wow, you’re gonna have a full house.”

“It won’t be too bad. Everyone works, so it’s quite rare we all gather in one space. Mateo is thinking about opening up another boutique. Carmen is out and about with Rita, plus she spends a lot of time at Rachel’s now.” Ugh, it still stung to hear how well Carmen and Rachel were getting along. After talking to Bessie, the day she found out Carmen was going on her first date with Rachel, Molly had done her best to put her feelings to bed.

There was no point upsetting the apple cart. Molly was in Cali, Carmen was in Seattle and they were friends. That had to be enough. So for weeks, Molly plastered on a happy face and became the best damn friend Carmen could ask for.

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