Page 15 of Ten Kisses

Kat and I were different about stuff like senior pictures. I was happy about graduating, but new outfits and senior pictures hadn't even crossed my mind. I was just trying to keep my head above water with my finals. I had learned a few valuable marketing techniques in college, but ironically getting a degree had been in the way while I was starting my small business. It had been great to get tips and tricks that I could apply, but some of my classes were just a lot of studying for things I wouldn't need to retain.

Anyway, it was basically over now. I had one more final to take, and I would be finished. I was getting more and more followers with my chocolate business, and I felt genuinely happy, like I was on the right track.

"Molly! Are you even listening to me?"

"What? I'm sorry. What did you say?"

"I was asking about Rebecca, that photographer, asking if you knew her."

"Oh, no."

"And your phone was ringing."

"Oh, my goodness, hang on."

I hopped out of the pool and carefully jogged to the table where I had set my phone. It had already gone to voicemail, but I returned the call as soon as I dried my hands.

"It's Salem," I said to her. "Hey," I said to Salem on the phone. "Sorry I missed your call. We're in the pool."

"It's fine. I wanted to let you know I'll be on my way, if you're ready."

"Yes. Yes. Definitely. I'm so excited."

"It's heavy, so I'll have one of my guys with me."

"I was going to say… my landlord and his friends are here. He's got a couple of his buddies with him… I know they won't mind helping if you need it."

"No, I'm good. We'll be there in thirty minutes."

"Thank you, Salem. This is amazing. I'm so excited. I'll see you in a few minutes."

"Yep."

I got off the phone with him and I was smiling as I jogged back toward the pool. I jumped in, and by the time I came up, I heard a male voice calling my name.

"Molly!"

I dried my face with my hand and looked toward the house.

"We've got a ton of food in here. If you and your friend are hungry, you're welcome to eat lunch with us… anything you want."

"Thank you!" I called, waving to Darren.

He waved back at me as he closed the sliding glass door.

I swam a few feet into the shallows to meet my friend.

"Are we eating lunch with those dudes?" she asked cutting her eyes inside the house.

"If you want. It's probably good food. We can just go in and make something to-go, take it to my apartment."

"Was that your friend on the phone?"

"Yeah, he's on his way."

She nodded. "Salem. Is this the guy from… "

"The one who took me golfing last week," I said, since she knew I had done that.

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