Page 83 of Tangled Up In You

Maybe she could do what Phoebe had done—find a way to get Jackie to sleep, so she wouldn't be so angry toward her.

She was a little surprised that Jackie had called her store a scam when she'd been personally helped by Phoebe and some of the products in the store, but then again, sleeplessness could lead to irrational behavior.

Setting aside Phoebe's bible, she made some notes on a blank pad, which made her think she should probably start her own notebook. But for now, she would just focus on Jackie. The boutique was closed today, so she would start her campaign to win Jackie over tomorrow. She'd put together a series of care packages, using some ideas from Phoebe and some of her own. It might not work, but it was worth a shot.

She got to her feet, let out a sigh, and opened the first box. But she really didn't want to go through it. She was tired of cleaning and organizing. She'd been running fast since she'd arrived, and it was starting to catch up to her. She went into the bedroom and stretched out on the bed. She'd just take a little rest.

It was after three when Molly woke up with a start. She'd slept for hours. It was worth it. She felt immensely better. After a quick shower, she changed into white jeans and a tank top and headed down to the barbecue. She felt a little guilty about showing up empty-handed, but both Chelsea and Lizzie had said not to bring a present. She was going to take them at their word.

When she arrived a little past four, the barbecue was in full swing. The group had taken over two grills and several picnic tables in Sweetwater Cove, which was a little off the beaten path, and it looked like they had the cove pretty much to themselves.

There was quite a crowd. All her friends were there: Chloe, Hannah, Gianna, and their spouses Jake and Zach. Lizzie and Chelsea were present, along with Justin and Brodie. And then there were another twenty or so people she didn't know.

As soon as she entered the area, Hannah grabbed her by the hand and started introducing her around. She realized then there was quite a representation from the police force, the fire department, and a basketball team that Adam apparently played on.

It was clear that he was a popular guy. She'd thought at first that Adam was gruff and too serious, but she'd seen a sexy, playful side to him as well, and that side was in full view tonight. He was smiling and laughing with everyone he spoke to. He was apparently a great friend, because everyone she met raved about him in one way or another. He was the best guy they'd ever worked with or played on a team with or played cards with. He was the guy they all counted on. He was the one they turned to for advice.

And then there were the women. There were several single ladies in the crowd, and they weren't shy about flirting with Adam. It was the first time she'd seen him getting hit on, and she didn't like it. In fact, she was a little shocked at the stabbing jealousy she felt. Adam wasn't hers, and she needed to get over that fast.

"Something wrong?" Hannah asked.

"What?" she asked distractedly.

"I know that look. You have a thing for Adam."

"I don't have a thing."

"Then why can't you stop staring at him?" Hannah challenged.

She dragged her gaze away from Adam. "I was just trying to figure out who everyone was. And it is his birthday, so he's the center of attention."

"I don't think he's interested in any of those women," Hannah said with a knowing smile.

"Why would you say that? They're all attractive. He seems into a few of them."

"Maybe he's trying to make you jealous. When I was introducing you around, I couldn't help but notice that Adam did not look happy when you met the hot guys from the firehouse."

"You're exaggerating."

Hannah laughed. "I'm not. Seriously, Molly, what's the deal with you two?"

"There's no deal. I like him. And I think Adam likes me more than he wants to. But we're different people, and I don't even know if I'll stay in Whisper Lake. That kind of uncertainty doesn't sit well with Adam."

"That's true. He is not a guy who just wings it. He always has a plan. But you know what they say about plans. When love comes in the door, plans go out the window."

"I've never heard that before."

"I might have made it up, but I think it's true. We all have plans and ideas for how we want our lives to go, but then you meet someone, and everything changes. Nothing matters except how you feel. Nothing is as important as love—not jobs or geography."

She put up a hand. "Whoa, slow down. I didn't say anything about love. I barely know Adam."

"So, get to know him."

"It might be pointless. And it might hurt more when I leave."

"Are you going to leave? You have your own business. You have friends. Why would you want to go anywhere else? You always said this was your favorite place to live."

"That's true, but I've never stayed anywhere longer than a couple of years. I don't know that I won't get bored."

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