Page 24 of Our Deceptive Heat

“My father may come and check on how it’s going. Make sure he doesn’t touch my files.”

Molly nods, her copper ringlets flying around her face. She’s got freckles sprinkled across her nose and looks far too young and innocent.

“Are you ready?”

I inhale as if I’m being tortured. “I guess.”

She lets out a squeal that instantly makes my ears ring. “I can’t wait. Let's go shopping.”

I growl at her but snatch up my bag and follow her downstairs.

My father has commanded that I dress as the band dresses. That I fit in and don’t stand out. So I’m going to get a whole new wardrobe on him.

Molly drags me down the street, unaware of the turmoil inside me. The stress is going to make me sick one of these days.

I order a lot of clothes and organise for them to be delivered tomorrow morning. We get luggage, toiletries, and finally end up at a hair salon.

I glance back at Molly, who is talking quietly with the hairdresser. I trust her, and I don’t care. So I leave everything to them.

An hour later, I walk out with a much shorter haircut that leaves my layered hair sitting just beneath my shoulders. It’s now streaked with thin lines of teal and turquoise highlights.

I look younger and less stressed for all of five minutes until I remember my life.

Molly takes my hand and drags me out of the store where we go and sit down at a café. She hands me my favourite cake and a coffee and picks up a spoon. Except she doesn’t eat, she just turns the spoon over and over.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’ll never find a boss as good as you.” Molly sniffles and reaches out, putting her hand on mine. “I know you took a chance on me. I know what everyone says. But thank you for letting me prove everyone wrong.”

“It was my pleasure.” I say those words, and I mean them. “I’ll be back before you know it.”

“I hope not. I hope you go out there and find something that makes you happy.”

“I’m happy.”

“You’re the most unhappy person I know, Ryn.”

“I, no, I’m happy.”

Molly smiles. “Liar.” She leans close. “I just think while you’re out there exploring the world that you should try to have some fun. Just really let go and enjoy yourself.”

“I enjoy myself.”

“When was the last time you went out and did something fun?”

I open my mouth, but words fail me as I suddenly come up blank.

“You’re going to be around gorgeous rock stars, security, men who have skills and talents and know how to party. I’m just strongly suggesting you have a good time.”

I stare at her. I want to tell her I couldn’t possibly, too much is riding on my plans working out, but what if I did meet someone? What if I had some fun? I could at least be open to it.

“I’ll see.”

“That’s all I need to hear.” Molly grins. “Now, we have a few hours and your father’s credit card. Let’s go get our nails done.”

I snicker and take a sip of my coffee. “I think you need a new bag, Molly. Yours has a hole.”

Molly looks down at her bag. “Oh, that is so sad. Yes, I need a new bag. I can’t possibly exist without one.”

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