Page 23 of Someone Just Like You

I shooed him away. “No worries.” My phone pinged a text from Esther asking what I was up to. I wrote back I was out with Timothy.

Molly:Well, I’m not really out WITH him, but we’re both here.

Her response came immediately.

Esther:Sounds dodgy.

I laughed.

Molly:It’s not. He’s working, but it’s not crowded so he can hang out with me.

Across the bar, Timothy was busy making drinks for people who weren’t me.

Molly:Except right now. I’m bored.

One could only appreciate how well her date’s ass fit into his brown cargo shorts for so long.

Esther:Don’t be bored. Talk to me.

My phone rang—Esther.

“Hey. Give me a second.” I waved until I got Timothy’s attention, then pointed toward the exit with my phone. “What’s up?” I said once outside.

“You like this guy?”

“He’s cute, has an even cuter dog, and I’m drinking for free. It’s enough for now.”

“I’m sure he’d be thrilled to know he ranks second to his dog,” she said dryly.

“He’s a goldendoodle and precious.” I’d only seen Eli the one time so far, but could easily picture his cute wet nose and soft brown eyes partially hidden under curly peach-colored fur.

“Another goldendoodle?”

“Huh?” I paced the narrow sidewalk in front of the bar as pedestrians passed me in both directions.

“Didn’t you say the best thing about Jude is his golden?”

I stopped in place. “Oh, right.” Yogi was also a goldendoodle. “Ha! Small world. But don’t wreck my buzz with Jude talk.” The meeting at my apartment had gone surprisingly well, but it didn’t erase almost a lifetime of hostility. I was afraid to trust our newfound peace. “What’s going on with you?”

“I’m off to Connecticut.”

“Again? That’s so nice of you.” It had only been a few weeks since the last time she had visited her uncle and the twins.

“It’s also an excuse to avoid Killian.”

My muscles tensed. “Is he still bothering you?” Esther had dated Killian off and on in college—“off” when he wanted to fuck someone else and “on” the rest of the time. He was a prince in his own mind because at least he never cheated. They’d recently run into each other at the Dunkin Donuts in our neighborhood, and she hadn’t been able to lose him since.

“I told him I wasn’t interested in dating him again, but he insists it would be as friends. Even suggested we go out in a group. I’m not sure it’s a good idea.”

I twirled a hair around my finger. “Because it’s not.” Esther was badass, but Killian had been her Achilles heel, and I didn’t want her to revert. “Can you block him?”

“It’s a bit premature for such drastic measures. At least while I’m in Connecticut, I have a built-in excuse to say no. Hopefully, he’ll get the hint and lose interest when he realizes he can’t bench me anymore.”

“While you’re away, I’ll—”

“Check on Poppy, I know. And thanks.”

“What are friends for?” I peeked through the window and caught Timothy’s eye. He waved. “I should go back inside the bar. But call if you need me!”

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