Page 7 of You Were Invited
“Don’t be sorry.”
“Just... worried.”
“It’s okay, Annie.”
“Will your in-laws be okay if I sleep on the couch?”
“Yeah, why wouldn’t they? It’s my house, and you’re my friend.” Molly smiled. “Actually. I had a better idea. Why don’t you stay at the cabin? You can stay as long as you like.”
Annie’s eyes widened. The cabin, which belonged to Molly's parents, had always been a special place. They'd spent countless summers there, hiking in the woods, telling ghost stories in the dark of Molly's bedroom. Annie felt a lump form in her throat. “I wouldn't want to impose.”
“I was gonna suggest it even if they weren’t coming to town. And before you even think it, I’m not telling you to get lost. I think a getaway would be helpful.”
“I appreciate the offer... but... Wouldn’t your parents feel weird? About a non-family member using it?”
“Annie, you’re basically my sister. They ask how you’re doing all the time. And my parents are house hunting in Arizona. The cabin’s practically mine.”
“But the internet’s terrible. Hardly any cell service.”
“A neighbor lives there full-time. Handy guy. He installed something at our cabin for my dad that helped, apparently. Idon’t know. The Wi-Fi works better there than it does here. Annie, just go. I’ll kidnap and drive you there if I haveta.”
“Really?”
“Of course.” Molly smiled. “The mountain air’ll clear your head. I just know it.”
“If you’re gonna twist my arm.”
“Get some rest, and maybe help me tidy a bit before you go…? I hate having Trisha think I let Peter live in a pigsty. I’ve been so tired, I can’t keep up with his mess.” Molly tucked her legs beneath her. She rubbed her eyes, a grim expression replacing her smile.
“Oh, Molly.” The memory of the post Chris had shown her popped into Annie’s mind’s eye. “I saw the picture of us you posted online. I haven’t seen that photo in years… I’m sorry I didn’t see it sooner. Or been around much.”
A smile flickered at the corner of Molly’s mouth. “It was too good not to share. That’s all.”
“Those summer days were pretty great, huh?” She searched for what more to say. Life seemed like a struggle anymore. Work. Stressful boyfriend. And although Molly was typically bright-eyed and confident, she herself was still emotionally recovering from an unexpected second trimester miscarriage the previous fall. “They feel so far away.”
“Yeah.” Molly sighed and plastered a fresh grin on her face, almost as if someone had walked into the room and shouted, ‘smile!’ She said, “You’re going to detox from Chris. Take care of yourself. Figure out the next step.”
Annie pursed her mouth, her thoughts turning back to the generous offer. Hadn’t Chris said she was neglecting her self-care? Told her to take it easy? Flashing her friend a genuine smile, she said, “Thank you.” But truthfully, she didn’t know what she wanted outside of freelancing, and right now she didn’thave a ton of money left over after bills. Her hands went back to her hair. “Do you think I’d look good with a pixie?”
“Uh... yes... but...” Molly grimaced. “Maybe a crisis haircut isn’t what you need right now.”
“I’ve been thinkin’ about it... Not just now.”
“You went from brunette to platinum. And shoulder length to chin length. A month ago.” Molly leveled her gaze at Annie. “Don’t do it, Annie. Don’t listen to the stress.” Her freckled cheeks bubbled into a smile. “I’ve no doubt it’d look so cute, though.”
Smiling shyly, Annie relented. “Maybe no haircut then.”
Under the table, Bell scratched her neck before she joined them on the couch. The little dog nosed Molly’s shoulder and wagged her short tail.
“Hey, kid. How is you?” Molly scratched Bell’s brown ears and spotted neck. “Awww, is it supper? That why you’re awakey? Yeah, you’re hungry.”
Annie leaned over and patted Bell’s spotted back.
“This might be my exhaustion talking, but we’re getting takeout, and now.” Molly picked up her phone. “I haven’t seen you eat a stick of food all day.”
Annie perked up. “I can cook?” She’d been too sick or tired to cook lately, and she missed it.
Molly smiled sadly. “Oh... You really have eaten nothing... Otherwise you would’ve seen how barren my fridge is. We’re going shopping tomorrow. Chinese sound good, hun? My treat.”
