Page 82 of Molly

I turn my focus back to her and realise she’s staring at them, too. Beckett still comes in for lunch most days, but they don’t speak. She won’t serve him, but he keeps trying. She seems better, sort of. She’s not drinking anymore, so that’s positive.She was worrying me for a while there. I guess everyone copes in their own way.

She smiles, still staring, tilting her head slightly. “You ever thought about having another baby?”

I’m surprised by the sudden change of subject. “Uh, I guess. We’re not there yet, but I’d like another baby… eventually.”

She shakes her head as if trying to clear her mind and looks back at me. “Right, yeah. Of course. Too soon.”

I raise an eyebrow in question. “Why, Pen?”

She waves me off. “Oh, just making conversation, no reason.”

“Penny…”

“Uh, Mol…” she says, nodding towards the door. I spin and freeze.Jess.My eyes dart to Ryan. He hasn’t looked up from his conversation with Beckett, so he doesn’t know she’s here.

“I’ll handle it,” Penny snaps, already rounding the counter. I see the second Jess realises that she’s coming for her. She pales and takes a slight step back. I’d shit myself too if I was her.

“Pen, I’ve got it. I need to do this.”

She stops mid-step and turns her head back to me. “You sure?”

“Mhmm.” I take in a deep breath as I make my way over to her, keeping my eyes locked on hers. Her gaze wavers, and she looks over at Ryan and Beckett.

“Jess, what are you doing here?” I ask as I get close enough to speak without yelling. I see Ryan’s head snap up from the corner of my eye. His eyes go wide, and he stands. I turn my head towards him and shake it, letting him know I’m fine. He looks torn but stays put and narrows his eyes at Jess.

“Ryan won’t talk to me. I didn’t have a choice. I know he comes here for lunch.”

“You’re not welcome here. Please, leave,” I say calmly.

She huffs. “Not until I talk to Ryan. This is bullshit. We’ve been friends for too long for him to just cut me off like this.”

I hear Penny call out from behind me, back at the counter. “No sluts allowed. Get the fuck out.”

The room goes dead silent. Jess throws a glare her way and then looks back at me.

Shit, she’s brave.

I sigh dramatically. “Jess, he doesn’t want to see you. You need to let it go.”

“No!” she snaps.

“Look, I get it, okay? I know you think you love him. Shit, maybe you do. But he’s mine. You can’t have him.”

She shakes her head slightly. “He’s confused. He’ll realise…”

I go to speak again, but Ryan’s voice booms around the room. “Jess, leave. Now.”

Her bottom lip wobbles, and I see her throat bob as she swallows. “But…”

“No. Enough. Donotcome here again. Leave,” he snaps.

She looks back at me, waiting for me to say something, but I don’t. I cross my arms across my chest and shrug.

“Fine,” she whispers.

As she opens the door, I feel Ryan at my back. “Jess,” he calls out. She turns, a hopeful look on her face. “If you come here again, I’ll call the cops. Do you understand me?” he says, his tone sending a shiver up my spine.

Her face pales, and she turns around, opens the door, and leaves without looking back. Pity washes over me. I know how it feels to love Ryan Anderson.

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