Page 24 of The Last Autograph
But when is the world ever ideal?
Molly had almost loved Jesse once. If things had been different, if they’d had more time, perhaps that “almost” would have left the equation, and as she turned into Gloria’s driveway and parked alongside a row of spent lavender, she couldn’t stop thinking about him.
Looking back, she clearly recalled him returning to Clifton Falls just after New Year for a doctor’s appointment. When she questioned him about it, he’d mentioned a sore throat and tiredness but dismissed her concerns.
Now, as she’d told Luka, Molly had one all-consuming thought: was his diagnosis the reason he’d ended their relationship so abruptly? After finding out he was unwell, had he cut her off to save himself the hassle of having to deal with a girlfriend when his life was in turmoil?
Or to protect her?
With the engine off, Molly sat for a moment and tried to see Jesse’s decision from his perspective. Perhaps he understood her more than he’d let on.
Who made that choice for her and Jesse? Her, by accepting his indifference at face value and not making more of an effort to force contact between them? Or Jesse, by assuming she’d walk if he told her the truth?
But what did it matter now? No amount of reflection would change the path either of them took that January eight years ago.
Besides, she now had Jake to contend with, and even those delicious éclairs of his couldn’t sweeten the deal they were about to make.
Molly removed the keys from the ignition, shouldered her bag, and headed inside her tiny house. With the TV news playing in the background, she cooked a chicken-and-mushroom risotto, then ate her meal slowly while continuing her soul-searching.
After dinner, the heavy subject matter of her thoughts having run its course, Molly called her mum for their weekly chat over a relaxing cup of tea, then settled on the sofa to watch an episode ofMasterChef.
When Molly’s text alert chimed, dinner was long over; she’d inhaled half a block of coconut chocolate while chatting with her mum and was now busy compiling a mental list of all the reasons she’d failed to make it to the gym that day.
Assuming it was too late for a work-related text, Molly picked up her phone.
Jake:I received an interesting email today.
She took a sip from her water bottle and sighed. Would it be rude to switch off her phone and pretend she hadn’t seen his text? She decided to at least reply. After all, he might be more than happy to have her on board.
Molly:Let me guess… Winston?
Jake:What the fuck do you think you’re doing?
Or not.Rude bastard!
Molly:My job.
Jake:Well will you tell him or should I?
Molly:If you have something to say to Winston, go right ahead. I’m the new girl. On a fixed-term contract. I’m not about to throw a tantrum just because the client is…
Jake:What?
Molly:Never mind. I’m not a fan of texting with clients before I’ve started work on their contract. It’s unprofessional. And don’t you EVER use an angry FUCK in a text to me again!!!
With her phone and the chocolate in hand, Molly opened the sliding door into the garden, slipped off her Ugg boots, and stepped out onto the cool grass. Amber streetlights reflected across the goldfish pond, and the faint sound of a TV drifted from the back neighbor’s window. She looked to the heavens, but sadly, clouds obscured the stars.
Her phone’s ringtone startled her, and when Jake’s name appeared on the screen, Molly contemplated letting it go to answer. But…
She sat on the swing chair and tucked her feet beneath her. “Yes?”
“My apologies for the fuck. It’s just… I don’t believe we’ll be a good fit working together, even for a short time. Not when there’s a conflict of interest.”
A conflict of interest?Molly smiled through gritted teeth. She’d been taught to smile when on a call with a client; apparently, it altered your tone to one of congeniality.“Whatever you say.”
“I’m glad you agree.”
Why did he assume she agreed? “But you can tell Winston. We’re short-staffed at the moment, and I don’t want to add to that pressure.”
