“That’s just it.” She leaned her chin on her palm. “There aren’t any buts. I think you should do it. You’re going to need capital. Have you looked into small business loans?”
Jordan stared at her in wonder. “You’re serious?”
Molly narrowed her gaze. “Are you?”
“It’s just that I was expecting something more along the traditional lines of ‘stop dreaming, kid.’ Or maybe the old standby, ‘have you considered medical school?’ That one’s my favorite.”
Molly’s face softened in sincerity. “I would never say those things to you.”
Jordan nodded because she was right; she wouldn’t. And the extra shot of encouragement was just what she needed. Suddenly, she was excited about her prospects all over again. “Thank you.”
“No problem. Now back to business. How do you plan to fund this venture of yours?”
Jordan bit her bottom lip. “I might have enough in savings to get us off the ground at first.”
“Get outta town.” Molly whistled low, which earned them both a disapproving glance from old Mrs. Robinson three tables over.
Jordan kept her voice low as she refocused her attention. “It’s not a ton, but like I said, studio work does have some perks, and the paycheck is most definitely one of them. They took care of my food and lodging whenever I was on location, so my bank account reaped the rewards.”
“You sure you want to give all that up? You could buy a lot of soccer balls with those dollar signs. Wouldn’t have to break into sheds anymore. Think of that.”
“Valid point, but I’m more than sure.” She stared past Molly in surprise. “Oh. I think our niece is constructing the Eiffel Tower out of ballerina books.” She tilted her head. “Who knew they had so many?”
Molly jumped up. “Yikes. On it. We’ll talk later. Oh, and, Jordan?”
She met her gaze. “Yeah?”
“You look good in glasses. Really.” The comment coupled with the weighted look in Molly’s eyes hit her right in the center of the chest like a line drive. And for one second, she let herself enjoy that twisty feeling she had in her stomach as she watched Molly walk away. Yeah, it was hard to breathe, but she’d work that part out later.
After that exchange, her mind dreamily wandered elsewhere and it was nearly impossible to concentrate on the work in front of her. She closed the book in happy defeat. Oh well, the productivity had been nice while it lasted.
Chapter Eleven
As far as odds went, date number three was destined for success. It had to be, right? At least that’s what Molly told herself as she approached the entrance to The Owl Tree. She’d grown smart enough over the course of the past few weeks to insist that her date travel into Applewood this time around. This would make her escape route that much shorter. But then again, with three times being a charm, she wouldn’t exactly need one now, would she? Good thing too, as Eden’s friend was running out of lesbians.
She had to admit she was feeling confident on this particular Friday. Maybe it was the excitement of the upcoming festival or her recent success with nailing down the recipe for MollyDollys. Whatever it was, she planned to use the extra swagger and was actually looking forward to whatever the night had in store. The optimism felt good.
On the sidewalk, she glanced down at her denim capris and black tank top. Sexy enough, without looking like she was trying too hard. Just the kind of message she was looking to send.
Before she could even make it inside the bar, she spotted a woman making her way up the sidewalk. This had to be her would-be date. She smiled as the woman approached and the woman smiled back. Short dark hair, slim cut jeans and a forest green top. Definitely attractive. One wouldn’t call her drop-dead gorgeous, but she had a warm smile that would snag your attention.
“Molly?”
She extended her hand. “That’s me. You must be Annaleigh.”
“I am. Nice to meet you. I was so excited to hear you lived in Applewood. I’ve always loved it here and look for any excuse to visit.” She blushed. “That sounded horrible. Not that you’re just an excuse, but—”
Molly held up a hand, laughing. “Not at all. I get it. Shall we head in? I’ll give you all the insider secrets.”
Annaleigh smiled. “I came to the right place.”
The vibe was already easygoing, and as Molly held the door open for her date, she didn’t even try to hide the smile she felt creeping through. The night had so many good possibilities.
The Owl Tree was hopping as the town came out in droves to celebrate the weekend. Music played from the jukebox in the corner and a group was gathered around the dartboard in the back. As they passed through the crowded space, Molly paused to say hello to, well, everyone, introducing Annaleigh to her friends and neighbors. Finally, they snagged a table to the right of the bar, just underneath Owlfred, the bar’s giant stuffed mascot. Molly gestured up. “Local flavor.”
“He’s quaint. Lots of character.”
“Right?” They smiled at each other for a moment. She could be wrong, but there might just be chemistry here. Time would tell.
Little Bobby brought over a pitcher of Miller Light and a couple of glasses. “Hey there, Molly. Molly’s friend.”
“Hiya, Little Bobby. How’d you know we were drinking beer tonight?”
He shrugged once. “S’my job to know these kinds of things.”
“Impressive,” Annaleigh said, raising her eyebrows.
Little Bobby grunted, which Molly knew was code for thank you, and headed back behind the bar to tend to his waiting customers.
Annaleigh took it upon herself to pour them each a beer. “So what kinds of things does one do for fun in Applewood, USA?”
“Oh, the usual. Swap meets, recreational drugs, and lots of competitive gardening.”
Annaleigh stared back at her wide-eyed.
“Kidding,” Molly assured her.
Annaleigh leaned back in her chair. “Thank God. I guess I’m a little sensitive. You just wouldn’t believe some of the dates I’ve been on lately.”
Molly regarded her. “Trust me, I would. In fact, I might have you beat.”
“Wanna bet?”
They went on to trade stories, and in a shocking turn of events, Annaleigh took the proverbial gold. “Wait, so you actually went to jail?”
She nodded. “That’s what happens when the cops find a trunk full of marijuana plants in the car you just happen to be riding in.”
“Oh, no!”
“Oh, yes.”
Molly reached across the table and covered Annaleigh’s hand with her own. “I’m sincerely sorry that happened to you and even more sorry that I cannot stop laughing about it.”
“That’s okay. I’m sure it’s a story I’ll tell my grandchildren one day, so there’s that.”
“My take on it exactly. Cheers to bad dates, present company excluded.” They clinked glasses, and not long after, Molly poured them a second round.
Things were going well.
Annaleigh leaned forward tentatively. “Is it too soon to tell you that I’m having a really great time?”
Molly set the pitcher down and grinned. “Not too soon. And me too, by the way. This is nice.”
She slid Annaleigh’s glass across the table to her, just as her eyes landed on a cozy scene across the room. Jordan sat at the bar, her head dipped low, grinning at something Summer Siller was whispering in her ear. How had she missed them when she first arrived? She watched a beat longer because like a car accident, she couldn’t seem to look away. Summer’s hand moved from where it rested on the back of Jordan’s barstool up the small of her back. Molly suppressed an eye roll. What was Jordan thinking? But she knew the answer to that question and it was spilling generously from Summer’s overly low cut top. Summer Siller was not only easy, she was manipulative and shallow too. And if that’s what Jordan was after, who was Molly to stop her?
“Friends of yours?” Annaleigh asked, following her gaze.