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“I do,” she says.
We’re quiet for a beat and the air feels thick. But it’s still a thousand times better than any other time we’ve interacted. I glance at her resume.
“Do the hours seem like they’d work for you? Eight to five, Monday through Friday?” I finally ask.
“That would be perfect,” she says.
I hold up her resume. “From the looks of this, I’d say you’re overqualified, but I should make it clear too that working for a hospital in a small community—or at least at Pine Community—can sometimes mean taking on additional unexpected jobs…”
“I can assure you that I’m flexible, and as long as I have childcare set up for my daughter in the hours that I’d be needed, I’d have no problem taking on additional jobs around here.”
I imagine her being flexible, stretched out in an exotic position, and I scrub my hand over my face. I need sleep, food, and to get laid, the latter preferably first if I’m going to survive seeing Marlow on the daily.
“Thank you for coming in today. I’ll discuss it with the rest of the board and someone will let you know soon if we decide to move forward.”
“Oh, okay. That was quick,” she says. She picks up her purse and the folder lying in front of her and looks awkward for a second before she smiles and stands. “Thank you for your time.”
She leans across the table and holds out her hand and I hesitate before taking it. She gasps slightly when our hands touch and it sets a fire blazing through me. Her eyes are wide as we shake and I can’t read the expression in them, but all I know is that I have to get out of here. Now.
“Thank you,” I manage to say before I bolt.
Working with Marlow is going to be torture.
CHAPTERSEVEN
NEUTRALS
MARLOW
“Ah, Sofie is engaged,” I sing, as I click Sofie’s glass with mine. “I’m so excited!”
Dakota lifts her Shirley Temple and clinks our glasses, and Scarlett and her friends, Holly and April, laugh as they join in. It might be a downer to some to have a little girl with them on a girls’ night out, but Sofie asked specifically if Dakota could come tonight and everyone acts like they love having her with us as much as I do.
We’re at The Gnarly Vine, which specializes in wine and fabulous charcuterie boards, so not necessarily the most kid-friendly place, but Dakota is in her element, hanging out with her favorite Auntie Sof and the girls.
“I’m so glad you’re all here,” Sofie says.
She is glowing and I have never been so happy for anyone in my entire life. My best friend has gone through so much and to see her this happy with Theo is all I could’ve wished for her.
“I’ve wanted the three of you to meet Marlow and Dakota for so long. Even before I knew I’d be back in Landmark, I imagined all of you getting to know each other. And I haven’t gotten to be with you guys as much as I’ve wanted to since I moved back,” she says to Holly and April, “but I hope that will change now.” She looks at me. “I was closer to Scarlett and Holly and April than I was with people my own age because I was always at Theo’s house, and Holly and April were always there too, hanging out with Scarlett. And when I went to Texas and met Marlow, she became my family…” She puts her hand on Dakota’s back. “I was even there the day Dakota was born.” She waves her hand in front of her face and laughs as her eyes fill with tears.
A huge charcuterie board is placed in front of us and we thank the waitress as Sofie continues.
“I’m still floating about marrying Theo, and now all my friends are here with me too.” She shakes her head. “It’s just too good to be true.”
“It’s meant to be and only going to get better,” Scarlett says.
I like Scarlett. She seems to be a straight shooter and she’s been kind to me. But I especially love how crazy she seems about Sofie. Holly and April too.
“I wanted to get together to see if I could talk you into being my bridesmaids,” Sofie says, leaning in, her eyes sparkling brighter than the twinkle lights surrounding us.
April puts her hand on her heart and Holly looks like she’s about to cry.
“I’m so honored to be part of this,” Holly says.
“You’ve always been so special to us,” April adds. “And I can’t wait for you and Theo to get married.”
Scarlett reaches over and hugs Sofie. “You’ll finally be my sister for real, and there’s nothing I want more.”
