The nosy-ass people of Harlot’s Bay were one thousand goddamn percent going to start bugging him about whether he and Becky were together again. If Molly left, they’d figure she’d gone because he was reuniting with his ex and hassle him aboutthattoo.
Bad enough. But way fucking worse? If Molly saw the picture, she might think something she shouldn’t. Especially given her personal history.
The next time Sylvia came by for a latte, he would be leaving his workroom, having a private conversation with her, and taking care of the problem. Even if it meant offering her the exclusive interview she’d been haranguing him about for weeks.
“—owe you a long-belated apology,” Becky said, because apparently she’d begun talking at some point. “When I ended things way back when, I was cruel, and I’m ashamed of what I said to you. My only excuse is that I was a dumb kid who didn’t know how to tell you ‘I need to see more of the world before I settle down with anyone.’ And to make the break feel easier, I convinced myself we should split up because you weren’t enough for me. But the reality is thatno onewould’ve been enough for me, becauseIneeded to become more than I was. I’m so sorry.”
He blinked at her, stunned by the unexpected apology.
Sounded sincere. Not just nice, but also honest and... yeah,kind.
“Now here we are, twenty years later. I’ve finally wised up, and from everything I hear, you’re still the same person you’ve always been: a hardworking, successful man who cares about his familyand his community. Agoodman.” Her mouth twisted into a sad smile. “I’ve found that if you hitch your star to someone who’snota good man... sooner or later, he won’t be good to you either.”
That was the voice of painful experience, and he wished like hell she hadn’t learned her lessons the hard way. But—
“And we always had great chemistry, didn’t we?” She sucked in a deep breath, hands trembling slightly, and moved in a step closer. “So I was wondering...”
At long last, there was Molly, only a half-dozen steps away, her eyes on them. Only—why was she turning around and angling toward the refreshments table instead?
“Molly!” he shouted. “Over here, woman!”
She swiveled on her heel and headed their way again, taking her damn time about it.
“Sorry to interrupt,” he told Becky, whose soft, pink lips had formed a tight line. “Promised her we’d dance as soon as she got done talking to Janel.”
Her shoulders rose and fell in a silent sigh. “You and Molly, huh?”
“Yeah.” He certainly fucking hoped so. “First time she’s been back in twenty years, but... yeah.”
“Oh, wow.” Becky snorted, shaking her head ruefully. “My timing is the freakingworst.”
“I guess,” he said, not really following the conversation. “Appreciate the apology, Becky. All the kind words too.”
When she asked for forgiveness, apparently she liked to sweeten the pot with compliments. He’d have accepted the apology either way, though.
That sad smile returned. “I’m glad, Karl.”
They both watched Dearborn’s approach. When Molly finally arrived at the semi-private spot along the wall, Becky held out a hand in greeting before he could say anything.
Her voice was friendly, her chin tipped high. “Good to see you again, Molly.”
“Likewise.” Molly accepted the handshake, smiling pleasantly. “How are you, Becky?”
“I’ve been better, but I’ve certainly been worse too. Thank you for asking.” Becky’s arm dropped to her side, and she studied Molly’s suit for a moment. “I hear Karl owes you a dance, so I’ll get out of your hair.”
Karl nodded. “See you around.”
“That’s not necessary,” Molly told her at the exact same moment.
“It really is, Molly.” Becky huffed out a soft laugh. “I’m going to grab a slice of eel cake out of sheer morbid curiosity. Take care, you two.” She paused, already mid-turn, and spoke over her shoulder. “I always had a feeling you’d get together sooner or later, and I guess I was right. Didn’t think it would take quite this long, but...”
Becky disappeared once more into the crowd.
“Finally.” He grabbed Molly’s hand. “Let’s dance, Dearborn.”
When he tugged, though, she didn’t move an inch. Her expression was that serene mask he hated, but he could read her eye crinkles now. She was upset, or at least worried.
“For fuck’s sake, don’t tell me you think—” he began.
