AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Crystal thought of meeting Mac. Both the sex and the lasagna had been amazing. She didn’t think Mollie needed to know about the former, though. “I met Mac for lunch. A great little Italian place called Carmine’s. Ever been there?”
“No, but a few
ladies from the office have mentioned it. I’ve been meaning to go.”
“You should. Their lasagna tasted homemade.”
“I have a feeling it wasn’t the lasagna that put that glow in your cheeks.”
“Maybe,” she hedged. God, she never could hold out on Mollie.
Mollie sat up straighter, and suddenly appeared entirely too alert. “And what about Trent?”
“What about him?”
“You had dinner with his parents the other night, right?”
“Well, we didn’t quite make it to dinner,” she replied, feeling her cheeks heat. Unable to withstand Mollie’s scrutiny, Crystal turned and started putting the clean dishes away from the drainer.
“Is that so?” Mollie asked, her voice filled with amusement. “So, does this mean that you’re sampling the goods before you decide?”
Mollie’s question caused Crystal to fumble and drop a cup. Thankfully the damn thing was plastic. She picked it up and placed it on the counter, then turned to her nosy friend. “I plead the Fifth.” She looked at the clock on the microwave and added, “Besides, we’re late to meet with the manager of that first apartment we were going to check out.”
“No way, sister. You don’t get off that easily.”
“Fine, then,” she bit out, knowing Mollie wasn’t going to let it go. “Yes, I suppose you could say I’m sampling the goods.” She paused, then added, “There. Happy?” Crystal felt as if she could fry an egg on her face it was so damn hot from mortification.
“Well, those two sure are gorgeous,” Mollie replied in a dreamy voice. “So, what’s the plan, exactly? Are you supposed to pick one or will there be a duel?”
Crystal rolled her eyes. “You’re an idiot.”
Mollie laughed. “Maybe you should start upping your vitamins. I have a feeling you’re going to need all the energy you can muster.”
Crystal shook her head and started out of the kitchen. “This conversation is over. Are you coming or not?”
Mollie stood and grabbed her purse. “All kidding aside, I’m glad you’re getting yourself out there. You deserve to have some fun.”
Crystal looked back at her friend. “Thanks,” she replied. “It’s completely warped to date them both, but just for once I don’t care. Trent and Mac are both so different from Richard. They’re kind and generous and I’m having fun. Does that sound awful?”
“Of course not,” Mollie said, her voice softening. “But I do want you to be careful. They seem pretty intense. I don’t want you biting off more than you can chew.”
Crystal reached out and placed her hand on her friend’s shoulder. “I’ll be fine, really,” Crystal said. “Besides, I have no intention of getting serious. I’ve been down the marriage road and it sucked, remember?”
Mollie nodded. “Yeah, and I’m glad that part of your life is over.”
“Me too,” she said. An image of Richard’s condescending face sprang to her mind as he’d handed her the divorce papers. She shook away the awful memory. “Now, let’s go apartment hunting.”
“Works for me,” Mollie said as she followed her out. “And maybe afterward you can take me to that Italian place. I’ve got a craving.”
“Great idea,” Crystal said, heading to her car. “I’m buying.”
“Okay, but I’m picking up the tab next time,” Mollie replied, as she got in the passenger side.
“Maybe next time we’ll be having dinner at my place.” Crystal put the key in the ignition and turned.
“You know you don’t have to move, right? I truly love having the company.”
Her heart swelled with warmth at Mollie’s statement. “I know and I’ll never be able to repay you for all that you’ve done for me. But I need to start the next chapter of my life. Does that make sense?”
