“I wish, but I was intent on getting away first.”
She stops at a light and looks at my wrist, which has red marks on it. “Holy shit, is that what he did to you?”
“Yeah.”
She grabs her phone and snaps a few photos. “In case you want to call the police. I think at the very least you should sue.”
“Yeah… Well, I’ll think about it.” I don’t know what it takes to sue, or if I really even want to. There’s the cost, time and public attention that are sure to follow. If it’s going to be end in a slap on the wrist for Jack or some monetary settlement with the demand that I never talk about the incident again, it wouldn’t be worth it. He can’t use the “I only touched her to correct her form” defense with me, but he might have some other excuse ready. Why else would he corner me in the breakroom like that? My boobs aren’tthatnice. Besides, can I even afford the kind of lawyer who can beat him at his game? It just feels so daunting.
The light changes, and Georgia resumes driving. “Did you tell Nicholas?” she asks.
“I don’t want to bother him when he’s at work. I’ll text him later so he doesn’t go try to pick me up, and tell him what happened when he comes home.”
She shoots me a look like I’m out of my mind. “Don’t wait. Tell him now.”
“Why? What would that accomplish?”
“He’s your boyfriend.”
“I know. I’m not going to hide it. I just don’t want to interrupt his day with something like this.” The incident with Jack wasn’t life or death. I’m not even bleeding. And it isn’t like Nicholas is a police officer who can go over and arrest Jack.
“Oh my God, you’re in a relationship with him, Molly. If some guy grabbed me the way Jack did you, my boyfriend would be the first person I’d call.”
“But…” I shrug to hide my discomfiture. A tiny part of me says maybe I should listen to Georgia, but another part—one that’s terrified of being unlovable and bothersome—stops me.
You need to be less selfish. Consider that others have priorities that might be more important than you. What happened to my mother when I asked her to drop everything and buy me blueberries fleets through my mind. I don’t think telling Nicholas now would end up in something that tragic, but…
“Has Nicholas ever made you feel like you aren’t important to him?” Georgia asks.
“No, of course not. I just don’t want to be, you know, burdensome. He’s already done so much.”
My best friend sighs. “This is going to hurt him.”
I shake my head. “It’s only a few hours. It isn’t as dire as you think.”
Chapter Forty-One
Nicholas
I wrap up the final meeting of the day. Cody types furiously on his laptop to finish the minutes.
“I’ll have your agenda organized and emailed to you by five.”
“Thanks.”
I start to gather my things and check my watch. Four thirty. I’ll need to leave earlier than usual if I want to pick Molly up on time.
The mechanic texted and said he left the car in the garage. The parts finally came in, so he was able to complete the repairs. Although Molly said she’d handle the bill, I already paid it. I don’t see why she should have to when I have more than enough money.
I’m just about to head out when my phone pings.
–Molly: You don’t have to pick me up. I’m already home.
–Me: Really? What happened?
–Molly: I left early. I quit today.
Why did she quit all of a sudden? And why didn’t she call me sooner? How did she get home? An Uber?
