"We're just friends," I try to lie casually and take a bite of cream pie, avoiding his eyes.
He gives me another look, one corner of his lips rising. His voice is gentle, teasing. "Come on--I know you well enough that I know when you're bullshitting. You can tell me."
I hesitate, wanting to confide in him. In anybody, really.
Carlin softens. "Hey, I mean it. You can talk to me. Is…is everything okay? You're okay, right?"
"Oh! Yes, no, it's not that."
"Which one? Yes or no?"
"Yes, I'm fine," I assure him. "It's…complicated."
"Complicated how?" He shifts, angling toward me.
I blow out a breath through my lips. "I mean, he's way older than me."
"Like,so old."
I chuckle. "And I've never dated or anything, which has me on a pretty steep learning curve. But I'm figuring it out. We're keeping itcasual."
"Casual." He repeats it like he's tasting the word.
"Casual," I echo cheerfully.
"But you're keeping it on the low? If it's casual, why hide it? Does he not want people to know?"
"Just trying to avoid the gossip. He's trying to protect me."
Something shifts behind his eyes, and then it's gone. "That's kind of…I don't know. I guess I don't get why he wouldn't give you the that much respect. You deserve somebody who's proud to be with you. Out in the open. You know?"
"Thanks," I offer weakly, glancing down at my cream pie. "Like I said, complicated. But he's a good guy."
"He is. One of the best. And you deserve the best, Molly. You know that, right?"
Something in his voice makes me look up at him. He's just…looking at me, warmly. Sincerely.
I flush, smiling. "Thanks, Carlin."
He holds my gaze for a just a beat longer than normal, breaking it with a smile. "Anytime, Mols. Anytime."
"So how about you? Seeing anybody? I heard Nurse Nancy's niece just moved to town. I also heard she's pretty hot."
He leans in, interested. "Oh, yeah? Maybe she'll come to The Horseshoe. Wanna be my winglady?"
"Uh, yes! I've always wanted to be a wing lady. I'll talk to Nancy at school tomorrow, see if I can't get myself an introduction. I'll bring her to the bar next time."
He laughs. "Should I brush up on my pickup lines?"
"Nah--just be yourself. She's gonna love you."
But he shakes his head, giving me another look. "If you say so."
So I do say so one more time, just so he knows I mean it.
CHAPTER 26
PRIORITIES
