“Tough?”
She nodded. “I don’t blame most of them, but some are just off-the-hook.” She shook her head. “What about you?”
“I’m between jobs,” Nimita said, trying out the phrase for the first time.
“So that’s why the dog walking.” Molly nodded knowingly, and without judgment.
“I don’t get paid for that. Just helping out my cousin.”
“That’s nice of you.”
Nimita shrugged.
“It is. Own it,” Molly insisted.
Nimita laughed. “Thank you.”
Molly stood. “I should go. Still need a shower before school starts.”
“Did you want to join me to walk Finn? Like tonight?” Nimita asked. She was drawn to this young woman who seemed strong and carefree. Besides, it would be nice to have someone to talk to, since Reena didn’t seem interested.
Molly’s grin as she dusted sand off her clothes was brilliant. “That would be so nice.”
“Great. I’ll meet you here,” Nimita said.
Nimita took Finn home and did a rinse and repeat of yesterday. Her father was eager to be useful once more. Though Nimita had told him to be ready ahead of time, so the soap, the sponge and the towels were all laid out when she arrived. Reena was being overprotective.
True to her word, Molly met her and Finn on the beach later that evening. Interestingly, Finn did not bolt for the water when Molly was around. They walked along the beach, allowing Finn off leash to play in the ocean, and he seemed content enough to stay at the edges.
“How come he doesn’t bolt for the water when you’re here?” Nimita asked.
Molly chuckled. “Did he take you down?”
“Twice,” Nimita said. “I came prepared.” She motioned to her tote which had multiple towels in it.
“Bhaiya and I worked on training Finn about the ocean. If he takes off with you, it’s because he’s trying to see what he can get away with.”
Nimita shook her head. Reminded her of Reena when she was little.
“So what jobs are you between?” Molly asked.
“I was a flight attendant for Wanderlust.”
Molly’s eyes bulged in admiration. “That sounds amazing—you got to travel all over!” She stared at her for a minute. “You do look familiar.” Her eyes widened. “Are you—?” Molly stopped herself but pulled out her phone. “Wait. No. Way.”
“Viral video? Rude attendant?” Nimita sighed.
Molly nodded.
“That’s me.” Nimita turned back toward the ocean. She had hoped Molly would make a nice friend, but it was going to be over before it started. That damn video.
“There’s always a bigger story,” Molly said, smiling. “I’d love to hear it if you ever want to share.”
Nimita did a double take. “You know, a guy I met said the same thing.” Nimita shook her head.
“A hot guy?” Molly gave her a conspiratorial smile.
“So hot.” Nimita inhaled deeply. “You have no idea. But it was just a vacation fling, you know.” She sounded sadder than she had intended.
