Nate was already gone in the car he’d borrowed from his dad when they packed themselves in Molly’s green sedan. He had left a note on the counter that made Molly cringe.
Hey Liam,
Left to pick up Jess and the kids this morning. Didn’t want to bother you. You sounded like you were (getting) busy.
-Nate
Liam kept his hand on Molly’s knee as she drove. It was a very relationship thing to do, but she did not comment on it and tried to brush it off as him just being a really affectionate guy. The simple touch made her inordinately happy, starting a war inside of her with one side telling her emotions not to get attached, and the other side mentally doodling Liam’s name in hearts.
“Thanks for this,” he said as she pulled into the staff parking lot. He even rewrapped her ankle before they left so she could walk more easily through her workday.
“It’s no trouble. I was coming here anyway. Least I could do after taking up all your free time this morning.” She reached behind her and pulled her backpack from the backseat, rifling through the front pocket for her ID tags.
“I don’t know why,” Liam commented as he stepped out of the car, “but I really like the idea of you working in a hospital. I can’t put my finger on why it’s sexy, but it is.”
“Oh, you’re incorrigible,” she huffed, feigning exasperation with a bright smile. She could not feel harried at not arriving at the perfect time for her workday. She could not feel upset about anything at the moment. She slung her backpack over her shoulder and started off toward the building. When her backpack was lifted off of her and put on Liam’s shoulder instead, Molly stared up at him, perplexed. “What are you doing?”
“I’m carrying your backpack to school for you,” he answered with a grin, knowing exactly how charming he was being. Without conversing about it or allowing her to weigh in on the pros and cons, Liam reached for her hand and linked his fingers through hers. When she opened her mouth to question his actions, he cut her off. “I know we’re not together, but I feel like pretending this week. Had a really stellar morning, and I’m not ready to burst the bubble yet. That alright?”
“Of course.” Molly swallowed as they entered the massive building. She had never walked down a hallway holding hands with a guy, him carrying her backpack like a beacon of oneness for all to see. The familiar faces she knew around the hospital all greeted her with an air of fleeting interest, seeing her for once as a woman with a life outside work as they walked through the sterile hallways. “Do you know how to get to your mom’s room?”
“Not really. I’ll text Nate. I know you have to go.” He pulled out his phone. “I’ll catch a ride back with my family. Nate and I will see you at home after dinner tonight.” Foregoing any sense of shame at the blatant PDA, Liam drew her close and kissed her briefly, pulling away before he could further distract from her day.
Her heart pounded at the lack of fear he displayed at being seen in public with her. It was all too good to be true. Molly floated away on cloud nine, and went throughout the rest of her day skipping from cloud to cloud, never letting her foot touch the ground.
When she checked her phone for messages at her break, she saw she had a missed text from an unknown number. She sat down at the cafeteria table and took a bite of her apple as she fiddled with her phone.
Pathetic that I had to get your number from my brother. Why does Nate have your cell number? This is Liam. Save my number.
She smiled and typed in, Nate’s my booty call. Speed dial 69. Who is this again?
The response came back within ten seconds. Very funny. How’s your day going?
No one ever asked about her day, except the occasional friendly doctor every now and then. You’re sweet. Normal day over here. She paused, wondering if it would be tactless to ask about his mother. How’s your family?
Truth? A mess. They all expect me to work a miracle cure or something. Mom’s refusing treatment. I get it. I can’t go against that.
Molly frowned. That’s rough. I’m sorry. Anything I can do to help?
Just letting me whine about it helps. Thanks.
Molly looked at the clock on the wall, and for the first time wanted to complain about having to go back to her job. I’m so sorry. I have to get back to work. I won’t have my phone on me, but I’ll check it after my shift.
Sure. Blow me off. Right when I was about to hand over the treasure map to my secret fortune.
Molly giggled softly. I found that after you passed out last night. Where do you think I really am? Swimming in gold coins like Scrooge McDuck.
See you tonight, pirate.
You just want me for my booty. She typed quickly as she shoved the rest of her apple into her mouth. And that’s wench, to you.