I walk over to him, and give him a hug. He holds me close, and kisses my forehead. “I’ve missed you.” Closing my eyes, I lean into him. He smells nice. Freshly showered, mixed with hint of spice. God, he smells so good.
“What a day.” He sighs. “What a week,” he quickly adds.
“Tell me about it. David called me, and said Gemma went in to see him. I’m kinda nervous about everything.”
“What are you nervous about?”
I pull away from Dylan, and lean against the counter. “I’m nervous that Gemma’s made a mistake.”
“A mistake? Gemma doesn’t make mistakes. She’s incredibly thorough with her investigations.”
“I’m not doubting Gemma, that’s not what I mean. I’m worried Mack’s somehow deceived her, or really isn’t this monster pedophile who committed unspeakable acts on me. I’m nervous that when it comes to charging him with those crimes, his attorney will do everything possible to debunk me and make me look like I’m crazy.” I can feel myself getting worked up. I keep dragging my hands through my hair, and avoiding Dylan’s eyes.
“You’re uncertain about everything. There’s a lot happening in your life, Molly. But, remember, you have your parents and me here to support you. Not to mention Amelia, and David. We’re all here for you, and for AJ, and Kate, and Neve.”
“I need a hug,” I say as I step close again. Dylan smiles, and holds me again. “I feel like I haven’t had a single moment to myself to breathe. I’d love a day where I don’t have to think about anything, and I’m not terrified of what people will think once they find out about my…” I pause, and half smile. “…my extended family.” I chuckle.
“Extended family? I like that!” I feel Dylan snicker.
I let go of Dylan, and start setting the table for dinner. “I have to say, I’m really worried Preston is going to get away with what he did to Tina.”
“There’s no way, not with his past. Not with what Gemma found out about him.”
“I have a feeling if his parents find out about my extended family, they’ll use that somehow to get Preston off of the charges.”
Dylan nods, lifting his brows in agreeance. “They’re shady, and don’t have a good bone in their body. And, I think you’re right. They would exploit you in order to get Preston out of the trouble he’s in. But your situation doesn’t have any bearing on what he did to Tina.”
My stomach knots with fear, and I worry my lower lip between my teeth. “This feels like it’s too much for me to handle.”
“One day at a time. It’s the only thing we can do.” He pours some of the packet of pasta into the rapidly boiling water. “How are Zhen and Zorro?”
I smile. “I love them so much. Zhen’s by my side all the time. It’s like he knows something’s going on.”
“I’m amazed you didn’t bring him tonight.”
I perk up. “Would you mind? Can I bring him next time?”
“If you want. I’m happy to have him here. Here’s a good dog.”
“I think he thinks he’s a human.” Heat warms my chest when I think about Zhen. He makes me smile; he’s such a good dog. Dylan’s watching me, smiling. “What?”
“You. You’re so cute.”
I beam happily. I love the way Dylan makes me feel like I’m the only woman on this planet. “I am?”
“Yeah, you are. So, I want to ask, how has your extended family been?” He grabs the tongs and brings out a piece of pasta, popping it into his mouth. “Nearly,” he mutters to himself.
“They’ve all been quiet since we got back from the police station. Very quiet, actually.” I crinkle my forehead, definitely surprised by their silence.
“I thought maybe they’d have a lot to say. Not even Neve?” I shake my head. “Quiet is good, right?” he asks, but he doesn’t sound convinced.
“Yeah,” I say in a higher than usual pitch. But the fact Dylan’s asking about them, means he really does care. And maybe he’s not as freaked out about them as I thought he’d be. He’s been by my side this whole time, ready to help in any way he can.
Sorry, M, I have to do it.
“AJ, what are you doing?”
I’m sorry.
I can feel myself being dragged under. My head fogs over, and I’m losing all control over myself. Seriously, AJ?
I steady myself against the chair as the cloud lifts from my head.
So, this is Dylan, the guy M’s totally in love with. Huh. Well, he better be ready for some hard questions.
I pace back and forth, puffing my chest out as I stare at him.
“Do you want cheese?” he asks.
“Why the fuck would I want cheese?” I snap at him.
Dylan looks up from what he’s doing, his eyes search over my body. “Are you okay?” He steps closer to me.
“Back off, buddy. Before I put you on your ass.”
He looks confused. “AJ?” he asks.
“Were you expecting someone else? M’s gone to sleep for a bit. You and I need to have a talk. Sit.” I pull the chair out and wait for him to sit.
“Wait, let me finish this, and we can talk. I’m not burning the pasta again.” He quickly does something in the kitchen. What an odd guy. “Okay, I’m here.” He sits in the chair I’ve pulled out for him. Grabbing one of the others, I turn the chair and swing my leg over, straddling it. “I’m Dylan,” he says as he holds his hand out for me.
“I know who you are. M’s totally in love with you. Do you know why I’m here?” I don’t take his hand to shake it. For all I know, he’s another sick perve who just wants to screw with M, and Neve, and maybe even Kate and me.
“I’ve wanted to meet you. I’d like for us to get to know one another.”
I scoff. “Do you like her?”
“No,” he replies with a stoic face. I stare at him as my hands curl into fists. “I love her,” he adds.
“Why?” I get up and move to stand in front of him, and cross my arms in front of my chest. “I’m protective of her. I don’t want some dick to do to her what that other asshole did.”
“I don’t want Molly to get hurt either. And, I’d never do anything to be the perpetrator of that. She means too much to me.”
“Words. All I’m hearing is words.” I make a duck bill with my hand, and open it and close it. “Why should I believe you? You’re much older than she is. Why don’t you find yourself someone closer to your age? Or can’t you get anyone?” I mock.
Dylan rolls his eyes. “Because I don’t want anyone else. Molly is…” he stops talking to think about what he wants to say. “Molly’s more.”
“More? How so?”
“She’s more than I ever imagined. She makes me want to be more, for her.”
“Buddy, I’ve got no idea what the hell you’re trying to say. You’re talking like a love-sick hormonal teenage boy. Just spit it out, this ain’t no romance novel. No need to say shit for the hell of saying shit. I don’t work that way.”