Crystal wondered if she even should. Did Trent truly care about her, or had it just been a fun time for him? “What do you propose?”
“I don’t know, but I’m sure if we put our heads together we’ll think of something.”
“Damn, this is all so complicated. It was supposed to be one night. Something wild and fun. But now I think I’m in love with them. How crazy, right?”
Mollie squinted at her. “Ah, so that’s what’s bothering you. It’s unconventional to love them both at once.”
Crystal shrugged and toyed with her spoon. “I’ve alw
ays imagined falling in love and having kids, then living all happily ever after.”
“You can have that with both Mac and Trent. It’ll be difficult, but what relationship is easy?”
Crystal frowned. “This isn’t just difficult. This is a mess.”
“What’s the alternative? Walk away and miss out on something amazing? I know what it’s like to be lonely, Crystal. It’s no fun, believe me.”
“You mean because of Alex passing away?”
“Alex left me devastated. I didn’t think I’d get through it. With the help of friends like you, I did. But it’s still painful at times.” She took a deep breath and said, “Don’t let some old-school idea of what love and marriage should be ruin a good chance here. Talk to Trent. In fact, you should tell them both how you feel.”
Crystal stared at her melting ice cream. “I’m so scared, though.”
“You’re letting Richard influence you, sweetie. You need to take a chance on these guys. They aren’t cut from the same cloth as your ex.”
Crystal bit her lip, still unsure. “But what will people think? What will my mom think?”
Mollie waved the words away. “I’ve met your mom. She might have a hard time with it at first, but she’ll get over it. She loves you.”
“You’re right,” Crystal said with a smile. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome,” Mollie said, a naughty grin coming over her face. “And I have an idea.”
Crystal snorted. “Should I be concerned?”
“You and I are going to go to Kinks. And we’re going to flirt.”
“Jealousy?” she asked. “Isn’t that a little juvenile?”
She shrugged. “Maybe, but it never fails.”
“And if it does fail?”
“We’ll buy more ice cream,” Mollie promised. “Lots of it.”
She laughed. “Thanks, Mollie. I love you.”
“Back atcha, sweetie.” Mollie stood and pulled Crystal to her feet. “Now, go shower. You look like shit.” She snagged the ice cream out of her hands and headed toward the kitchen.
Crystal snorted. “Gee, thanks.”
“What are friends for?” she called over her shoulder as she left the room.
Crystal headed for the bathroom, her steps a little lighter now that she had something of a plan. If it failed, well, it wouldn’t. She’d see to it, because losing Trent was too suckish to consider.
13
For hours, Trent had sat at the small round table in the kitchen of Kinks while Mac grumbled about decisions they were making over the new club they planned to open. Frankly, Trent didn’t see what the problem was. Everything was going according to plan. They’d made good, solid choices as to the building they planned to lease and the renovations that would need to be done before they could move forward. Mac should be in a good mood, instead of bitching at every turn.