Page 20 of The Birthday List (Maysen Jar 1)

“We were still married. I was—am—still in love with

him. I understand why he’s hurt and angry. Some mistakes you just can’t forgive.”

Or forget.

Molly would regret that mistake for the rest of her life.

“Enough about that.” Molly forced a smile, steering the conversation away from her and Finn like usual. “How was your karate class last night?”

Unlike my brother, Molly was more accepting about my decision to work through Jamie’s list.

“It was . . . interesting.”

So interesting that I’d stayed up most of the night thinking about that class. My mind had run on a loop all night, but not about karate. About Cole Goodman. It had certainly been a shock to see him again, but more surprising was the rush of feelings he’d invoked.

Feelings—chemical, electric feelings—I hadn’t had in a long time.

“So? What happened? Did you learn how to kick some ass?”

“Oh, yeah. I’m an expert ass kicker,” I deadpanned, then laughed. “I’m just glad that I survived the workout. To me, that’s a win.”

“Did you mark it off the list?”

I nodded. “Last night when I got home.”

“Are you okay?”

“I think so. I cried like usual, but when the tears stopped, I actually felt kind of good.”

“I’m glad. That’s what you were going for, right? Some closure?”

I nodded and rolled another bundle of silverware. “I’ve actually been thinking about trying to go through the list more quickly.”

Finn’s big objection was that going through Jamie’s list would drag on for years, and I could see his point. Now that I was starting to cross off more items, I was feeling motivated to keep going.

“How quickly?” Molly asked.

“A year? Maybe less?”

She thought about it for a moment. “It’s ambitious. Do you think it’s even possible?”

The biggest item on Jamie’s list had been the restaurant. It had also been the item requiring the most money. For the others, I mostly needed time. Luckily, some items I’d already set in motion.

“I think so. A year is going to be a push, but if I make the list a higher priority, I might be able to wrap up everything before Jamie’s birthday.” That would give me until New Year’s Day.

“Well, you know I’ll help with whatever I can.”

“Thank you.”

She moved her finished rolls of silverware into the tub. “You haven’t eaten yet. Why don’t you head back to the kitchen and I’ll finish up out here?”

I glanced at my watch. 7:49. “We survived the first day. I think I’ll head back and make a sandwich. I’m starv—”

The front door swooshed opened. Damn. I spoke too soon.

Turning to the door, I smiled, ready to greet my late-evening customer, but faltered as the door closed behind him.

Cole Goodman was walking my way.