Chapter 14
Molly
To quote Dinah Washington: What a difference a day makes! Yesterday Molly spent the day by herself pondering life and all the things that had happened and what could have been. Now she was processing the fact she had a niece. A gay niece that suffered at the hands of her brother. The brother Molly hoped and prayed would change his ways. But nope, that wasn’t going to happen and Molly needed to rearrange her way of thinking.
After hours of talking to Faith, Molly was sure of one thing. If Alan and Maureen found them, Molly wouldn’t be looking for a reunion. She’d done her part now. There was no way their parents would’ve put up with Alan’s actions towards his daughter and wife.
Standing, Molly shook out her arms and legs. There was a reason she only let herself mull over all her personal baggage on her birthday. Molly was inherently an upbeat, positive person, and that was down to her limiting personal pondering. If she allowed her brain to continue chewing over everything like this, she’d become a depressed husk of a person. No, enough ruminating and questioning. There was plenty of time for that on her next birthday.
The sound of laughter drew Molly back to the present. Bessie and Enid were still on the front porch, obviously having a great time. Seeing her old neighbor again was right up there with finding out she had a niece.
Enid Butcher was one of the best people she knew. She was also one of the most interesting. Molly met Enid the first day she’d moved into the Seattle rental. It was a fortuitous meeting and one that Molly treasured to this day. Enid acted as her surrogate grandmother and Molly returned the sentiment, looking out for the woman as she would have with her own grandparents.
“… And there he was, in his birthday suit with a pool noodle and an Alpaca,” Enid roared, her entire body shaking. Bessie was doubled over, tears streaming down her face. Molly wondered what the hell she’d just walked in on. Maybe she should turn around and find something else to occupy her—“Hey, Mol, come and grab a seat,” Bessie wheezed. “You have to hear this story.”
Smiling, Molly sank into the bean bag nestled next to the porch bench. “I don’t think I want to know,” she chuckled.
“Want a gummy?” Enid and her friggin’ gummies.
“No thanks, I’m good.”
“You’re looking good, dear. It seems California is suiting you.”
“You’ve already said that,” Molly laughed. “We had an entire conversation over pizza.”
“Well, I wasn’t three gummies deep at that point.”
“Hey, how’s that neighbor? You know, the one who likes to get kinky with her husband.” Molly and Enid had taken part in several hours of curtain twitching once Enid spied her neighbor’s affinity for dressing her husband up in her clothes.
“Well, she’s still at it, but now she makes the poor man wear her stilettos. You remember the size of him, right?”
Molly burst out laughing. “Oh God, he’s going to injure himself,” she cackled.
“I hope they have good medical insurance, that’s for sure.”
“I think I want to live with you,” Bessie giggled, pointing at Enid. “You seem to have all the fun.”
“Oh, it was much better when this one lived next door,” Enid commented, throwing her thumb to one side, pointing at Molly.
“What about Carmen and Mateo?” Bessie asked, thus saving Molly from attempting to subtly inquire about Carmen.
“I only met them when Faith turned up. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I’d been spying on them for months,” Enid grinned, “But they kept themselves to themselves.”
“Not very neighborly,” Bessie remarked.
“I don’t think it was that. I think they’ve been through some god awful shit and are careful who they hang around,” Enid said matter-of-factly. “Mateo is a sweet man. Gayer than a unicorn on steroids, mind you, and hopelessly in love with the pizza delivery man. I’ve got to know him well on this little adventure. It’s my guess that he will eventually ask Daniel out on an actual date and that will be that. Mateo is looking for his forever love.”
“And Carmen?” Molly inquired.
“Now, she’s a different matter. It’s not really my place to tell you about their background. I’m sure I only know the basics, but from what I gather, Carmen is super careful around everyone. She’s guarded and very protective of Mateo. I think I’ve seen her with one or two women, but none of them stick around, or she doesn’t let them.”
“You got all that from looking out your window?” Bessie laughed.
“It’s amazing the shit you pick up just by watching,” Enid answered side-eying Molly, which was strange. “I told Carmen I thought you and her would hit it off.”
“I’m sorry, what?” Surely Molly had misheard.
“You would. I think you two would balance each other out wonderfully. She’s all deep and guarded. You’re light and outgoing. Yes, definitely a good match, and can you imagine the babies you would make?”
“Enid!” Molly chastised, completely shocked at where the conversation had ended up. Okay, so Molly may have a slight curiosity towards Carmen. From the moment Molly laid eyes on the woman, she was intrigued. First, because Carmen had so selflessly offered Faith help. Actually, Carmen and Mateo had gone above and beyond for Molly’s niece. Second, because Molly had her eyesight. Carmen was hot. She was tall, athletically built and her hair was thick and luscious. Not forgetting those big brown eyes. Whoa, mama.
“I can see that,” Bessie casually added after a beat of silence.
“Bessie!”
“Oh, calm your tits, Mol,” Enid tutted. “I know a good match when I see one.”
“Sure, we would look striking together.” Yes, we would! “But we literally just met a few hours ago. Oh, and I live in California and she lives in Seattle. And you have no idea if she is seeing someone, or for that matter, if I’m seeing someone.”
“Are you?”
“Well, not seriously,” Molly mumbled.
“Chelsea doesn’t count as dating,” Bessie huffed.
“Who’s Chelsea?” Enid asked.
“A friend,” Molly answered.
“They bang now and then,” Bessie supplied.
“Jesus, Bessie.”
“What? You do. But let’s be honest, you’re not into her like that.”
“How do you know?” Molly asked indignantly.
“For a starter, you’ve told me enough times and because you, my dear, will settle down with ‘the one’ and no one else.”
“Ah, yes, I see that,” Enid chimed in.
“I’m not settling down. Ruth wanted that, not me. I like my freedom.” Molly was so full of shit, but for some reason she continued to argue her point.
“Horseshit,” Enid barked, then laughed. “You need a woman who makes you feel like you’ve come home. When that person comes along, you’ll settle.”
“Oh, because you guys know me so well. What, we’ve known each other for a few years? That doesn’t mean you’re experts.”
“We know you well enough to understand that when you get defensive like this, it’s because you don’t want to admit the truth yet. Which is fine.”
Molly sat stunned, her eyes shooting from Bessie to Enid. Both women had a satisfied smile on their faces. “Whatever,” Molly grumbled, snatching a gummy from Enid’s open palm.
“Are you at the high school tomorrow?” Bessie asked, breaking the awkward silence.
“Yes. I thought about taking Faith with me, if she was interested.”
“What’s happening at the high school?” Enid asked.
“I’ve been asked to give a talk about being young and queer.”
“Are you still classed as young in your thirties?” Bessie grinned.
“No,” Molly laughed, “But I’m the only one willing to do it. That’s why I want Faith with me. Maybe she’ll earn me some street cred.”
“Maybe stop saying street cred first of all. That’s uncool now, Molly,” Enid rolled her eyes at Molly’s obvious faux pas.
“Maybe I should take you?” Molly quipped.
“They ain’t ready for me, kid,” Enid stated seriously. Molly wholeheartedly agreed. Most fully formed adults weren’t ready for Enid Butcher.
“I think Faith would love to go,” Bessie added. “I’ve not had much of a chance to talk to her, but she’s clearly interested in this place and getting to know you.”
“She sure has gone through it to find you,” Enid stated.
“Yeah, she has,” Molly began. “But now I want to help her move past the bullshit in Kentucky and look forward to her future.”
“Carmen and Mateo have set her on the right track. You should have seen the poor girl when she first turned up. I thought I’d taken too many gummies and was tripping.”
“What do you mean?” Bessie chuckled.
“Think Little House on the Prairie or The Waltons and that’s what Faith looked like. I half expected her to start milking a cow in the front yard.”
“She was a disaster,” Mateo said from the doorway. All three women turned. Molly grinned at Mateo’s near six-foot frame wrapped in a silk robe. His hair was still perfectly coiffed.
“Thought you went to bed?” Enid asked.
“I couldn’t sleep and Carmen is like a goddamn elephant when she gets into bed.”
“Is she still up there?” Enid inquired.
“She jumped in the shower after I beat the crap out of her for waking me up. She knows I need my beauty sleep.”
“You need a gummy,” Enid said, holding out her palm.
“Are you like the oldest drug dealer?” Bessie laughed.
“It’s legal. And let’s be honest, kids these days need to chill out.”
“You’re chill enough for all of us,” Mateo commented, but took the offered gummy. “So Molly, how are you feeling after today?” Mateo sat himself down next to Enid, crossing his legs.
“It’s been… unreal, to be honest. I’m over the moon she sought me out.”
“And your brother?”
“That’s going to take some time to filter through the old noggin,” Molly laughed. “It’s more important that I get to know my niece and support her.”
“Carmen’s taken a real shine to her,” Mateo said, a hint of protectiveness in his voice.
“So have you,” Enid added.
“Yeah, that’s fair.”
“I can’t thank you both enough, really. You’ve been a godsend. I won’t presume to know what Faith wants to do next. From what she was telling me, you and Carmen have helped her set up a life for herself in Seattle.”
“She needed a little guidance, is all. As soon as we did a makeover, that girl took off. Her confidence soared.” Mateo smiled wistfully.
“Well, from what I know, you provided her with everything she needed, so thank you.”
“We’re in her life now. No matter what she wants to do or where she wants to live. She’s a Ruiz.”
Molly smiled widely. Faith really had found the best people possible to help her out. The affection in Mateo’s eyes was palpable. Which led Molly to question if she was going to be seeing a lot more of Carmen and Mateo in the future.
“You lot are so noisy,” Carmen yawned. Molly looked over her shoulder and nearly choked on her tongue. Carmen’s hair was piled up on top of her head, showing off an undercut. Holy hell! The hair, along with Carmen in boxer briefs and a tank top, was a vision of pure eroticism. Molly squirmed in her seat and forced herself to look away. The smirk on Enid’s face pissed her off because she’d been caught drooling.
“We’re noisy?” Mateo laughed sardonically. “Carmen, you woke me up through earplugs when you stomped your way into the room.”
“You’re so dramatic, Hermano,” Carmen tutted. “You weren’t asleep because you didn’t sound like a jackhammer.”
“I do not snore,” Mateo shrieked.
“Mateo, seriously, we’re having this argument again?”
“Are they always like this?” Molly whispered to Enid.
“Yup, it’s very entertaining. Especially high.”
“I have sinus issues,” Mateo argued.
“I thought you didn’t snore?” Carmen said pointedly.
“And I thought we had agreed you wouldn’t be seen out in public looking like that?” Mateo shot.
“Mateo, not all of us feel the need to dress like a French hooker to go to bed.”
“That is so insulting! I’m a French Madam.” Mateo and Carmen both stared at each other before falling about laughing. Molly couldn’t help but join in. Bessie shuffled inside and brought out a tray of beer.
“Might as well have a drink. It’s only us adults,” she said, passing out the bottles. Carmen settled next to Molly, which was awkward because Molly’s eyes involuntarily kept traveling to Carmen’s long caramel legs. They look so soft.
“What is it that you do?” Molly asked Carmen. Enid and Bessie were busy discussing French whores.
“I’m in graphic design.”
“Cool.” Oh Molly, come on, you can do better than that. “So who do you work for, or are you freelance?”
“I own two companies, but I prefer the design side of things rather than managerial.”
“Wow, okay, that’s impressive. You’re like what? Thirty?”
“Yes, I am definitely thirty. Let’s stick to that.”
“Oh, come on, you can’t be much older, right?”
“Thirty-seven. But I like your guess better.”
There is no way Molly would have put Carmen close to forty. Jesus, what the hell kind of skin care routine does she have?
“I can see what you’re thinking and yes, it is down to a skin care routine. One that is forced upon me by that butthole over there,” Carmen pointed with her bottle to Mateo, who was currently in the middle of doing a Cher impression. Qué sorpresa.
“He forces you to look after your skin,” Molly laughed.
“Yes, since we were kids. I’m happy to have a wash with soap and maybe stick a bit of moisturizer on once a day, but Queer Eye throws a hissy fit if he doesn’t get to perform weekly facials. We would be millionaires if he stopped buying skin and hair products.
“I have to say, looking at you, I think I have to agree with him. Your skin looks amazing.” Molly saw a slight blush creep over Carmen’s face, and for some odd reason, she felt proud.
“Don’t let him know you think that. I’ll never hear the last of it,” Carmen smiled, bumping Molly’s shoulder.
“Your secrets are safe with me… If—”
“If?”
“You tell me what brands he uses.”
“Shit, um, one is white with a blue logo,” Carmen began. Molly threw her head back, laughing. Every pair of eyes on the porch turned in her direction.
“You can’t be serious,” Molly cackled, ignoring Enid and Bessie’s not-so-subtle interest.
“If I learn what the brands are, it encourages him more,” Carmen laughed.
“What’s going on over there?” Enid called.
“Nothing, keep your beak out,” Molly shot back playfully, knowing her refusal to answer would drive Enid and Bessie nuts.
“Charming,” Enid huffed.
A chime from Molly’s phone interrupted their conversation. Molly saw Carmen turn her head away, but she was sure she’d seen Chelsea’s name on the message. Which was not PG rated. Shit. “Excuse me,” Molly mumbled to Carmen, eager to get out of viewing range. Standing alone, leaning against the porch railings, Molly typed a reply to Chelsea. The gist of Chelsea’s message was that she desired a booty call. Molly did not.
Bessie’s voice echoed in her ears. Chelsea was just a friend, and they weren’t dating, and Molly wanted nothing else from their arrangement. Actually, she wasn’t sure the friends with benefits agreement suited her needs anymore.
After the brief conversation Molly had with Carmen earlier, the one where she pretty much told a complete stranger that she wanted to find a woman that made her feel at home, the thought of casually hooking up with Chelsea—well anyone—turned her stomach sour.
Molly lied when she’d told Bessie and Enid it was just Ruth who wanted to settle down. Molly had those dreams, but she wasn’t prepared to fulfill those dreams with anyone less than her soulmate. Was that too much to ask? Was she being unrealistic? Possibly, but it didn’t stop her from wanting it.
A difficult conversation with Chelsea loomed on Molly’s horizon. She’d been foolish to get involved with Chelsea so soon after Ruth. Now Molly was certain she was about to lose a friend. Chelsea wanted a girlfriend. That was plain to see. Sagging her shoulders in defeat, Molly typed out a quick reply, asking Chelsea for a rain check. But it wouldn’t be a booty call. It would be Molly putting a stop to their bedroom antics.
As soon as the screen read sent, Molly peered over her shoulder. Carmen quickly dropped her gaze from Molly’s ass. A lightness bloomed in Molly’s chest. Were Enid and Bessie right? Would she and Carmen make a good couple?
You have literally just sent a message asking your current fuck buddy to talk. How about you sort that shitstorm out first, before trying to mix up another one?
“I’m heading up. The day has suddenly caught up with me,” Molly announced to the group, unable to look Carmen in the eye.
“Alright, love, see you in the morning.” Bessie called, blowing her a kiss goodnight.
Mateo, Enid and Carmen all said good night in chorus. Making her way up the stairs, Molly paused outside the kids’ rooms. Opening their doors, she took a second just to look at them, safe and sound. Tiptoeing over to the room where Faith was sleeping, Molly cracked the door and peered in. It was astonishing how alike she and Faith were. They both had the habit of sleeping on their backs with one foot hanging out of the covers by the looks of it. The sight of Faith sleeping warmed Molly’s entire body.
I need to stop thinking about relationships, and finding The One, because I have Faith to look after now. She deserves all my attention.
Resolved to put women to the back of her mind, Molly closed the door and headed to bed. Tomorrow was a new day. The sun would rise and the birds would sing. And Molly would have the chance to build a family with Faith.