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“That sounds exciting,” says Molly. “It’s your dream. That’s wonderful, and I wish you all the luck in the world.”
“Thanks,” Meryl says. Then, with a twinkle in her eye, she follows up with, “You might be next?”
I’m puzzled and look from Meryl to Dex to Molly and back again.
“Well, it’s the Spring Fair, isn’t it?” says Meryl.
“Yes,” I say, guardedly, needing more explanation.
“Oh, you’re right!” Dex says. “That’s where we met.” He squeezes Meryl close to his chest. “I was hitting that strongman game. Are they having one of those this year? Anyway, I’m there with the hammer and the bell keeps dinging because, hey, I hit so hard. Because I’m so strong. And this pretty lady comes over, and she obviously likes what she sees, because she says… What were your first words to me, hun?”
Meryl’s laughing. “I think I said something along the lines of, ‘You must be compensating for a deficiency of some kind.’ Something like that.”
“Are you sure? I remember you saying something along the lines of, ‘You must be the father of my future children.’”
As we’re all laughing at this, I glance over at Molly who catches my eye again for the briefest of moments, before looking away. And in that instant, I have the clearest picture of Molly and I holding hands in our garden at sunset. I get the same tingles, like watching fireworks on the Fourth of July, as I had in the library when I read the old, folded letter from Belinda to her husband Edward. The image is compelling and a wave of contentment surges up inside. Like coming home. A sense of belonging. As if we are meant to be together. I wonder if Molly has read my mind. I feel our connection. It’s real and tangible. I wonder if she’s imagined the same picture. Goosebumps.
I should be clear and tell her outright that we are just friends and nothing more. It’ll be easier for everyone. Especially me. No ties. My life is in the city, not here. A quick getaway. The moment in the park was so strong. Too strong. I’ve never felt so connected before, which is why I have to put some distance between Molly and me. It would never work out. Small-town life is not for me. End of.
I’ve worked up quite a sweat and I’m just about to go inside when I see Lydia leave Molly’s house. She waves over then walks away down the street. Molly is standing on her porch watching her go. She waves and looks as if she’s about to go in, then changes her mind. She walks down the front steps and over to my place.
“Hey Cam,” Molly says smiling shyly.
“Molly. How’s your Sunday? The calm before the storm next week.”
“Nice. Lydia beat me at Scrabble, but apart from that, all’s well.”
“I saw you chatting with Ernie. Did he tell you about his costume idea for Doggy Dress-ups?”
“No, he did not. He was very cagey about it, actually. But confident. Said he was sure to win.” I’m aware of the sweat stains on my T-shirt.
“Yeah. That’s what he told me, too.”
“Alright, then. I’d better get cleaned up.”
“Sure. So, I’ll see you later? Do you want to come over? See a movie maybe?”
“You know, Molly.” I pause as I frame my thoughts. “I think I should… we should be clear with each other.”
“Sure.”
“We’ve been working pretty well together on the events. And, don’t get me wrong. You are a wonderful person.”
“Thanks. You’re not so bad yourself.”
“Right. So. After the Spring Fair, as you know, I’m going to be leaving Oak River.” I take a deep breath before continuing. “And it’ll be better if we… you and me… are… if we…”
“We what, Cam?”
“If we don’t, you know, overstep the line.”
“Excuse me? Huh?” Molly snorts in derision. “The line? What line? I am well aware of our relationship here on Bristol Lane and on the Spring Fair committee, Cam. And you must be pretty full of yourself to think that I am attracted to you in any way other than being just friends and neighbors. We work well together, yes. Because, I hope, there is mutual respect. I’m sorry if you have been led to believe that something else is going on because, believe me, there isn’t. And why would I fall for someone who is so obviously selfish and arrogant? You have nothing to offer me. You have made it very clear that Oak River is not the place for you, and that you can’t wait to get back to your bachelor buddies and sometime girlfriends. We have nothing in common and never will. And I can’t wait for the Spring Fair to be over so I can go back to how things were before you moved in next door.”
Molly turns and leaves me rooted to the spot. She storms off, up her path. Her front door closes behind her with a bang.
Chapter 11
Molly
