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“Time to go,” Michaels says, replacing his hat on his head before he tips it in Gwen’s direction.
“Ma,” I say, before stopping. I finally notice the laughter in her eyes and realize this is the most fun we’ve had together since I was a kid. “Come on. I didn’t get anything to drink in there. Let’s keep going, and yes, pick out a jacket or anything else you’d like!”
As the other three decide they’ve had enough, we continue on. Once I get into the spirit of the day, I really get to see my mom as ‘Colleen’ and not just someone who worries too much about me.
Finally getting to the bakery, I’m carrying Mom’s purchases, so she gets the door for me.
“Colleen!” Molly exclaims, coming around the counter to give her a hug.
“See, I told you, she still likes me,” Ma says before hiccupping in Molly’s face. “Oops. I’ve hadallthe wine today. Oh, and I have a picture on the famous bacon bench, but maybe I can get one with you out there?”
“Why? Um, do you want something to eat?” Molly offers, her expression darkening when she looks at me. She mouths some words I can’t make out, until she finally utters: “Drunk?”
“Oh! You have sparkling wine!” Mom exclaims. “That would be delightful.”
“And unnecessary,” Mack says, reaching for my shoulder to steady me when I spin around, surprised at his sudden appearance.
“Mack, you made it!” Mom says, turning from Molly. “Will you take a picture of Molly and I on the bacon bench? I just find that whole story so funny.”
Mack looks embarrassed when I turn my glare on him. “Sorry,” he mumbles. “Sweetheart, I don’t think that’s necessary.”
“Why is she going on aboutthatbench?” Molly asks us, starting to look suspicious.
“Ryan certainly got creative…”
“Ma!” I try to interrupt her.
“…tormenting that woman,” she finishes. Mom reaches up to pat my cheek, giving me a silly grin. “It wasn’t very nice, but it came from adeliciously, evil place.
“I got blamed for it,” Molly’s voice is low, but I can hear the fury in it.
“Colleen, can I walk you back to the apartment?” Mack asks, clearly reading the signs that Molly’s going to explode.
“Yes, let’s give them some alone time,” she answers with another hiccup and reaches for her bags. I shoo her hand away and pass them to Mack.
“It started before we were speaking… Charlie told you what happened that day, didn’t she?” Molly asks me when we’re alone.
“I didn’t know you were getting blamed for it at first. It just seemed funny after what she did, so I continued sending stuff,” I try to explain.
“Did you know that my membership to the Merchants’ Association was suspended? She has everyone believing that I was behind it.” The aggravation rings in her voice as she fists up her hands. “I still have to pay dues, but I don’t get the benefits of the community advertising. I had to fight to be a part of this stupid Wine Walk today!”
“I’ll tell them I did it…”
“What good will that do me? They’ve all seen you coming and going from here at odd hours. In their eyes,my boyfrienddoing it is no different thanmedoing it!” she counters, and I understand her point.
“I didn’t think it through, Molly. I am sorry I hurt you. Can Flint help with it?” I suggest.
“Don’t you dare! He’s done enough. I will not go running to him every time I stub my toe, and I swear I’ll strangle you if you tell him,” Molly seethes and I try not to smile. I can’t help but be impressed with how determined she is, even when she wants to murder me.
“It came from wanting to help you, Molly. Please tell me how I can make it right. I am really sorry.”
Her eyes search mine and while some of her fire dims, I can see her mind start to change gears.
“I can’t be with you, Royce. I need you to respect that and give me space to get over you. Constantly riding by isn’t helping.”
“Molly, those women are the past. That isn’t the life I want, and I can’t stress enough that I didn’t know anything about their tattoos,” I plead with her.
This is it, I think.If she kicks me out today, I’ll never get my foot back in the door.
