AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“When is the big interview?”
“Friday.”
“Well, I wish you all the luck in the world. Unless you decide you don’t want it, in which case, I hope you totally bomb.”
Grant laughed. It was the legit, all-the-way-from-the-belly kind of laugh that chased away any of the residual nerves. “I appreciate your support.”
Molly grinned, looking quite pleased with herself. “That’s what friends are for, right? Anyway, when do you leave?”
“Thursday afternoon. And since I’m in town, I’m going to stay the weekend to hang out with some friends. I’ll be back on Monday.”
“Whatever will we do without you?” she joked.
“It’s hard to imagine, but I’m sure you’ll stumble through somehow.” Although he had to admit, deep down, he was starting to have the exact same thought about her.
Chapter Thirteen
The one thing Molly couldn’tget used to was how quickly the weather could change on the coast. Right now, for example, the sun was shining where she was, but way out at sea, close to the horizon, dark, brooding storm clouds were building. And, judging by the wind, the storm was headed this direction.
It was a lazy Sunday afternoon a week after the gallery show, and Molly sat on her balcony, sipping tea and watching the calm waves start to pick up, and the wide, blue sky swallowed little by little by the dark clouds. This was her first quiet weekend since she’d been here. She hadn’t realized how many friends she’d made and how entertained they’d kept her until they were all out of town.
Hadley was gone on a short vacation to meet a few of her friends from Texas. Ellyn was working all weekend. Claire had gone to the town where her fiancé was from for a bridal shower. And Grant was out of town for his interview.
For someone who’d moved here with the distinct purpose of making no connections, she’d made a lot of connections. It was an interesting turn of events. The one thing she’d been running from had turned out to be the one thing she ran into. True, it might make it a little harder to leave once her time was up, but she wouldn’t trade any of the friendships she’d made here for the world. Hadley and Ellyn. Claire and the staff at Turtle Rehab. Grant. Each one of them had played a part in helping her learn to trust again, and she had every intention of soaking it in as long as she could.
She was distracted by the sound of the sliding door opening on the balcony next to her. She stood up from the chair and peeked around the divider to Ellyn’s balcony.
“What are you doing home?” Molly asked.
Ellyn was pulling one of the large potted plants inside. “I was taking a lunch break and thought I’d bring in some of these. That doesn’t look good.” She waved her hand at the distance, where the stormy clouds seemed to be getting darker by the second.
Molly was from Kansas. She was no stranger to big storms, but she’d never been in a big storm on the beach before. “Should I be nervous?”
Ellyn shook her head. “It won’t last long. But it looks like there will be lightning, and the wind can pack quite a punch. It’s been known to blow the furniture across the patio.”
“Thanks for the head’s up. Sounds like a good night to order takeout and stay in.”
“Exactly. But word to the wise, make sure to order well before the storm hits. Delivery people won’t drive in the heavy rain, and our streets have the tendency to flood in a downpour.”
“I take it that’s a tip from experience?”
Ellyn flashed a guilty grin. “Sadly, from more than one occasion. There’s nothing like craving pad thai and having to settle for a frozen pizza.”
“Order early. Got it.” Molly sipped her tea. “How’s packing up the show going?”
“Almost done. Did I tell you we sold all but two pieces? It was the most successful special exhibit we’ve ever had.” She let out a weary sigh. “But that’s a lot of pieces to crate to be shipped in the morning. All I can say is I’m going to sleep well tonight. Assuming I can finish it up.”
“You can do it. I believe in you.” Molly pumped her fist in the air, cheerleader style. “And if you need help, I’m happy to lend a hand.”
“Thanks, friend.” Ellyn beamed. “I think I got this one. But I might take you up on the offer next time I’m trying to get ready for one of our junior art classes.”
“Just say the word, and I’m there.”
“I appreciate it.” Ellyn motioned toward the storm clouds. “Don’t stay out here too long. These kinds of storms always sneak up faster than you think.”
Ellyn wasn’t kidding. Molly sat out there for a few more minutes before she got up to take in some of the smaller objects on her balcony. When she came back, every last bit of blue sky had disappeared, and the sun had been blotted out by the charcoal clouds. A cold, strong wind whipped past her when she opened the door, pushing her back. At the same time, a bright streak of lightning flashed across the sky.
“Whoa.” Molly had barely finished whispering the word before a deafening clap of thunder shook the windows, causing her to jump. “So much for ordering takeout.”
