Molly was the best roommate he ever had. She cleaned the entire house, making it more pristine than when he had moved in five years prior. She cooked all his food and packed his lunch. She paid for all the food, and Johnny had to admit that having her around, even though they did not see each other all that often, was a welcome change. He was eating better, sleeping better, and he caught her doing thoughtful things to make up for her rent-free existence. One afternoon he went into work and found that she had gassed up his truck while he’d been sleeping. He began referring to her as his rent-a-wife.
One night, Molly had a hard time falling asleep on the old brown couch that served as her bed. When Johnny came home from the bar at three in the morning, she was still awake and sipping tea on the couch in the living room while she flipped through channels.
“Hey, little Missus. What miracle did you do for me today? It seems like every time I come home from work, you’ve cleaned a new spot of the place I’d totally given up on.”
“No cleaning today,” Molly admitted, sipping her hot beverage. “But I made you some tea.” She motioned to the cup on the coffee table that she’d made for him five minutes ago. “It’s still pretty hot, so don’t burn yourself.”
“Seriously? You made me tea? Thanks, kid.” Johnny flopped onto the other end of the couch, kicking his shoes off and propping his sweaty-socked feet up on the coffee table. “Best wife ever.”
“Thanks.”
“You’re supposed to say, ‘How was your day, dear?’”
Molly smirked at him. “How was your day?”
“I’ll overlook the fact that you didn’t call me ‘dear’. Saving all your love for Doctor Liam still?”
“You know I am. We said we’d give it one month long-distance, so hopefully it’ll get easier.” She handed him his mug. “Long night?”
“The longest. Been thinking a lot about the Kyle situation.”
Molly shifted uncomfortably next to him in her pink cotton pajamas. “I don’t really want to talk about that.”
“I know. But I do.” He looked over his mug at her. “Did I ever apologize to you for overserving Kyle?”
“Yes. You apologize for that at least once a day. For the last time, Kyle’s a grown man. He’s responsible for his own self.”
“Still, it was obvious he had a problem. I could’ve cut him off, but I didn’t. I’m sorry, kiddo. Seeing you all banged up like that? I feel responsible. Or irresponsible. Whichever means I’m the most sorry.”
“Johnny, if you need it, I forgive you.”
“I need it. Thanks.” He sipped his tea and leaned back into the cushions. “Just the way I like it. Thanks. After a night of everything smelling like beer? This is a good thing to come home to.”
“It’s really not a big deal.”
Johnny looked sideways at her. “Liam’s a fool to stay away. No job in the world’s worth being away from the girl who knows how to make tea the way you like it.”
Molly kicked the outside of her foot against his smelly one. “Thanks. We’re alright, though.”
“Hand me that remote. We’re not watching this,” he said with disdain of her infomercial choice. “Tuck in here, kid.” There was a platonic comfort for the two of them as Molly leaned against his side on the couch, his arm draped behind her lazily as they drank their tea.
It wasn’t long before Molly fell asleep against Johnny, who was too exhausted to get off the couch and crawl into his own bed. The two friends dozed off together, taking shelter from the world in the comfort of their shared couch.
Chapter Six
Long Distance
Liam and Molly used every available moment to talk on the phone with each other. Liam even learned how to use Skype so he could see her lovely face. It also helped him keep in touch with his family while he was away. He slowly got to know his nieces and nephews, beginning his journey down the long road to repairing the damage he’d caused between himself and his sister.
Though Molly was always motivated and chatty when they spoke, Liam could tell she sounded tired. He felt the same way. Sleeping without her had been a nightmare, but he endured.
“I can’t wait to see you tomorrow!” Molly said into her phone. They forbade unhelpful phrases such as, “I miss your face.” They had forgone the use of Skype that night.
“Me, too. You all healed up, birthday girl?”
“I am. And you can stop calling me that. My birthday was like, four days ago.”
“I’m bringing your birthday present with me tomorrow.” The smile in his voice was evident. “I’m glad you’re feeling better. I’ve got big plans for you.” He paused. “How’s Johnny’s penis?”
Molly rolled her eyes. “Ha, ha. I wouldn’t know.”
“Good. Just checking. Thought I’d catch you off-guard.”
“You don’t have to get me anything for my birthday. It was never a big deal growing up.”
“That was your old life. Your new life comes with presents.”
“Not in the mood for Skyping tonight?” It had been three days since she had seen his face on the screen, and she was starting to miss the little details she loved to study.
Liam’s voice came back evasive. “My computer’s busted.”
“Oh, no! That’s terrible! Did you lose anything?”
“No. Nothing like that. It just needed a tune-up. Dropped it off, and they said it’ll be ready in a week.”
“Oh. Well, it’s a good thing I get to see you tomorrow.”
“I miss you,” Liam admitted.
“Hey, none of that kind of talk. That’s one of the things we can’t say. It’s on the list, Liam.”
“Call me ‘William’. Make me feel like I’m in big trouble, and you’re going to have to spank me tomorrow. I’ve been all kinds of bad.”
“Oh, yeah? What sort of punishment do you think you deserve?”
“I’m ready to be worked over nice and dirty-like.” His voice went deeper. “What are you wearing?”
“A giant clown costume with a sumo suit underneath.”
“You are filthy!”
Molly could hear the smile in his voice. “Johnny’s coming home early, and I don’t want him walking in on our dirty conversation. Unless you really wanted the status report on Johnny’s penis.”
“Pass.”
They bantered away the next half hour until Molly begged off for sleep. “I have a big day tomorrow. And you have a flight to catch soon.”
“I’ll see you at nine at the courthouse.”
They exchanged I love yous and hung up, leaving them both feeling excited for the next day.
Chapter Seven
Lost and Found
Molly tried to sleep for a solid eight hours, but she was too excited. The combination of seeing Liam and finally bidding on the orange grove was more than she could handle.
He was to meet her at the courthouse, having spent the morning with his father. She sang at the top of her lungs on the car ride there, ready with her paperwork filled out to submit her bid. She was twenty minutes early, but that only added to her happiness. She hit every green light on the way there, and when she stopped off at the specialty coffee shop to pick up something to share with Liam, there was no line to slow her down.
Molly parked and waited on the courthouse steps, unable to conceal her grin. This was her moment. Her well-planned date with independence. Today would be the best day of her life, and she was ready for it.
Her cell phone rang. Her brow creased when it was not Liam, but her realtor calling. “Good morning, Sue.”
“Molly, I have to talk to you about the orange grove.”
And then it broke. With every sentence Sue spoke, Molly’s dream crumbled into smaller, unsalvageable bits. Apparently the son who owned the property sold it privately yesterday, taking it off the auction block at the last minute.
Molly had no response for Sue. “Molly, did you hear me? I’m so sorry, hun. We’ll find you something else, I promise.”
Mo
lly hung up, unable to speak. She looked down at the coffee in her hands that moments ago heated her fingers. Now, she felt nothing. All her plans were for nothing. Her parents’ money would sit and not grant her the freedom she needed to declare herself with. It was the freedom she was ready for, and now it was gone.
There were no tears. There was white noise. There was nothing.
And then there was Liam. He pulled up in his father’s car, running out with flowers and a grin to greet her. He stopped short when he saw her besotted state. “Molly? What? What’s wrong?”
She looked at her phone, and then met his eyes, unable to speak her heartbreak. She shook her head.
“What? Did something happen to the property? What’s wrong?”
Molly nodded. It took her a few minutes to locate her voice, and when she did, it came out in a whisper. “It’s gone. Someone bought it privately yesterday. It’s gone. It’s all gone.”
Liam’s arms went around her. He gave her a hug, and then lifted her off the concrete steps. “Let me take you home.”
“I don’t understand,” she muttered as he drove them away in his father’s car. “I… I had a plan. It was perfect. How could… I had a plan.”
Liam said nothing. He drove for ten minutes before she looked out the window and actually saw her surroundings. “Where are we going?”
“I want to show you something.” He pulled onto the street that dead ended at the orange grove.
“No, I don’t want to see it, Liam.”
Her tone was so mournful, Liam felt guilty at subjecting her to such pain. “Give me five minutes. If you don’t want to stay after that, I’ll take you anywhere you want to go.”
Molly looked stricken. “You can’t even take me home! I don’t have a home. I live on Johnny’s couch. My home is a couch that smells like a wet cat!” A solitary tear dripped down her cheek, and she knew it would be the first of many.
Liam got out of the car, walked around and opened the door for her. He extended his hand to her, urging her forward with an armful of flowers. “Five minutes. Give it a proper goodbye.”
Hand in his, Molly submitted to his whim, making a mental tally of the seconds so she could beg to leave after the five minutes expired. He led her up the path to the house, onto the expansive wraparound porch that made her heart ache, then to the front door. Liam tried the handle with no luck.
“Sue has the keys. Had. Whoever the owner is has them now.”
Liam fished around in his pocket and pulled out two bronze keys on a small ring. “Well, would you look at that?” He smiled at Molly’s look of confusion and shoved the key in the door. When it fell open, he ushered her inside. “Let’s give it one last look.”
“Liam?” Molly pointed to the keys, her perplexity unmasked. “Where did you get those? Was there a hide-a-key out front? Because I don’t feel like getting arrested for breaking and entering.”
“Nothing’s broken. We’re just entering.” Liam pulled her forward, despite her hesitancy. “What do you think about the crown moldings?” he asked, pointing to the ceiling.
Molly shrugged, noticing the differences in the house since she’d seen it last. “Lucky guy wasted no time making repairs. That’s new.” She sighed through her defeat, shoulders slumped. “They’re pretty. Did they paint the kitchen already?” Despite herself, she moved forward into the kitchen. “New appliances? This didn’t happen yesterday. There’s no way. Unless the new owners also own a moving company and a painting company or something.” The kitchen was a dusty blue, and she immediately felt at home in it. Stainless steel appliances sparkled out at her, teasing her with their newness and perfect functionality. “I can’t look anymore,” Molly admitted, shaking her head and backing up. “Has it been five minutes? This is too painful.” She turned around and saw Sue walking up the path. Molly’s hand flew to her chest. “Liam! We’re caught! Sue’s here!”
“Quick, hide!” he exclaimed, shoving her behind his large body.
“Stop being childish!” she admonished, slapping his arm. “You’ve had your fun. I’ve been tortured enough. Let’s go before she calls the cops on us.”
“Sue won’t call the cops. She’s just here to give me my copy of the paperwork.”
“Huh? What paperwork?” Molly pulled him toward the door. “Let’s get out of here!”
Liam laughed. “Do you really still not understand what’s going on? I thought you were a genius.”
“Five points below genius. What are you laughing about?”
Liam handed her the flowers. “Go put these in the kitchen, sweetheart.” He opened the door for Sue, who greeted him with a knowing smile.
“Have you had your fun, Mr. DiNatali?” Her heels clicked on the dark wood floor that had been recently refinished.
Liam’s smile could not be contained. “I have. You might have to explain it to her, though. I’ve jerked her around too much. I don’t think she’ll believe it coming from me.”
Molly stood in the middle of the living room with a sour expression on her face as she clutched the bouquet. “Believe what?”
Sue was demure as she smiled at the young client. “Here is the deed to your new home.” She handed Molly the thick stack of papers, all bearing Liam’s signature. The date indicated they were signed a week ago.
Molly dropped the flowers and leafed through the paperwork with shaking hands. “Liam? What is this?”
“I decided I didn’t want to do long distance anymore. So I bought you your orange grove,” he answered, his voice booming with pride. “Happy Birthday.”
“What is this?” she repeated, knowing the words he was saying could not be true.
Liam shook his head, sniggering at her confusion. “I told you. Sue?”
Sue spoke slowly, trying to keep the delight off her round face at being in on the scheme. “Liam came to me two weeks ago and asked to speak to the seller. They met, and Liam charmed him into taking the property off auction. He got a good deal, well below the asking price. Twenty-five percent down payment, and the property was his.”
Molly gawked at the pages, the print swimming before her in unrecognizable characters. “What… I… twenty-five percent?!” she exclaimed, gaping up at Liam.
One hand rubbed her lower back while his other palmed her stomach. He pulled her hip to his abdomen. “Now you can get your solar panels and build your grid. I already pulled a permit for you. I think I covered all my bases.”
Molly’s whole body shook with trepidation. She did not want to believe in yet another false hope, but she was holding the documents in her hands. She looked up at him, her eyes large with adoration and a sea of questions she could not find the edge of. “Liam?”
“I decided to leave sports medicine. I start at St. Martin General in three weeks. It’s a small pay cut, but I happen to think you’ll make it worth my while.”
Molly leafed through the documents again, not even registering that Sue said her goodbyes and left the house. “Liam, I don’t understand.”
“Yes, you do.”
“You… You bought me my orange grove.” She looked up at him in wonder, never having seen such a beacon of strength and goodness in one man before.
“Not in full. Just the twenty-five percent. Now you can afford the rest of your master plan. I’ve been renovating, trying to get the house as livable as possible for you. It’s not done, obviously, but it’s a far sight better than it was. Don’t you think so?”
“You… But… You bought me a house.”
“I bought us a home.”
Before she knew it, the papers were scattered around her like leaves in the fall. She cleared the distance between them, jumping into his arms and kissing him like she never had before.
“Now, that’s more like it.” Liam smirked into her lips and lifted her off the ground.
Molly wrapped her legs around his hips and found his tongue with hers. “I love you,” she murmured, tears slipping down her cheeks and melting into their kiss. “I love you. I love
you.”
Liam carried her just like that up the stairs to their bedroom, which was freshly painted with new flooring. The king-sized bed in the center of the room was the only piece of furniture, but it was all they needed. Liam dumped Molly onto the bed like a caveman.
“This is our new bed?”
“Yeah, baby. All ours.” He gave in to her tug on his shirt and leaned over her, kissing her lips with all of his pent-up passion. “Oh, man! I missed you.”
“I love you,” she murmured between kisses. “You bought us a house!”
“I did. It’s all ours.”
“Say it again.”
“You’re safe here. I bought you a house. It’s all ours.”
Chapter Eight
Molly’s Orange Grove
Molly awoke to Liam’s mouth sucking a sensitive spot on her neck. “Well, good morning to you, too,” she greeted with a smile.
“Sorry. Just seeing if you’re real.” Liam rolled over, looking up at the ceiling. It was so perfectly painted, he wanted to take pictures of it and show it around town.
“It’s been, what? Four months we’ve been waking up together in bed? I think it’s safe to say I won’t disappear.”
He got out from under the covers, displaying his proud body to the open window. They still had not gotten around to window treatments, but the property was so vast, no one could see them anyway. “I’ll run us a bath.”
Molly fell back asleep, waking only when she felt herself being jostled in the gentle beast’s arms.
Liam lowered her into the hot water and turned the jets on low. “Good way to wake up?
“Mm-hm.”
He sat in the tub across from her, taking up his fair share of pulsating water. He had combed through many catalogs for this tub, and in the end, Jess found the perfect one. There were so many things about the house he loved, but the best reason to come home was the stunning creature who lay with her head tilted in his direction.
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