by Sarah Hope
Watching their four-by-four disappear around the corner, Molly made her way towards the back kitchen. She hadn’t touched this part of the shop. It was relatively tidy, a few broken coat hangers and plastic bags discarded in the back corner and a couple of mugs abandoned in the sink. It wouldn’t take long to clean the dust from the work surfaces, wash the floor and scrub the cupboards out. Walking over to the work surface, Molly gingerly picked up a small plastic kettle which lay on its side. Lifting the lid, she looked inside; it looked okay.
Rinsing the kettle out under the tap, Molly watched the limescale escape down the plughole. It’d be okay to use after a couple of boils and would save a few quid getting a new one.
Leaning back against the grubby work surface, Molly looked out into the small courtyard area and crossed her arms. Why did she let Trevor speak to her like that? Why did she still let him dictate her life? She should have stood her ground. She should have said no, told him that she had wanted the children to be with her when the shop opened. That it was a big deal to her. That she was doing this for them, for her children, to give them the future they deserved and that she had wanted to celebrate the beginning of their adventure with Lauren and Ellis by her side.
Pressing the heels of her hands to her eyes, Molly tried to block out the feelings of worthlessness from her mind. Trevor could make her feel inferior and rubbish with a single look. It was a skill he had always had. She knew it was her, though. Her fault. She knew she was the rubbish one because he obviously didn’t make Jessica feel the same. Whenever she saw them together, they always appeared so in love and so happy. It must just be her that brought out the worst in him.
Wiping the tears rolling down her cheeks, she reminded herself that he was wrong, and she was wrong for thinking it. She was worthy. She wasn’t inferior to him, or to Jessica, or to anyone for that matter. She was Molly; she was Lauren and Ellis’ mum and she deserved to be happy just like everyone else. For years she’d pandered to his needs, wanted to make him feel loved and needed and let him do what he wished with no nagging on her part. She never complained when he spent evening after evening at the pub or round his mate’s house.
Looking back she knew that for years before he had announced he was leaving her, their marriage had ended, in his head anyway. And if she was honest, that was why she’d never complained about his selfish behaviour. She hadn’t moaned at him for missing bath times or not being there to help with bedtimes with the children. She hadn’t mentioned that she was finding juggling work and being a mum with next to no support really difficult. She supposed she had let him distance himself to try to support him, to make him realise he was lucky to have her when his mates’ wives and girlfriends all nagged them to come home. She had been so desperate to keep him, she’d let him go. Maybe he had ended up feeling unloved or not wanted or something and that was why he had left. By trying to keep him happy, she had ended up pushing him away.
Tipping the newly boiled water down the plughole, she took a step back, watching the steam rise from the cold metal sink. It didn’t matter. She’d never know if she’d pushed him away or when he had stopped loving her. The end result was the same – he’d found happiness with Jessica, and she was left a single mum.
It wasn’t as though she still loved him or wanted him back or anything, anyway. After the initial shock, she’d found that life was actually a lot easier. She didn’t have any of the false expectations that he would help her or listen to her worries or discuss her dreams and aspirations. She knew she was on her own. She knew she was the only one who she could rely on to sort her life out. And that was fine. Life was a lot easier this way. Jessica could deal with his moods and funny ways.
Refilling the kettle, she flicked the switch and went to get her mug from the counter on the shop floor. She’d never get away from his mind games, though. She was stuck with him in her life forever.
Even when the children had grown up and left home, there would always be reasons they’d have to see each other – weddings, christenings, birthday parties. Any family get-together and she’d have to see him, but then at least he’d have less of a hold over her. He wouldn’t be able to make her feel like an unfit mother when they were older. Well, okay, he probably would be able to but it wouldn’t be on a fortnightly basis.
Pouring the water into her mug, she rummaged in one of the boxes she’d dumped on the work surface and pulled out a half-empty jar of coffee. Tipping a little of the brown powder into the scalding water, she watched as it slowly dissolved, turning the water a muddy, dull brown. Picking up the mug, she gently turned it, watching the coffee inside swirl around the mug. She really didn’t have the energy to run upstairs for a spoon or milk so black unmixed coffee would have to do. It would probably wake her up.
Wincing as the hot water burned her tongue, she swallowed before grimacing as the bitter taste filled her mouth. The happy ringtone from her mobile filled the room. Looking around, she located it and answered. ‘Hello?’
‘Good morning, could I speak to Mrs Wilson, please?’
‘Miss. It’s Miss, not Mrs.’
‘Sorry, Miss Wilson?’
‘Yes, speaking.’
‘I’m just ringing to confirm that your order will be with you between four and half-past five today.’
‘Order? Oh, yes, of course. Okay, thank you.’ Drat, the order. It was Saturday, wasn’t it?
Lowering her mobile from her ear, she looked at the time. It was twelve-forty already. She had, what, just over three hours until the stock arrived. Three hours to get the shop floor sorted and ready to stock the shelves, or at least to make enough space to stack the boxes that were due to arrive.
Placing her thumb and middle finger against her temples, she squeezed, relieving some of the pressure she could feel building. She could do it. There wasn’t that much left that needed doing. Most of the shelves were in place. Yes, they needed wiping down, but that was it. And the floor needed mopping again where Ellis had knocked the bucket over, but this back kitchen could wait. Heck, even if it was in this state on Monday when they opened, it wouldn’t matter. No one needed to come behind the counter apart from her. And she had Bea coming over this evening. Yes, she was coming for a catch-up and a nose at the place but Molly was sure she wouldn’t mind helping put the stock out, or in the least chatting whilst Molly did it.
Shaking her arms out, she took a deep breath in. She could do this. She could make this place look like a craft shop. She’d put some music on and get on with it.
STANDING UP ON THE chair, Molly wiped the top of the shelf clean. Spraying a bit more polish onto the wood she turned her cloth in on itself and wiped again. She loved this song. When Lauren had been about two-and-a-half, she’d had to have it playing on repeat to get her to sleep. Lauren had always liked music, almost as much as Molly did.
Stepping down from the chair, Molly turned the volume up and pulled the large baskets into position. Standing with her hands on her hips, she looked around her. She’d managed to get the majority of the work done in just a couple of short hours. Going into the back kitchen, she rinsed her cloth underneath the tap. She could do this. She really could. It had been the right decision. They could make a life for themselves down here.
‘Hello?’
Jumping, Molly twisted her neck around. Who was that? It wasn’t four o’clock already, surely? Drying her hands on the front of her jeans, Molly made her way into the shop before coming to an abrupt stop behind the counter. It was the police officer. The same one who had pulled her over and given her a ticket. What did he want? Why had he come here? She had updated her car insurance with the new address; she knew she had because she’d done it at the service station on the way here worried that their call centre would close if she’d waited, and the car had miraculously passed its MOT a few weeks ago. ‘Officer Duffey? Is there a problem?’
Standing in the doorway, Officer Duffey crossed his arms and nodded towards the radio on the counter.
‘Sorry.’ Mol
ly switched it off. Was she in some sort of trouble? She definitely hadn’t sped again on the rest of the way back. In fact, she’d made sure she was at least five miles under the speed limit much to Ellis’ annoyance.
What if something had happened to Lauren and Ellis? Why hadn’t she thought of that before? She’d been so fixated on the speeding ticket and the car. What if Trevor had had an accident? Clasping her hands in front of her, Molly blinked. ‘Has something happened to Lauren and Ellis? My children? Have they had an accident? Are they all right?’
Frowning, Officer Duffey’s face softened. ‘Not that I am aware of. I just wanted to ask you to turn your music down.’
‘My music?’
‘Yes. My mother lives in the bungalow next door, and I can hear your music blaring through the walls.’
‘Oh, right?’ The bungalow wasn’t even attached to the shop. Yes, it was close, but could music really travel that far? She’d had it up loud, but not that loud, surely? ‘I hadn’t realised it was that loud.’
‘I’d appreciate it if you turned it down. She’s quite elderly, and it’s not right to impose on someone else’s environment like that.’
Swallowing hard, Molly didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Was there anything else he wanted to berate her for? This was supposed to be her fresh start and yet all she’d managed to do was get in trouble with the local law enforcement, which was not quite the fresh start she’d been hoping for. ‘I’ll make sure I turn it down when I have it on next.’
‘Thank you.’ Nodding, Officer Duffey glanced around the shop before shaking his head and making his way out again.
Great. Now she couldn’t even play her music. Pinching the bridge of her nose, Molly pulled the plug on the radio and turned on her heels. She still had half an hour before the delivery was due, maybe she just needed a proper coffee with milk and something to eat.
Chapter Four
‘This is amazing, Molly! It looks so quaint and sweet.’ Pushing her sunglasses up on her head, Bea looked around the shop.
‘Thanks.’ Quaint and sweet? Trust Bea to come out with a description like that. Quaint and sweet wasn’t exactly the vibe she was going for.
‘So, I brought us a bottle of red.’ Placing the wine bottle on the counter, Bea hugged Molly before pecking her on the cheeks. ‘Great to see you, hun. I’m missing you already.’
‘We only moved yesterday.’
‘I know, but it’s not the same without you. I’ve already had Kelsey on the phone panicking about who’s going to take your place on the PTA.’
‘I hardly did anything anyway. What with overtime at work, I wasn’t even there for half the events that were run.’ Molly laughed, she very much doubted Kelsey would miss her from the PTA. Whatever Molly had suggested had always been shot down anyway. In the end, she’d given up bothering to turn up to the meetings.
‘Oh, you did. You did more than you thought you did.’
‘Umm, I doubt that. Anyway, thanks so much for coming. I really appreciate it.’
‘You wouldn’t have been able to keep me away. You’re my oldest and dearest friend, I needed to know where you’d moved to.’
Molly smiled. They’d been friends since secondary school and even though their lives had turned out completely differently, they were always there for each other, through the tears and the happiness. ‘Well, it means a lot.’
‘Have you got wine glasses?’
‘Somewhere, but I haven’t unpacked much of the flat yet, I’ve been sorting out down here. Give me a moment and I’ll grab a couple.’
‘Okay, great. After the week I’ve had at work, I need to let my hair down.’
‘Are you sure you don’t want to stay over? I feel bad you paying out for a hotel.’
‘No, it’s fine. I deserve a bit of luxury, besides the one I’m staying at has a spa so I’ll get my nails done in the morning. I’ve got a big meeting on Monday so I need to be on top form.’ Looking down at her hands, Bea inspected the already perfect red nail varnish and frowned.
Pouring the wine, Molly passed one of the glasses across the counter to Bea.
‘Am I all right leaving my car here tonight and grabbing a taxi to the hotel? I’m assuming you do have taxi’s even in a village this small?’
‘Yes, it’ll be fine. And yes, I’m sure we do.’
‘Great. In that case...’ Sliding her large designer weekend bag from her shoulder, Bea pulled out another bottle and placed it on the counter in front of her.
‘I can always rely on you.’ Grinning, Molly lined the two bottles up. ‘I don’t suppose you fancy helping me unpack that lot, do you? Or talking to me while I unpack them?’
‘Yeah sure, I’ll help. What is it? Stuff to go in the flat?’
‘No, it’s stock for this place. It was delivered a couple of hours ago.’
‘Ooh, that’s exciting. It’ll be just like Christmas!’ Rubbing her hands together, Bea turned towards the boxes.
‘Thanks.’ Walking over to the boxes, Molly pulled one from the stack and sliced through the tape with her scissors. ‘Right, this one is jars of buttons so they need to go... over there on the shelf closest to the counter. Are you okay with that one?’
‘Yes, of course.’
Sliding the box towards Bea, Molly pulled the next one towards her. Ribbons, rolls and rolls of ribbons.
‘So have you decided when you’re opening up then?’
‘Monday. We’re opening on Monday.’ Molly placed her box on the floor next to Bea’s and began filling the shelf with rolls of ribbon.
‘Next Monday? Do you think you can get it all ready in a week?’
‘No, this Monday. We’re opening this Monday.’ Molly grimaced.
‘As in not tomorrow but the next day?’ Holding a jar of buttons up, Bea stared at her.
‘Yes.’ Molly swallowed. ‘I put a post on social media before we left our old place so I’ve got to stick to it. Plus, I need to start bringing money in as soon as possible or this whole thing’s not going to work.’
‘I guess so. Wow, do you think you can get it all ready in time?’
‘I think so. I’ve only got to stock the shelves in here. I’m going to pop to the car boot in the morning and hopefully pick up some comfy chairs for the middle of the shop floor and then I think it’ll be pretty much ready.’
‘I guess you’ll have the kids back tomorrow to help anyway, won’t you? And then you can all go for a celebratory meal or something when the shop shuts Monday.’
‘That was the plan but Trevor has decided he wants to have them for the week. He’s taken them up to Jessica’s parents’ place today, and he wants to keep them longer.’
‘Oh right, I thought you wanted them here for when you opened?’
‘I did, but you know what he’s like. He tried to make it sound as though he was doing me a favour by having them so I could sort this place out, and then when I said I’d wanted them here for the opening, he said it in front of Ellis. Ellis was naturally excited about staying there for longer because they have a hot tub and a theme park close by.’ Molly shrugged.
‘He’s always been like that, hasn’t he? Underhand?’
‘He certainly has. Anyway, I guess in a way it’ll be good. It’ll mean that I can get the flat sorted too so that when they do come back, it’ll feel a bit more like home.’
‘I guess so.’ Standing up, Bea flattened her now empty box. ‘Right, what’s next?’
‘SO, WHAT DO YOU THINK?’ Tapping the notebook in front of her, Molly looked across at Bea.
‘Looks great. Wait, what? Knit and Natter? You’re doing a Knit and Natter here?’ Placing her glass of wine on the floor in front of her, Bea took the notebook.
‘Yes, what’s wrong with that?’ From her position next to Bea on the floor, Molly reached across and pushed a roll of fabric which was sitting precariously close to the edge of the nearest shelf.
‘Nothing. No, nothing. Actually, I think it’s a genius idea, you get people into th
e shop on the promise of free refreshments and they buy your products.’ Tilting her head, Bea passed the notebook back to Molly. ‘And, I think the fact that the posters are handdrawn adds to the charm.’
‘You mean they’re rubbish.’ Pointing with her wine glass, Molly laughed as the red liquid sloshed over the rim, dripping across the notebook in her hand. ‘Umm, maybe I’ll redo that one.’
‘I don’t know, the promise of red wine might entice more people in.’
‘Yes, you could just imagine that, couldn’t you? A gang of knitters getting drunk in charge of their knitting needles!’ Hearing her mobile ping, Molly pulled it from the back pocket of her jeans before discarding it on the floor next to her.
‘Aren’t you going to read it?’
‘Nah, it’s nothing.’
‘It’s not nothing. I’d know the sound of that notification anywhere. Let’s have a look then.’
Grimacing, Molly shook her head. ‘No.’
‘Go on. It’s DateToday.com, isn’t it? You’ve got a message.’ Leaning forward, Bea picked up Molly’s phone. ‘Go on, read out what they said. Who is it you’re talking to?’
‘I’m not at the moment and I’ve got no interest in meeting anyone for the time being. I was speaking to one bloke, but he’s just disappeared so whether he’s met someone and deleted his account or he’s blocked me for some reason. I have no idea, I thought we were getting on all right. We’d even spoken about meeting up – he’d asked me, not the other way around, so I don’t get why he’s suddenly disappeared.’ Molly shrugged.