Butterfly Kisses

by Samantha Hicks

  “I’m sorry.”

  “No. No more apologies, from either of us.”

  “Okay.” Jac wasn’t sure that was the end of the matter, but for now, she would take Molly at her word. At least, for the moment, they were back on friendly terms. Jac was determined to keep it that way. “Did Doctor Miles come and see you?”

  “Yeah.” The corner of Molly’s mouth turned upward. “Have you noticed the flirting going on between him and Tiffany?” Jac nodded and laughed. “It’s so obvious, right? Anyway, he said I should be able to move to the rehabilitation ward in the next day or so. He thinks I’ll be there for at least two to three months, depending on my healing.”

  “I’ll be there with you, literally every step of the way.”

  Molly looked away for a moment and Jac wondered at what she was thinking. She didn’t have to wait long as Molly said, “I don’t know what to do about the farm.”

  “How do you mean?” Jac wasn’t stupid, she knew she meant the lack of funds and Barry trying to sell the land from under her, but she didn’t want to comment for fear of Molly thinking she was only there to get the lease broken.

  “You know as well as I do that the turnover isn’t there. And now I’m in here I won’t be able to handle running it. I had asked my dad to help, but with, you know,” she indicated Jac’s cheek, “I don’t think he’ll be staying. Maybe it would be better to let Barry have the land back.”

  “No.” Jac’s voice came out louder than she intended, but she didn’t care. No way she would let Molly give up her dream just because she was out of commission for a few months. Not only that, she’d be damned if Ralph was able to get his hands on the land to sell at a huge profit to his client. Jac would do whatever she could to make sure Bloomin’ Butterfly stayed opened, even if that meant sinking her own funds into it. “That place is your life. Once you’re out of here you’ll be back to your old self and you can run it again. Until then we’ll just have to make do.”

  “That’s sweet of you to say, but it’s only a matter of time until it closes permanently anyway. Why wait for the inevitable?”

  Jac could hardly argue with her logic, but she wasn’t ready to let Molly give up just yet. “You don’t need to make a decision now. Tiffany and the gang can handle things for now. And, if you want, I could help out? I still remember the things you taught me about entomology.”

  Molly narrowed her eyes at her, and Jac could see her suspicion. She couldn’t blame her for it, after all, Jac had been sent up here to get Molly to sign the lease over. Why she expected Molly to lay all her trust in her after one five-minute conversation she didn’t know. It would take more than Molly saying she didn’t blame her for Dillon’s death to regain the connection they once had, if they ever did.

  “That was a silly suggestion,” Jac said. “Forget I mentioned anything.”

  “I’m sorry, Jac, but you threw me for a moment. I don’t want to hurt your feelings or anything, but I’m not ready for you to be that involved with everything.”

  “It’s okay. You don’t need to explain.” Jac glanced at her watch to avoid looking at Molly. “It’s getting late. I’m going to go back to the motel and change. Will you be okay until I come back?”

  “You don’t need to stay with me, Jac. I’m just lying here looking at the four walls.”

  Jac leaned in, making sure Molly could see her eyes. “I want to be here, okay? Maybe I can bring a game or something to help pass the time.” Molly didn’t look away and, for a brief moment, Jac had the urge to kiss her, regardless of Molly’s split lip. Even with the bruises still covering Molly’s face, she was just as beautiful as ever.

  “Okay.” She nodded slightly. “That would be fine.”

  “Good.” Jac leaned back and straightened, her ribs making themselves known once again. When she got back to the motel the first thing she would be doing is soaking in a hot bath. “I won’t be long.”

  Chapter Seven

  Jac had a spring in her step as she approached Molly’s hospital room an hour and a half later, a game of monopoly under her arm. It used to be one of Molly’s favourites and Jac had driven to the local toy store on the way to her motel to buy one. If the game was played right, it could take hours to complete, and that was what Jac was hoping for. Molly had finally forgiven her for her part in taking Dillon’s business and she thought that might be the catalyst for them getting back together. Their relationship before Dillon’s passing had always been great. They hardly argued and always had fun together. Jac knew Molly was her soul mate and she would do everything in her power to get back the love they once shared.

  She pushed opened the door and the first thing that caught her eye was a huge bouquet of flowers sitting on the roller-table. She cast her gaze to Molly, the smile on Jac’s face turned to a scowl.

  “What are you doing here?” she asked when she noticed Barry standing far to close to Molly’s bedside.

  “Ah, Ms. Colby. How nice to see you again.” Barry’s grin made Jac want to punch him, a recurring thought recently. “I just came to see how Molly’s doing.” He looked at Molly shaking his head in a sympathetic manner. “I felt just awful when I heard the news. We wouldn’t want anything to happen to you, would we, love?”

  The hairs on Jac’s neck stood on end. That sounded like a threat. She strode to Molly’s other side and protectively put her hand on her shoulder, squeezing gently. “She’s doing fine, no need to worry.”

  “I am here, you know?” Molly said sounding miffed.

  “Sorry,” Jac replied, smiling sheepishly. She looked back at Barry. “As you can see, she’s all in one peace. How about you leave so she can get some rest?”

  Barry stared at her through narrowed eyelids. “I can see from your cheek you’ve been causing trouble with someone. You seem to be making a habit of sticking your nose in where it’s not wanted.”

  “You little shit–”

  “By the way,” he continued, “I’ve had some very interesting conversations with Mr. Lloyd. He’s very perturbed he hasn’t heard from you all week. I think he mentioned popping up for a visit.”

  Crap. Jac knew it would have only been a matter of time before Ralph sent someone else to do his bidding on getting the lease broken, but she didn’t think he would come himself. It was clear to Jac that Barry had told Ralph about her past relationship with Molly, and if he did, she was in big trouble. Not that she cared, she didn’t plan on working for him any longer anyway. Her only concern was that Ralph wasn’t a particularly nice guy, she didn’t want him causing trouble for Molly.

  “He can do whatever he wants. You are not getting the lease broken.”

  “We’ll see about that, won’t we, Molly?”

  Jac glared at Molly who refused to look her way. Even through the bruises on her face, Jac could see her blush. A sick feeling settled in her stomach. Had Molly agreed to break the lease after all? Jac hoped not. Molly’s accident had only happened a week ago, she was still on strong pain meds, and no way would she be able to make such a drastic decision. Jac needed to get Barry out of here right away.

  “You need to leave.”

  “Don’t worry, I’m going.” He turned his attention back to Molly. “I’ll speak to you soon. Hope you’re not laid up too long.”

  Why does everything he says sound like a threat? Jac watched him leave then turned back to Molly, who still refused to look at her. Jac put the board game down and folded her arms.

  “You want to tell me what’s going on?”

  “It’s not actually any of your business, Jac.”

  Jac let her arms drop then slumped into the visitor’s chair. Getting angry with Molly wasn’t the way to do things. She took a breath then reached her hand out to Molly’s, pleased when Molly entwined their fingers.

  “You’re wrong about that. Technically, I’m still working for Billings & Lloyd, so anything to do with this deal is still my responsibility.”

  Molly pulled her hand back and glared at her. “You need to make
a choice, Jac, right now. You’re either my friend or you work for them. I can’t concentrate on my recovery if I’m constantly worrying you’re only here to take my business.”

  How could she make Molly understand she was only looking out for her? Molly had spent her whole life working toward Bloomin’ Butterfly, and Jac didn’t want her to give up on her dream. Jac didn’t like it that Molly still didn’t trust her, but she couldn’t blame her. What Jac had said just now basically confirmed that she still had a contractual agreement with her boss, whether Jac wanted to work for them or not, and Molly was right, she was either a friend or foe. Jac knew which one she wanted to be.

  “Do you remember what we did after our wedding?”

  Molly’s frown turned into a smile as she said, “Of course. We went up that giant hill that overlooked the fields and drank champagne.”

  “Yes, that’s right. Can you remember what I said to you as we watched the sunset?”

  “You said that you loved me and no matter what lays ahead you would always be by my side. And that I would never have to worry about anything because our love would see us through.”

  Jac scooted the chair closer and re-took Molly’s hand, gazing into her blue eyes. “I still stand by those words, Molly. I never stopped loving you. I only want what’s best for you. If you think that’s signing over the lease back to Barry, then I’ll stand by your decision. I just don’t want you making a mistake.” Jac reached up with her free hand and cupped Molly’s swollen cheek. “I’ll stay out of it, but I won’t let Barry or Ralph intimidate you into doing something you don’t want. I won’t let them hurt you.”

  “Oh, Jac. Although your protectiveness drives me up the wall most days, I’m still glad I have you in my corner. I told Barry I wouldn’t be making any decisions in the near future as I need to concentrate on getting better. I don’t think that was the answer he was looking for, but I refuse to be bullied. If I decide to give up the farm, it’ll be on my terms.”

  “That’s all I ask.” Jac lowered her hand from Molly’s cheek and reached for Monopoly. “Now how about you let me whip your ass at this?”

  Molly chuckled, and for now, the unpleasant business was forgotten. As they played the game, thoughts of Ralph coming to visit still plagued Jac’s mind. She had promised Molly to stay out of it, but no way would she be leaving Molly’s side. If he did come to put pressure on her, Jac would be there to stand in his way. As Molly said, it was her decision and Tiffany’s whether or not to break the lease. Jac would stand by her word and let them decide, but she wouldn’t let either of them get hurt.

  ***

  This sucks. Molly gripped the bed rail tightly in her hands, ignoring the ache in her shoulder, the pain of the bed jostling her legs was all she could focus on. She was being wheeled up to the rehab floor, and despite the mild sedative they had given her to help with the move, she was still in hell. She closed her eyes and concentrated on her breaths, breathing through the pain. Jac’s face came to mind, her dark eyes capturing Molly. She held the image in her mind, using it to comfort her as the porter’s continued with their torture. Jac. So much had happened in the last week and it was hard for Molly to place it all in their respective boxes so she could deal with it all. When she had gotten into her car the morning of her accident, she was certain she never wanted to see her again. She had built up this misplaced hatred of her for so many years she thought it would never leave her, but having Jac by her side in the hospital for the last week had brought back all her old feelings. Feelings of love, passion, and completeness. Molly hadn’t expected to ever feel those things again, especially for Jac, but here they were, demanding her attention. She knew in her heart she could never be with Jac again, too much had happened, and Molly was sure she wasn’t capable of opening herself up completely again for someone, even if that someone was Jac. No, it was best they remained friends.

  Her confusing feelings for Jac weren’t her only worry. Having Barry turn up yesterday made her feel sick. The way he grinned at her set off alarm bells. She would never tell Jac, but the whole time he was there Molly was scared. She knew he was desperate to get his land back, even offering her ten grand to break the lease, but she had politely declined, telling him she needed time to think. He was about to push her further when Jac had arrived, and although Molly was pissed Jac thought she could protect her, she was secretly pleased she had come when she had. Molly also knew Jac was in trouble for avoiding her boss, she hated that because of her Jac would probably be fired, although Jac said she didn’t want to work for them anymore that didn’t mean she was happy at being unemployed. Molly didn’t have it in her though to try and convince her to stay with them, Billings & Lloyd had no scruples and they had only dragged Jac down with them. The Jac she had fallen in love with all those years ago was gone. In her place was a thin, gaunt woman who’s normally bright smile was marred with years of stress. She was still as imposing and attractive as ever, but Molly could see the last five years had worn her down to a shell of the woman she once was. Molly would do anything to bring back her smile but it wasn’t her place to do that, they were no longer tied to each other in that way. Now only if she could get Jac to see they could only be friends, they would have a much easier relationship. She couldn’t have her declaring her love for her every five minutes as she had been.

  “Ow.” The bed was rolled into another private room and had bumped the doorway on the way through causing her legs to jostle again. The pain shot through Molly’s body bringing tears to her eyes.

  “Sorry, ma’am.”

  “It’s okay.” There was no point in having a go at them, they were just doing their job. It wasn’t their fault she had totalled her truck and her body at the same time. They settled her quickly and left as soon as they could, both not looking at her. Probably because I swore at them the whole way up here. A nurse came and checked on her then left to organise Molly’s breakfast, promising a rehab consultant would be up to see her shortly. She closed her eyes and cleared her mind. Too many thoughts made her brain hurt, the lingering concussion making it hard for her to concentrate on so many things at once.

  “Now there’s my sexy boss.”

  Molly cracked open an eye, seeing Tiffany leaning against the doorframe with her arms folded across her chest. Her hair was styled in a neat braid and a hint of make-up covered her face. Molly smiled, knowing Tiffany was dressing up for Doctor Miles. Usually Tiffany slouched around in combat trousers and dirty T-shirts, her time spent digging in dirt at the farm not really conducive to fancy clothing.

  “You look nice.”

  Tiffany blushed and patted her braid, winking at Molly. “Well, you never know who you might bump into.” She stepped farther into the room. “I went to your old ward and for a moment I thought something had happened. Took me a second to remember you were being moved today.” She grasped her forearm. “How are you feeling?”

  “Bored out of my mind. It’s only been a week and I already want to go home.”

  “You know that’s not possible, not yet anyway.”

  “I was thinking about something–”

  “Always dangerous.”

  “Funny. We’ve never really discussed the farm and what our plans are.”

  Tiffany blew out a breath and dragged the guest chair over, sinking heavily into it. “You want to talk about it now?”

  “I think we should.”

  “Molly, you have a sixty-five percent share in the business. The decision is yours to make.” Tiffany twirled the end of her braid as she spoke. “But I will say this, sixty-five percent of nothing is nothing.”

  “We really are in the red, aren’t we?” It was a rhetorical question. “Barry offered me ten grand to break the lease.”

  “What?”

  “Yeah. He wants his land so bad, I can only imagine the deal he’s making for selling it to Jac’s boss’s client. We could take the deal, sell what we can off the farm, and maybe walk away with something half decent.”

  Tiffany
didn’t answer for a few minutes, her gaze staring at her braid as she played with it. This would be a big decision for them both, one that would end ten years of partnership.

  “Schilling’s Garden Centre is looking for a botanist to oversee their plant section. It’s a good wage, I’d be making money instead of losing it every month.”

  “Is that something you’ve been looking in to?” Molly didn’t have it in her to be mad that she was looking elsewhere for employment. It was getting harder and harder to pay the bills and the staff, it would only be so long before the bank wanted their loans back and would take the business from them anyway. “It’s okay if you are. I wouldn’t blame you.”

  “What about you? What will you do?”

  “Look at me.” Molly gestured to the cast and cage covering her legs. “I won’t be up for working for months. By the time I can get around, we’ll be too far gone to ever think we could start making money. I could do with any assets I can get to help pay my own bills while I recuperate. I think we should break the lease.” Tears gathered in her eyes as she said the words. As much as she wanted to fight for the business she had spent years building, it was time to let it go. “I told Barry I wasn’t ready to make any decisions, but after thinking it over all night, I think it’s the right thing to do.”

  “Me too.” Tiffany stood and hugged Molly. “End of an era.”

  “We’ll still be friends though, won’t we?”

  “Always.” Tiffany kissed her cheek and then sat back down, wiping her eyes. “It’ll take some time to get everything sold off, do you think Barry would mind waiting a few weeks?”

  “He’ll have to be. I’ll tell Jac, maybe she can draw up a contract to make sure he can’t do anything nefarious.”

  “She’s going to be pissed.”

  “Not her decision. We’re not together, she’ll just have to live with it.” It wasn’t a conversation she was looking forward to having, but it was the best thing for the business, and for Molly and Tiffany.