by Wendy Smith
Brad nods.
After walking around me, he slips and arm around Molly’s waist, and I look away when he gives her an affectionate kiss.
“You started without me?” he asks a moment later.
She laughs. “We literally just opened our beers.”
“Daddy.” Grace appears in the hallway door. She’s been in her room since we arrived. I think she’s a little shy, or she seems to be with me.
“Hey hey, Gracie-boo. How was your day at school?” he asks.
“Good. But it’s the weekend now.” She beams.
“So it is. We can hang out tomorrow.” Brad shifts his gaze back to me. “What about you? It’s your first weekend in Nettle Downs. Do you have plans?”
I nod. “I’ve got a few houses to look at. Bridget’s coming to help me.”
He smiles. “Glad to hear it. I’m sure moving to a town this small is a big change. I’m glad you’re making friends with the locals.”
“I met Jackson the other night too. He seems like a good guy.”
I look down as Grace tugs on my arm. “Jackson’s the best. He makes me a special burger with meat and cheese in it.”
“Does he?”
Brad chuckles. “He knows she doesn’t like the lettuce and tomato. I’m not sure if I should be happy about him encouraging her not to eat it.”
“You know what, Grace? I’m not a fan either, but they’re so good when you mix them with the meat and cheese,” I say.
She pouts. “I don’t know about that.”
Moving past me, she wraps her arms around her father’s waist. Molly puts her beer on the bench and hugs the two of them. It’s sweet. I love seeing Molly so happy.
For as long as I’ve known her, she’s been such a positive, upbeat person, but seeing her with her family shows me there was always something missing. She has it now, and I’m guessing these two have everything to do with that.
“Anyway, I thought we’d do something quick and easy for dinner, so there are some steaks in the fridge ready for the grill.” Molly smiles at Brad.
“That’s a hint for me to cook them. Am I right?”
She nods. “I even made a salad to go with the steaks.”
His mouth drops open in mock horror. “No. You made a salad?”
“Stop it. I’m not that bad.” She laughs.
“Molly prefers me to cook dinner. But it’s usually because she has her nose buried in her computer.” Brad meets my gaze, amusement written all over his face. “I guess tonight we have a guest, and you two can just talk face-to-face instead.”
I chuckle. Apart from the odd night when we’d convince her to come out with us for drinks, her life’s been spent with her face buried in a screen of some type.
I understand that. I do the same thing myself.
“I’ll go and get these steaks on the grill,” Brad says, planting a kiss on the top of Molly’s head.
“I can give you a hand.” I make the offer, unsure if he’ll take it. Brad doesn’t know me really well, but he is marrying one of my best friends.
He nods. “That’d be great.”
Brad grabs the steaks from the fridge, and we head outside to the grill. This house is amazing. There’s a huge backyard, and no neighbors. I’d love a place like this someday with the seclusion and privacy it must bring.
I like Brad. It’s clear he adores Molly and vice versa, but I study him as we walk out. He and Molly have history, but what is it that made Bridget into him?
“Settling in okay?” he asks as he fires up the grill.
I nod. “Yeah, it’s great.”
“Molly keeps me up-to-date with what’s going on. I’m trying to let Bridget do her own thing and not interfere.” He shoots me a pointed look. “I hear you two are working well together.”
I press my lips together for a moment. “We are. She’s a great woman.”
Studying me for a moment, he seems to choose his next words carefully. “She is. I think she’s got a great future in the construction industry. And she’s a good friend.”
Is that a warning? I’d never treat Bridget with anything but respect, but I guess Brad’s not to know that. “Bridget’s amazing. I’ve known her less than a week, and we’ve become friends. She’s helping me find a place to live tomorrow.”
His eyebrows creep up. “Really? She can be a bit of a loner. It’s good to hear she’s getting out.”
“She’s been driving me to work every morning, and back to the motel.” I pause. “She invited me over to her place tonight.”
Brad’s lips curve into a lopsided smile. “What the hell are you doing here, then?”
“Molly invited me first. I did ask Bridget if she thought I should ask if she could come too, but she explained things might be awkward.”
His expression straightens. “She said that, huh?”
I nod. “But like I said, I’ll be seeing her tomorrow.” The thought of that makes me smile. “And I can’t wait to find a home for myself. Hopefully close to work so I don’t have to walk far.”
Brad holds his hand out to check the heat and throws the steaks on the grill. “Don’t you drive?”
“No. It makes me nervous. I mean, I can, but I don’t. I just ubered everywhere in San Jose.”
He chuckles. “No Uber here. There are a couple of taxis if you’re lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.”
“Maybe I’ll start driving again, living in a smaller town. There are plenty of back roads I can practice on.”
Brad nods. “It’s a good place to do that. I’d be happy to take you driving too. I’m sure Molly would as well.” A sly smile crosses his lips. “Bridget would probably help too.”
Maybe I should react differently, and pretend like I don’t react at the mention of her name. But I give myself away in an instant. I see it in Brad’s reaction and the way his eyebrows creep back up.
“Thought so. You really like her, huh?”
“I don’t know her well.”
He nods. “No, but she’s worth knowing. I’m sure you’re finding that out. And I know Molly’s happy that you’re spending time together. I think she wants everyone to be as happy as we are.”
I chuckle. “I don’t think that’s possible. “
Brad lifts his beer and I clink mine against his. “I still pinch myself thinking about her moving back here. She’s upturning her whole business for me.”
“It’s a good move. There’ll be those who like being in Silicon Valley and want to stay, but I struggled to find any negatives to being here. It’s a beautiful town, and everyone seems so nice.”
Brad looks pensive. “People are nice here, but you do have to watch out for the gossip. Plenty of that goes on.”
He prods the steaks and flips them.
“I guess Molly coming back here started a lot of that.”
Brad laughs. “Sure did. Most of our childhood friends live here still, so we also had a lot of support. Now she’s won the rest of the town over with what she’s doing with Mollab. The stores are gearing up for more customers.”
“That’s awesome.”
“Nettle Downs has had its share of ups and downs.” He takes a sip of beer. “With Mollab and the retirement complex that we’re building, things are looking good for the town.”
Grace walks through the door, carrying a large plate. “The table’s ready, Daddy. Molly said to give you this.”
“Thanks, Gracie-boo. These are ready.” Taking the plate from her, he picks up the set of tongs and lifts the steaks one by one onto the plate. With a nod toward the house, he leads me back inside.
My heart pangs at seeing the table set for dinner. It takes me back to when my grandmother was alive. She always insisted on the full setup, even though it was just the two of us. As an adult, I’m used to sitting at the computer desk or on the couch with my laptop as I scoop forkfuls of food into my mouth.
I never had dinner at Molly’s place in San Jose.
I catch her gaze, and for th
e first time register that maybe she was lonely back there too. Time passes so quickly that the loneliness sometimes doesn’t catch up with you until you’re surrounded by friends. How different it is living in this small town.
I’ve fallen in love with Nettle Downs in the space of less than a week, and now I think I understand why Molly wanted to move back home. Even without family, I feel more welcomed and less lonely here than I ever was in San Jose.
Sure, I had friends, but we all lived in our own little bubbles for the most part.
It’ll be different here. Better.
And I’m looking forward more than ever to my new life in this town.
Over dinner, I feel right at home.
Molly told me ahead of time that Grace could be quite shy at first, but as it turns out, she seems to feel comfortable around me. We have a lot in common. I lost my parents around the same time she did, and retreated into my shell.
But Grace? Grace is animated and full of life as she tells us all a story about her day.
“I got to play Minecraft at school because you can build things, and I asked my teacher if we could play one of Molly’s games, but she said they were for grown-ups.”
I grin. “Well, they really are.”
“Maybe we could look at a range of games for kids,” Molly says.
Brad looks between us. “No. You two are not going to talk shop tonight. Even if Grace started the conversation.”
Molly grins. “It’s a good idea. Kids games would be great.”
He rolls his eyes and leans back in his chair as if resigned to it. I bet he never wins an argument with her.
She reaches for his hand, and his lips twitch.
“No work talk at the dinner table.” He turns to me. “You don’t want to waste time discussing business when there’s dessert to be had, do you?”
I hold up my palms. “I’m not getting in the middle of this.”
Molly leans over and gives Brad an affectionate kiss. “Fine. It can wait.” She shifts her gaze to me. “Tom, did you want some ice cream?”
“Sure. Sounds good.”
“Can we have special ice cream?” Grace asks.
“We’re having it here. Not at Madison’s.” Molly ruffles Grace’s hair as she stands, and Grace pulls a face.
“Ice cream anywhere is good,” I say.
“Janie makes it with whipped cream and sprinkles.” Grace sighs in such a melodramatic way, it makes me laugh.
“I’ve got sprinkles,” Molly says.
Grace’s eyes widen. “You do?”
“It was a surprise.” Molly pokes her tongue at Grace.
I love seeing this playful side of her. We’ve all had fun together over the years, but with Mollab growing as fast as it did, everything got so serious so fast. Molly being here is as good for her as it is for Grace.
“I’ll sort out the ice cream,” Brad says. He gets up and rounds the table, and I don’t miss the hand he runs across Molly’s shoulders. The smile on her face makes me smile.
I’m not sure I’ve ever seen her so happy.
And I’m pretty happy myself.
After dinner, and with Grace asleep, Brad, Molly, and I sit in the living room and watch a movie.
I’ve seen The Matrix a million times, but I know it’s Molly’s favorite. She snuggles up with Brad on the sofa.
Could Bridget be the one to fill my void?
I haven’t even known her for a week yet. My optimism is, however, tempered with reality. This is what happens. I build up my hopes only for them to come falling down around me.
When the movie’s over, Molly insists on watching the second one too. Brad yawns.
“It’s the weekend tomorrow,” she says. “Plenty of time for sleep, then.”
He nods. “Fine. But if you want to watch the third one tonight, you’re on your own.”
She laughs. “Tom will be up for it. Won’t you, Tom?”
“Don’t involve me in this.” I hold up my hand. “I can’t stay. I’m going house hunting tomorrow.”
“With Bridget.” Brad’s smile is so smug, and I just roll my eyes.
“Oh, really?” Molly’s brows arch. “I knew you were house hunting; didn’t know the other part.”
My cheeks blaze. “She offered to drive me around.”
Brad chuckles. “It is a better option than being stuck in a car with Amy?”
“You know Amy?” I ask. “Of course you do. Everyone knows everyone around here.”
“She’s Dean’s younger sister. The guy who owns the Internet cafe,” Molly says.
I nod. “The one you asked if I could find some programming work for.”
“That’s the one.” She smiles.
“I’ve got some ideas around that, but it’s going to wait until Monday.”
Her smile grows. “Good. You shouldn’t be working weekends.”
“Yes, boss.” I laugh.
“It’s late, Tom. Do you want to stay the night? We’ve got plenty of room.” Brad says.
I shake my head. “I don’t want to intrude.”
“You’re not.” Molly leans against Brad.
“Bridget’s picking me up from the motel in the morning. I don’t want to text her this late with a change in plan.”
Molly nods. “Fair enough. I’ll take you to the motel.”
Brad stands. “I’ve got it, babe.” He turns and presses a kiss to her lips. She touches his face in response.
Picking up his car keys from the kitchen bench, he motions for me to follow him.
I give Molly a hug. “See you on Monday.”
She nods. “Have a good weekend. And good luck with the house hunting tomorrow. Give me a call if you need anything.”
“Thanks, Molly. For everything.”
She smiles. “You’re welcome. It’s so good to have you here.”
After leaving her with a peck on the cheek, I follow Brad out to his truck.
“We’ll have to do this again,” he says as he climbs in.
I get into the passenger seat. “I agree. It’s been fun.”
“Next time, we’ll invite the other Mollab staff and Bridget over too. Make a party of it.”
I nod, and say nothing.
He starts up the truck, and backs down the driveway and onto the road.
“Thank you for this. I’m sorry to put you out,” I say.
He shakes his head. “It’s really no problem. It’s not far, and besides …” He glances at me. “I want your help with something.”
I smile. “Sure. What is it?”
“Molly embedded a message into Aeon. It’s a string of numbers on the splash screen. Do you know what it says?”
I stare at him. I’m familiar with what he’s talking about, but it’s a Molly thing, and no one else knows anything about it. She was always insistent that it stay there, and I thought it might have some relevance to the original version of the platform she created by herself. “I have no idea why it’s there. But I know what you mean.”
He breathes a heavy sigh. “Shit. Apparently it’s a coded message. And I have no idea how to crack the code.”
“Does it matter?”
“She said she’ll marry me if I work it out.”
I laugh. “Dude.”
“I know she’s just teasing and we’re starting to make plans anyway, but I’d like to work out what it is because it’s important to her, and for the life of me, I just have no idea.”
It’s such a Molly thing to do. I nod. “I’ll take a look. I can’t promise anything because you know how smart she is. She could have used any kind of cipher to create it. But I’ll try.”
He grins. “Thanks, Tom.”
The rest of the ride is quiet, and when we pull into the motel car park, he parks where I indicate.
“Thanks for the ride,” I say.
“No problem. Good luck tomorrow.”
I nod. “I appreciate it.”
It’s a little after midnight when I crawl into bed, dragging my laptop wit
h me. Aeon autoloads, as it always does, and I bring up the splash screen.
There’s a string of digits. 21814920231191122312519251521.
“What did you do, Molly?” I mutter. “What does it mean?”
I can’t copy and paste, but I bring up a notepad and copy the numbers down before killing Aeon. This is something I haven’t done in years. When studying, we all learned about cryptography and its relation to encryption.
There are a few sites online where I can run it through different ciphers. If I know Molly, the answer will be obvious. She loves hiding things in plain sight.
But sometimes, the answer to the most obvious question is often the most difficult to crack.
8
Tom
“Tom!”
I open my eyes. Everything’s blurry, and I blink to focus enough to locate my glasses on the bedside cabinet.
Picking up my phone, I glance at the screen.
9:14 a.m. I’ve overslept.
So that banging on the door …?
Bridget.
“Shit.”
I stumble out of bed and fling the door open. “Sorry, Bridget. I had a late one.”
She stands there with her arms folded. She’s so cute when she’s angry.
“I don’t care, but won’t Amy be waiting?” Her eyes scan downward. “You don’t have any clothes on.”
I know I’m wearing boxers, but even I look to double check. “Sorry. I didn’t think before I opened the door.”
Her upper lip, which has the cutest freckle on it, twitches. “There’s nothing to be sorry about. I don’t mind the view at all.”
Swallowing hard, I meet her gaze. I’ve never met a woman who has me so conflicted. I think she’s giving me all the right signals, and I want to make a move, but already, I’m so scared of being rejected. The last thing I want to do is to screw up our friendship.
Instead, I turn and walk back through the room. “I’ll just be a minute.”
She follows me in and sits on the couch. “Hope you’re not keeping Amy waiting.”
“I’ll shoot her a text and tell her I’m running late.”
