by Wendy Smith
I nod.
“But I told her before she died.”
Tears prick my eyes, but his words bring a smile to my face. “I’m so glad you did.”
“She told me she wished I’d said something years ago.” He sighs. “Anyway, how long are you here for, and how can I help you?”
“I’m not sure how long. The plan was to come for a few days, but it turns out there are some things I need to sort first.”
He leans forward. “I’m guessing you mean Brad Matheson.”
“What is it with you people? Jackson yesterday, you today. Not to mention my mom this morning.”
Dean laughs. “You two were joined at the hip for years.”
A large lump forms in my throat. “That doesn’t mean—”
“Molly, we all know how much Brad loved Lane. He really did. But I also know that there was never anyone else but you for him.”
I flap my hands, blinking back tears. “Stop it.”
“Why? It’s true. I don’t think he ever in a million years thought this would be what brought you back to town, but in my opinion, he’s been waiting for you since he got divorced.”
I wipe my cheeks.
“Now, how about I find where our coffee has got to, and I’ll also grab my long ethernet cable to hook you straight into the link.”
“Thanks, Dean.”
“Any time. You’re not seriously thinking of doing business with Psycom, are you?”
I shake my head. “No. Why?”
“Their games are shit compared to yours. If you ask me, it’s not worth trashing your reputation.”
“For what it’s worth, I have no intention of having anything to do with them.”
Dean grins. “Good to hear. I’ll go and get the cable and the coffee.”
“Thanks, Dean.”
He returns a few moments later with the end of a cable in one hand, and two mugs in the other. “Here we go.”
I plug the cable into the laptop and open it up. After starting the download, I pick up the coffee.
“Is it good to be home?” he asks.
I nod. “It is. It’s been so long. Everything’s changed.”
“I bet it’s not as different as you think. There are a few new businesses, and some have closed, but most of the people are the same.”
Glancing at the download progress, I smile. It’s coming along nicely. “I really appreciate your help. I hope you know that.”
He nods. “I’m sure. The pace of life here must be a lot different to what you’re used to.”
I shrug. “It’s nice. I’m enjoying the slow down. Except for the Internet part.”
Dean laughs. “Yeah, I can imagine.”
When the download finishes, and I fire up the game, he watches over my shoulder. I get through the first level pretty quickly, but then, I know how the game flows and the actions needed.
“Shit. That looks good.”
“Want to have a play?” I ask.
“Are you kidding me?”
“It’s the least I can do seeing as you hooked me up.”
Dean grins. “Any time you want a hook-up, Molly, you know where to find me.”
I snort and pass him the laptop. “You always were a flirt. Here.”
He sits, flexing his hands. “Now, let’s take a look at this.”
Watching someone play one of my games is still a thrill. Even after all this time. Dean’s straight into it, and from the amount of noise he’s making ...
“Enjoying it, then?”
“This is amazing. It’s on a whole other level to the last one.”
My face hurts from smiling as he battles his way through the story mode. I love getting feedback, but from Dean, it’s extra special.
“Have you done any programming lately?” I ask.
He shakes his head. “I started up this place when I saw a gap in the market. The Internet doesn’t make a lot, but the coffee and food does okay. The young ones hit here after school and we get busy then. I’ll never be rich, but I’m pretty happy.”
“Want to do some programming?”
He pauses the game and turns to look at me. “What do you mean?”
“You had talent, Dean, and I doubt that’s gone anywhere. Maybe I can find a project to get you back into it.”
“I don’t know …”
“This game’s gonna be wrapped up soon, but it won’t be long before we’re working on the next one. There’s at least one more coming in the series.” I nudge his arm. “And you could work remotely. I’m always open to new game ideas too.”
He studies me closely. “You would do that for me?”
“It sounds like you’re doing just fine with your business, but like I said, I know how much talent you’ve got. Why not use it?”
A smile creeps across his face. “I’d be interested in anything. This place ticks over, but it’s not up there as far as job satisfaction goes.”
“I’ll talk with my guys and see what we can do.”
“You’re a good person, Molly. Lane would be really proud.”
I swallow hard. “I hope so.”
“I mean it. She used to come in from time to time with that girl of hers and have a coffee with me. The conversation always turned to you. She was proud of you.”
“I keep hearing that. I’m not sure I deserve it.”
He smiles. “Sure you do. I don’t know why you never came back, but I’m sure you had your reasons. She knew that.”
“I really hope that’s true. I missed her more than anything.”
“Except Brad.”
I elbow him. “Quit it.”
“I’ve got to go in a minute. School will be out, and we’ll be flooded with teenagers. Gotta get ready to make a ton of hot chocolates and serve cold drinks.”
Smiling, I nod. “I’ll keep out of the way.”
“You’re not in the way, Molly. You never could be.”
I move to a corner and go back to playing the game. It’s near perfect. I spot a couple of glitches, but nothing that will take much to fix.
“Excuse me?”
I turn. A small group of teenage boys stands behind me.
“What game is that?” a dark-haired boy asks me.
Shit.
“Uhh. It’s a beta of Devil’s Tribute.”
His eyes widen. “Really? How did you get a copy of that? We’ve been waiting for early access to open up.”
I smile. “I can’t give you the exact date, but it won’t be too much longer judging from what I’ve just seen.”
“How come you have a beta copy?” a tall boy at the back with his arms crossed asks.
“Because I created the game. My development team just rolled out the latest version.”
“You’re Molly Beckham?” The first boy’s eyebrows rise. “My mom says you’re not smart enough to make all these games.”
“Who’s your mom?” I can’t have gone to school with her. He’s at least fifteen.
“Well, she’s my stepmom. Her name is Catherine Kendall.”
I shrug. “I’m not sure if I know her.”
“She was Catherine Bail.”
The penny drops. Catherine was a mean girl at school. I’m not sure if I can say anything positive about her.
“Oh, I remember Catherine.”
He screws up his face. “I don’t really like her either.”
I can’t help it. I laugh. “Do you want to have a go?”
His mouth falls open. “Really?”
“Sure. Take a seat.”
I stand, and he sits in front of the laptop. His touch is tentative, and I guess he’s not wanting to accidentally break it. “Thrash it and tell me what’s wrong with it.”
He beams.
“No photos or videos. This is just for you to see.” Looking around, I see a row of nodding heads and smile.
I take a step back to let the other kids crowd around him, and smile as the sound of the game fills the room.
There’s something I need to do.
Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I dial into the video-conferencing unit at work.
For a moment, there’s nothing, but that’s to be expected until the guys get a notification to say I’ve logged in.
Tom’s face appears. “Molly?”
“Hi.” I wave into my phone.
“Have you played the beta?” he asks.
“I sure have. It looks amazing.” I lick my lips. “And I’ve got something to show all of you.”
Turning around, I hold my phone so they can see the boys.
“Wait. Are they …?” Mark asks.
“It’s a long story, but they’re taking turns at playing your beta. After I did, of course. I think you can hear how excited they are.”
“You didn’t make them sign a NDA, did you?” Miranda’s amused tone makes me smile.
“Nope. I told them they couldn’t take photos or video, and they seem to be behaving where that’s concerned. But they’ll spread the word, and we can’t ask for better PR than that.” I grin. “Besides, look at them. They’re having fun and loving the game. Maybe we should have them do testing for us, given that they’re our target market.”
“That’s not a bad idea,” Miranda says.
“I think I’ll leave them to it for a little while and have another coffee. Then sit down with them and see what they think.”
There’s a cheer from the boys, which leads to a cheer at the other end of the call.
“Anyway, I just wanted you to see. Hope you’re all behaving yourselves.”
Tom laughs. “As if. Talk to you later.”
“Bye.”
I terminate the call, but linger, watching the joy on the kids’ faces.
This is what makes it worth it.
This is why I love my job.
So why does the thought of leaving Nettle Downs make my chest ache?
11
Molly
Ten years ago, I got a friend request on Facebook from Brad. I just left it. I couldn’t bring myself to accept it, and I couldn’t reject it.
Lane never requested, but I think that was because she was always the type who didn’t want to feel like she was intruding.
I never cyber-stalked either of them. It was easier to try and pretend they didn’t exist.
Now, I scroll through the pending friend requests until I get all the way back to the beginning, press accept, and take a deep breath.
It only takes a few minutes.
My phone pings.
Brad: Took you long enough.
I go back to the Facebook tab. Sorry, I’m running a little behind in my friend requests.
Brad: Just a few years. So, how are you?
I lean back in the chair. I’m sitting at Mom’s dining table, so it’s not exactly a private setting. But she’s in the living room, watching some soap opera with Dad.
Me: A little freaked out, if I’m honest. I never meant for us to get carried away like that.
Brad: Neither did I. But I’m not sorry that it did.
I close my eyes. I still feel his breath on my cheek, still feel that need for him.
Me: I’m not either. I just had a bit of trouble processing it.
Brad: I fucking missed you. And now I feel like I’m so close to being with you again, and you’re pulling away.
His message hits me in the heart.
Me: I’m not going anywhere. Not for a while.
“Did you want a coffee, love?” Mom asks.
I look up and smile. “Sure, Mom. Thanks.”
She loves having me here. It doesn’t help the guilt.
“Work okay?”
“They’ll cope fine without me for a while. I don’t need to be in the office to do my job.” I look back at the laptop. There’s another message from Brad. “I wish your internet was faster though. We might have to do something about that.”
“Does that mean you’ll be coming back soon?”
I shrug.
Brad: I’m glad to hear it. I really need to see you again. I heard you found a whole group of admirers this afternoon. Do I have some competition?
I laugh.
Me: How do you know?
This town is so small, it’s not that surprising.
Brad: Saw something online. Someone took a video.
Me: Shit. Did they get any of the gameplay?
Brad: No. You could see the boys around the computer and you.
Whew. I’ve released selective screenshots of the game, but no one’s seen it in action yet. It wouldn’t be the end of the world, but I don’t deal well with things out of my control.
Me: Good. I don’t want it out in the open. Not yet.
Brad: I want to see it. And I want to see you. Let me know when you’re ready.
My heart aches. I’m ready now. I’ve always been ready.
But I’m scared and still feeling a little guilty.
Me: Will do.
Brad: Good night, Molly.
I sigh.
Me: Good night.
12
Brad
“Ready for school?”
Grace shrugs, squeezing her toy closer to her chest. Since the day of the funeral, she’s taken that pink bunny everywhere.
I squat in front of her. “I know you miss your mom. I miss her too. We have to find our new normal now, and we have to keep going to make her proud.”
She nods.
“Love you, Grace. So very much.”
She throws her arms around my neck, the bunny hitting me on the back. “Love you, Daddy.”
“You’re such a big girl now. I’m proud of you too.”
I don’t miss her quiet sniff.
“Gracie-boo, what’s wrong?”
When I manage to detach her arms from around my neck, she’s got tears welling in her eyes. “I don’t want you to die too.”
“Oh, honey.” I sit on the floor and pull her onto my lap. “I’m right here. Mommy was sick, very sick. I’m not going anywhere.”
She snuggles into my chest. “Do I have to go to school?”
I kiss her on the top of her head. “You do. You need to keep learning, and one day you’ll have your own business like Daddy. Maybe you can even become a builder and work with Daddy.”
She smiles. “Like Bridget?”
I nod. “Just like Bridget.”
“She’s awesome. So is Molly.”
My senses reel at the thought of Molly. It was only two days ago that Molly and I fucked on the dining room floor. I can’t call it anything else. I wanted her then and there, and took her. What’s doing my head in is the memory of how hot and tight and needy she was.
I want more.
“Molly is pretty awesome. You like her?”
She nods. “I liked her giving me the toy bunny.”
“I bet you did, baby. I’m pretty sure it’ll be okay to take it to school today if you want.”
Her eyes widen. “We’re not allowed to take toys to school. Can you write me a note for it?”
“Is that what I’m supposed to do?”
She nods. “Mommy used to write notes.”
Shit. I didn’t know that.
“Does it have to be a note? I’ll talk to the teacher, and maybe you can keep it tucked in your bag. I think, given the circumstances, that this’ll be fine. For today anyway.”
“Are you sure?” She narrows her eyes.
“No, but we have to work these things out together. The teacher will understand.”
I’ll make sure the teacher understands.
I’ll do anything to make sure Grace’s life is stable again.
And I want Molly to be a part of that life.
After dropping Grace at school, I head to Madison’s Diner to grab a coffee before going out to the work site.
My heart’s still with Grace, and she’s on my mind as I walk in the door. How will she cope today? She seems fine, but if the other kids ask her about her mom, will she be okay?
I look up in time to see Molly coming toward
me. She’s looking over her shoulder at Janie. “Thanks,” she calls.
“Woah, speedy.” I reach out to touch her arm and stop her before she walks into me.
“Brad.” She comes to a halt and smiles. “What are you doing here?”
I nod toward her coffee. “Same thing as you.”
She smiles. “Mom’s just got filter coffee. I wanted some of the real stuff.”
“I’m just grabbing one before heading to work. But I’m glad I ran into you.”
Molly licks her lips. It’s all kinds of distracting. I want to kiss her again, lose myself in that familiar touch. “Me too. I thought we should talk.”
I nod. “That’s a good idea. I wondered if you’d left town.”
She swallows. “Well, I thought about it. But I don’t think I’m ready to leave. There’s so much left unresolved.”
“I agree. I’m working at the moment, but maybe you could come over for dinner. Grace would love to see you. You’re a big deal to her.”
Her lips spread into a smile. “I am?”
“She’s grown up hearing all about you. Today’s her first day back at school since Lane died. It’ll be good for her to have a distraction.”
“I’d love to spend some time with her.”
I lean over a little. “That rabbit you gave her has gone everywhere with her since the day of the funeral. She took it for show-and-tell today.”
Molly’s eyes light up. “I’m glad she likes it.”
I lean in. Her familiar fragrance surrounds me, and before I can stop myself, I pop a kiss on her cheek. “I can’t stop thinking about you, Moll.”
“The feeling’s mutual.” She raises her face, and close up, I can see the emotion in her eyes. She’s struggling with this as much as I am.
“We can talk after Grace goes to bed.”
She nods. “Sounds good.”
“About six, then?”
I can’t stop smiling all the way to work.
Molly’s still in town, and even though we haven’t got everything resolved, it feels good.
She’s stayed because of me.
Because she’s feeling the spark between us.
“Welcome back, boss.” Stu slaps me on the shoulder as I walk into the office. “It’s good to see you.”
