“I was just telling Molly our plans for the day.”
“Oh, she’s coming with us?” Mum says, sounding disappointed.
“No, she’s not, and if I’m honest, I don’t blame her. It’s taken a lot for her to organise this weekend for me. You could at least try to be nice to her. She didn’t have to invite you to spend time here. She would like us back before seven because she’s cooking dinner for us all.”
“Molly is a brilliant cook, Mum. She told me she’s doing Italian,” Abbi says, trying to fight for her. “So, what’s Molly doing today?”
“She’s going to see a friend. His girlfriend just broke up with him and she wants to go and see if he’s okay,” I say, narrowing my eyes at Abbi.
“Oh,” is her only response before she darts out of the room to get her shoes.
Suddenly, Mum pipes up again. “Does she have a lot of male friends?” If she carries on like this, I’m going to be asking them to leave before tomorrow gets here.
“No, not really. Jax is her friend, but also her colleague. He’s a really good guy and he’s hurting. Molly would do anything for the people who are important to her, as you may have noticed. Now, this may be my house, but she lives here too, and if you can’t be nice, you’ll need to find somewhere else to stay tonight.”
Mum scoffs but doesn’t say any more, so I’m hoping I may have got through to her.
We spend hours walking around, looking at the different architecture and chatting about our lives. Abbi keeps trying to get me alone, but I avoid it. The last thing I need is her asking me questions about Molly, and having Mum overhear. She’ll have to wait until we’re completely alone. Then, I will tell her whatever she wants to know. Abbi and I don’t keep secrets. I’m pretty sure Liv resents how close we are, but she never lets on.
We eventually end up on the high street and the girls drag Dad and me around, shop after shop. We sit together on the stools in various fitting rooms and hope that we make the correct noises when they each appear in different outfits.
We end up in Debenhams. Abbi and Liv promise that this is the last stop, then we can head home. Mum, Liv, and Dad are looking around the jewellery counters, looking for something to go with the dress she just bought, while I’m with Abbi, giving her my opinion on various perfumes.
She glances over to check the others are far enough away before she starts. “So…how long has it been going on?”
I follow her gaze, just to check for myself, and seeing as they’re on the other side of the store, I answer her. “A couple of weeks.” I can’t stop the huge grin breaking across my face.
“At fucking last, bro,” she laughs. “Oh, what about this one?” she says, shoving another little bit of card under my nose. The smell makes goosebumps break out on my skin and I instantly think of Molly.
I look up to see the others walking our way. Before they get too close, I turn back towards Abbi. “It’s perfect. Buy that one for me. I’ll give you the cash later.”
She smiles warmly and nods. “It’s so good to see you happy, Ryan. Mum will come around, you’ll see.”
“I know you’re going to hate me for saying it, but you should listen to your own advice there, Abs. Jax is a great guy, and Mum will see that eventually, too.”
“I know he is, but do you really think Mum would be able to see past what happened? You know what she’s like.”
“The only way you’ll ever find out is to give it a chance.” The cashier comes over and interrupts our conversation.
“What did you buy, Abbi?” Mum asks when she joins us.
“Just some perfume.” She grabs the bag off the desk then heads towards the exit. “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m starving. Shall we head back so Molly can feed us?”
Everyone agrees and we go in search of the cars. Abbi comes with me and questions me all the way home. I can’t wipe the smile off my face the whole way back. Just thinking about Molly makes me so happy. Abbi agrees to keep quiet about us until we decide to tell everyone. I try to convince her to talk to Jax, but I’m pretty sure it falls on deaf ears. My sister can be a stubborn bitch when she wants to be.
The house smells amazing when we let ourselves in. Whatever Molly is cooking upstairs makes my stomach growl.
When I walk into the living area, I can’t help a small laugh escaping my throat. Molly is prancing around the kitchen, looking like the perfect little housewife. She’s wearing a cute floral dress with an apron over the top, and the dusky pink shoes I bought her. There’s food covering all the work surfaces, and the table is laid to look like a restaurant.
“Ah, good, you’re all back. When you’re ready, come and sit at the table and I’ll dish up the starters.”
I turn to look back at the others just as Mum’s eyebrows lift. I’m not sure if that’s because she is impressed or surprised. I’m hoping the former.
Molly
“I never thought I’d say this, Molly, but I think your tiramisu is better than my wife’s,” Dave says as he scrapes out the bottom of his bowl of seconds.
Liv gasps next to me, making me look up from mumbling a thank you to the compliments I received about my dinner. I can’t help but think that if looks could kill…well, poor Dave would be six feet under by now from the death glare he’s receiving from his wife. He just shrugs at her and continues to lick his spoon. I continue watching their exchange until Karen lets out a huge sigh and rolls her eyes at him.
“It was all amazing, Molly. Thank you,” Ryan adds with a cheeky thigh squeeze under the table. He has been remarkably well-behaved at the dinner table compared to last night, when he was constantly trying to touch me up. I guess his stuck-up mother has put him off a little.
“Yes, well…credit where credit’s due. That was a delicious meal, Molly,” Karen says, almost convincingly.
“Thank you. I’m glad you all enjoyed it.”
“Please, could I have the recipe for the ravioli?” Karen asks, shocking the life out of me. My surprise must be written all over my face because she continues with, “If you don’t mind, of course.”
“No, of course not. It was one of my gran’s. I’ve typed them all up because her writing had started to fade. I’ll print you one out after I’ve cleaned up this lot.”
“Oh, I love old recipes. I’d love to have a look at them all.”
Wow. Something Karen and I could have in common, after all.
“Sure.” I go to stand but Ryan immediately grabs my forearm to stop me.
“Molly, there’s no way you’re cleaning. You’ve done enough already. You go relax. I’ll do this. Abbi and Liv can help me.”
“Can we, now?” Abbi says sarcastically.
“No, Ry, it’s your weekend. You enjoy your family being here and leave it to me.”
“Molly, shut up and listen to my brother. Go sit down and chill out.”
I’m now getting serious looks from all the Evans siblings, so I cave and have another sip of my wine.
“They’re right. Let them get on with it, and you can show me these recipes.”
I hesitantly grab my glass and stand up with Karen, pointing her in the direction of my room. As I descend the stairs behind her, a weird feeling settles over me that I can’t quite put my finger on. I try to shake it off. I should be pleased that I have something to talk to Karen about. A little bonding over some old school recipes might be just what we need.
“Have a seat,” I say, gesturing to the chair. “I’ll just boot up my laptop.” I place my computer on the coffee table and settle myself on my knees on the floor while I wait.
Karen lets out a breath that makes me shudder in apprehension.
“Molly…my son keeps telling me how wonderful you are and…he’s usually a pretty good judge of character. But something about you doesn’t sit right with me…”
I go to speak, but she continues.
“I have a feeling that something is going on between the two of you. You seem…closer. Plus, a mother never misses those little loo
ks and touches when you think no one is watching…
“What Ryan needs is a nice woman who’s going to treat him right and be by his side all the way. He’s already had enough heartache to last a lifetime. After poor Hannah, I do not want him to go through any more. And Molly…” She lets out another breath before continuing with what I fear is coming. “You are going to cause him some serious heartache when you decide he just isn’t exciting enough for you. I know about your past. I know you’re a little…what shall we say…free. I can see it in your eyes that this…” She waves her hands around, gesturing to the house. “…and him are not what you want long-term. You want the buzz and the excitement.”
What the actual fuck?
I sit there on my bedroom floor and just stare at her in complete amazement. I open and close my mouth a number of times because I just can’t find the words.
“I think it’s best for both of you if you just end this now before too many feelings are involved.” I watch as she leans to the side slightly and pulls a piece of paper out of her jeans pocket. She slides the offending piece of paper over to me before she stands up. I have to lean back to be able to look at her, making me feel like I’m at a great disadvantage in this exchange.
“You will take that, and you will find somewhere else to live. You will get out of my son’s life. For good.” She walks over to the door and looks back over her shoulder. “Needless to say, Ryan doesn’t need to know about this. You wouldn’t want to break up his family. After all, you know how much it means to him. I’ll tell everyone you had a headache. Goodbye, Molly.” I stare after her in shock as she disappears back upstairs.
I sit in the same position, looking at the little piece of paper on the coffee table for the longest time. Eventually, my legs go completely dead and I have to move. I scoot over to sit in the chair Karen was in not so long ago, continuing to stare at the paper. I know I need to move, because if I know Ryan at all, he will come down to check on me as soon as he can.
I’ve just plucked up the courage to look at what’s on the paper when I hear him at the top of the stairs. “Grab me another beer, I just want to make sure she’s okay.”
“Shit.” I grab the paper, dive onto my bed, and shove it under my pillow. I lie so I’m facing away from the door and pretend to be asleep.
“Molly?” he whispers before the bed dips. Leaning forward, he moves a strand of hair from my face before placing a kiss to my temple.
I have to really concentrate on keeping my breathing slow because in reality all I want to do is wrap my arms around him and tell him what a massive bitch his mother is. But her words keep repeating in my head.
You wouldn’t want to break up his family. After all, you know how much it means to him.
And she’s right; I would do anything to keep his family together and around him. I know what it is like not to have one, and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone, even a fully grown man. Everyone needs their mum sometimes.
“I love you, gorgeous. I’ll be upstairs if you need me,” he says softly before getting up and leaving the room.
I let out a huge breath when I hear him get to the top of the stairs. My first tear drops as I contemplate what I’m going to do. Is Karen right? Am I not good enough for him? I’ve certainly thought it enough over the past few months, but Ryan has always made me feel stupid for thinking such things. What if he isn’t aware, though? What if she is right? What if I’m not cut out for this serious relationship thing? It’s not like I’ve done it before.
I turn my head into the pillow when the sobs hit to try to muffle the sound. I don’t want to be heard and have people asking questions.
I must cry myself to sleep eventually, because I come around when I feel myself lifted from the bed before being placed back down and the covers pulled over me.
When I wake up the next morning, it’s still dark outside. I turn over and see Ryan fast asleep next to me, looking peaceful and content. If only he knew what his mother was up to. I’ve no idea what time he came to bed last night, but I have a feeling it was late. I get myself comfortable so I can watch him sleep for a while. It’s not until I slide my hand under my pillow and hit the piece of paper that my memories from last night resurface. I grab it and gently climb out of bed, collecting a change of clothes on my way to the bathroom.
It’s a bitterly cold, sunny November morning, so I’m really glad I thought to pick up my hat, scarf, and gloves before I snuck out of the house while everyone was still asleep. Once I was dressed, I left a note in the kitchen to say that the table is booked for one o’clock at the Fat Dog, and that I would meet them there. I know that as soon as I see Ryan, he’ll be questioning me about where I went, but honestly I had more important things to think about than leaving a plausible note.
I sit myself down in front of Hannah’s gravestone after taking the dead flowers to the bin and fiddle with the new ones I brought.
“So…what should I do about Karen, then, Han?” My voice sounds defeated even to my own ears.
I pull the piece of paper I’ve still refused to look at out of my pocket, let out a massive sigh, then turn it over.
My eyes almost pop out of my head when I see what is written on it. Five thousand fucking pounds. I don’t really know what I expected, but I was thinking she’d try to pay me off with a couple hundred. She must really mean business if she’s cracked out a four-figure pay-off. I laugh to myself, even though it’s anything but funny.
I spend hours talking myself around in circles about what to do with this situation. I know that, no matter what I do, it’s going to hurt Ryan. His mum is right about one thing: he has had enough heartache losing Hannah than anyone should have to deal with at such a young age. I guess the question in the end comes down to whether I rip his heart out and do what his mother thinks is best for him, and in turn rip my own out…or tell everything to Ryan about what his mum really thinks of me and rip his family apart.
“Hey, it’s me. Can I come up?” A groan comes down the line before I’m buzzed in. I’m hoping the groan is a result of the horrendous hangover he must have rather than my visit.
When I get to the top of the stairs, Jax is nowhere to be seen, but his door is slightly open so I can let myself in. When I get to his living room doorway, I can’t help but smile. He’s lying on his back on the sofa in only his boxers with a cushion over his head. I’m guessing it’s muffling any sound or light entering.
“Jax?” I whisper as I walk over and sit on the edge of the sofa next to him. He groans again, so I gently pry the cushion away from his face.
When he eventually lets go enough that I can get a look at him, I’m shocked. I’ve never seen him anything less than perfect, but here he is with dark circles under his bloodshot eyes, looking a little green. He looks up at me, compassion filling his features, reminding me that I probably look a little like him from the crying I’ve been doing.
“Molly?” he questions quietly. His concern makes a sob escape my throat and more tears fill my eyes. “Come here,” he says, slowly lifting himself up and wrapping his arms around me. I do the same in return, and I can’t help laughing when he jumps from how cold my hands are. Well, I have been sat in a cemetery for most of the morning.
We sit there for ages, comforting each other. Jax is taking this breakup with Abbi much worse than he did when he caught Lucy planning how to rinse him dry. Little does he know that the root of our problems is the same bloody woman.
When he eventually pulls back, I notice the clock on the wall showing it’s just gone midday. “Shit, I’m really sorry, but I’m going to have to go. I’ll explain everything if you can do me a huge favour in a couple of hours.”
“Of course. Anything.”
After giving Jax his instructions and attempting to sort my make-up out, I leave to meet everyone at the pub. I check my phone and see that I have multiple calls and texts from Ryan and a couple from Abbi, which doesn’t surprise me. From the tone of his texts, I think he’s a bit concerned about my dis
appearing act.
I’m the first one to arrive so I grab myself a drink, sit down at our table, and try to pull myself together enough to get through the next couple of hours. Luckily for me, the Morrisons arrive before the Evans and distract me.
I know the moment Ryan arrives, because his eyes burn into my skin. I look up to see him storming our way with everyone following. I’m sat with Emma on one side and Lilly on the other, so he can’t get to me easily, which I think pisses him off further.
“I’m sorry, can I just borrow Molly for a couple of minutes?” is the first thing he says to the Morrisons.
“Oh…of course, angel. Everything okay?” Susan asks, concerned.
“I just need to ask her something quickly.”
Ryan practically drags my chair out from under me before grabbing my arm and pulling me back out the way he came in, past a surprised looking Abbi, Liv, and Dave. Karen, on the other hand, just looks smug, and I want to punch her in the face for doing this to us.
Ryan waits until the door’s shut before he starts. “What the fuck, Molly? I wake up to find you gone and a vague note, then you ignore all my calls and texts all morning. Where the fuck have you been? I’ve been going crazy.”
“Sorry, I, uh…had to go into work. I forgot to do something urgent for this week. I left my phone in the car, sorry…” I trail off.
Ryan reaches his hand out to cup my cheek and pulls my face so I have to look at him. Concern crinkles the corners of his eyes, but he doesn’t question me.
“We’ll talk about this later. For now, I’m just glad you’re okay. Let’s go and enjoy our afternoon, yeah?” I mumble my agreement before following him back into the pub.
Chapter Eleven
Ryan
The food, as always, is amazing and everyone’s getting on really well. Susan and Pete haven’t seen my parents since a couple of days after Hannah’s funeral, so they have plenty to talk about. Unfortunately, I have to sit at the other end of the table from Molly, but I keep a very good eye on her and notice that she’s hardly talking to anyone and just playing with her food. I think Mum knows where my focus is and does everything she can to distract me with another mind-numbing conversation about something her friend Doreen said.
Falling For Ryan: Part Two Page 10
