by Sarah Hope
‘There could be loads of different reasons, he might have got back with an ex, or moved elsewhere. Don’t let one bloke put you off.’
‘No, that’s it now. I’m deleting it tonight.’
‘What? Because of one bloke?’
‘Not just because of him. Because of all of them. I mean, think about the other people I’ve met on there – one who got together with an old friend and ghosted me, one who didn’t want a relationship but as soon as I told him I didn’t want to see him for fun anymore got a girlfriend less than a month later. No, there’s been loads of them.’ Shaking her head, Molly picked up her phone.
‘Hey, they’re not all bad on there, I met Stuart through the site, remember?’
‘I know, but that was just a complete fluke. It doesn’t happen anymore. That, or I’m just so completely horrible that men don’t like the look of me on my photos enough to actually want to get in touch, let alone want to meet up with me.’
‘Don’t be silly. You’ve had relationships since you and Trevor broke up. Actually, I think this is the longest stint you’ve not been in a relationship.’
‘Not real ones though, not any I’ve felt serious enough to introduce to the kids. I mean, there’s obviously something wrong with me, everyone else seems to break up and fall into another relationship straight away.’
‘Yes, but you’ve got the kids. ‘
‘That’s no excuse, I’m in enough single parent groups on social media to know that even single parents manage to jump into a relationship not long after their last one. It’s just me. There must be something wrong with me.’
‘Don’t be daft, there’s nothing wrong with you.’ Topping up their wine glasses, Bea took a gulp.
‘Yeah right. Look at me. I’m fat, frumpy and almost forty.’
‘You are not fat, or frumpy for that matter. Yes, you’re nearing forty but you certainly don’t look it.’
‘Oh, I do. I even found a white hair the other day. Obviously, I yanked it straight out, but how harsh is that? Going straight to white rather than transitioning from grey to white?’ Laughing, Molly looked down into her wine glass. Gently circling her wrist, she watched as the red liquid sloshed upwards towards the rim and back down. Bea would tell her she wasn’t fat or frumpy – she was her best mate, that was her job. But the mirror didn’t lie.
‘You’re too hard on yourself. You need to start seeing yourself how other people see you. You’re beautiful. You have amazing eyes and your hair is always gorgeous.’
‘Yeah right. I haven’t even brushed it today.’ Unleashing it from its messy bun, she raked her fingers through her unruly curls and grimaced.
‘Well, it always looks as though you’ve spent hours doing it every day.’
‘Umm, you have to say that. Anyway, I’ve decided to have a break. I don’t want anything to do with men again. At least while I get this place up and running. Maybe I’ll go back on there in a few months or something, but I need a break. I want to be able to be one of those confident, happy single women. You know, the ones you see and you think yeah, she’s got it? She doesn’t need a man?’
‘I know the ones you mean.’ Nodding, Bea pointed to Molly’s mobile. ‘But aren’t you even a tiny bit curious to find out who’s messaged you and what he’s said?’
‘Have a look if you’re that bothered.’ Picking her phone up, Molly threw it into Beas lap.
‘Okay, I will.’ Holding it in her free hand, Bea punched Molly’s pin in and scrolled through. ‘Oh, okay. Never mind.’
‘Tell me then.’
‘No, I wouldn’t worry. It’s a rubbish site. Maybe you could try a different one though instead of giving up completely? Someone at my work has recently got engaged to someone she met on LinkedLove.com. Why don’t you get an account on there?’
‘What did the message say?’ It must have been something awful for Bea not to have shown her or even to have told her straight away. ‘Go on, let me see.’
Bea passed Molly’s mobile back to her and took another gulp of wine.
Squinting at the screen, Molly read the short message from someone called DanTheMan105. Yep, online dating really wasn’t for her. Half the men were only after one thing and the other half were still pining for their exes. ‘See what I mean now? There’s no point.’
‘Okay, maybe not on that one but, like I said, give LinkedLove.com a go. It sounds as though it might be better. You both have to have liked each other’s profile in order to be able to message, I think, so at least you won’t have to put up with sleazy comments like that.’
‘Nope, I’m done. I am officially done. Let’s face it, I haven’t found a decent man in the past seven years since me and Trevor split and, to be honest, we both know he’s miles away from being anything close to decent. I’m destined to be on my own.’ Molly took a gulp from her glass, missed her mouth and quickly wiped the red liquid dribbling down her chin before trying again. ‘I’m happy. I’m happy to be on my own. I’m going to focus on settling the kids at their new schools and getting this place up and running. I haven’t got time for a relationship.’
‘They’ll be someone out there for you.’
‘I think we both know that’s probably a lie.’
‘No, it’s not.’
‘Anyway, let’s change the subject. Now the stocks in, what do you think?’ Molly waved her glass around to encompass the shop floor. ‘I know there’s still a lot of empty shelf space but I’ll order some more things soon. I just hadn’t realised how much I could actually fit in here. But on the whole, what do you think? If I pick up some chairs tomorrow, do you think it’ll look like a proper shop enough to open on Monday?’
‘Yes, definitely.’
‘Okay, cool. I’ll pop those posters up in the morning then, try to get some knitters and natters to come in.’
‘Good idea.’ Staring at the wall opposite, Bea laughed. ‘Just think a couple of weeks ago on a Monday morning you’d have been in some stuffy meeting and now, this Monday morning you’ll be chatting to a load of people knitting and drinking tea!’
‘Yeah, very weird. I still can’t believe its happening. I’m so glad to be out of the corporate world though.’ Looking across at Bea, Molly frowned. ‘Oh, I didn’t mean there’s anything wrong with the corporate world, there isn’t, not with what you’re doing. Your job sounds interesting and exciting, mine really wasn’t. I was being paid minimum wage to be available to put up with whatever rubbish my egotistical boss decided to throw my way.’
‘I do love my job but I’m glad you’ve got this place. I can really see you making a go of it and enjoying it at the same time.’
‘I hope so.’ Jerking her head, Molly stared at the front door. ‘Surely that can’t be someone knocking at the door at this time?’
Bea checked her watch. ‘It is only half nine. Remember, we started early.’
‘Yes, but I don’t know anyone around here.’
‘Probably the delivery guy, he might have realised he’d missed something off when he got back to the depo.’
‘Yes, you’re right.’ Gripping the shelf behind her, Molly pushed herself to standing and smoothed down her top. Walking towards the door, she realised that she’d probably have to make the next drink a coffee if she wanted to get up and go to a car boot in the morning. Pulling the front door open, she let her eyes adjust to the dim light from the moon outside and focused on the person in front of her.
‘Evening.’
‘Oh, hello Officer Duffey.’ Frowning, Molly looked down at the wine glass in her hand. Was he going to tell her there was a law about drinking in your own home in this quaint little village? Surely not? ‘I’m not driving.’
‘No, I can see you’d be in no fit state to drive anywhere.’
What? Did he really just insult her? He’d come to her home, not the other way around.
‘Did you say Officer? Are you a policeman?’ Sidling up next to Molly, Bea beamed at Officer Duffey.
‘I’m a police officer
, yes, but I’m not on duty at the moment.’ Pulling his coat sleeve up slightly, he looked at his watch.
Bea looked him up and down. Not very discreetly either. ‘So, Officer Duffey, how can we help you? Would you like to come in for a drink?’
‘It’s Richie when I’m not on duty, and, no thank you.’
‘Come on. Have you got another glass?’ Putting her hand on Richie’s arm, Bea gently guided him into the doorway.
‘Honestly, I’m fine. Thank you.’
‘Oh, go on, I bet you need a good drink or two to unwind after catching all of those dangerous criminals?’
Molly coughed. ‘Me, he caught me. I was speeding.’
‘Oh, really?’ Pausing, Bea lowered her hand before shaking her head. ‘Well, what’s a speeding ticket between friends? I’ll get you a glass.’
Watching Bea disappear up the stairs towards the flat to find another glass, Molly looked at Richie. ‘Why did you really come round? We haven’t had any music up loud. In fact, we haven’t had it on at all.’ Not that it’s really any of your business. Yes, you may be a police officer but you can’t dictate my life.
‘No, it wasn’t about the music. There’s a car blocking me in, is it anything to do with you?’
‘A car? Nothing to do with me, I’m afraid. My car’s in one of the parking bays.’ There were enough parking bays in front of the shop. Did he really think she’d park across his driveway?
‘Do you mind taking a look and checking? I need to get home.’
‘Okay.’ Sighing, Molly walked past him out into the night air and glanced across at his mum’s bungalow. In the dim light from the moon and the lonely street lamp halfway down the road, she could just about make out a silver-coloured car. Drat, was that Bea’s? It looked like hers.
‘Everything okay?’ Running back into the shop carrying an extra glass, Bea frowned. ‘How come you’re outside?’
‘Bea, is that your car?’
‘Where? Mine’s the silver one.’ Pouring the wine, she made her way back over to them.
Rolling her eyes, Molly stepped back into the warmth of the shop. ‘You’ve parked across Richie’s mum’s driveway. How come you didn’t use one of the parking bays?’
‘Oh, hardly. I didn’t know they were for the shop. I thought you might have to have one of those silly permits or something and I didn’t want to get a fine.’
‘Could you move it, please?’ Richie crossed his arms.
‘Really Officer? I will if you promise not to arrest me.’ Looking down at the wine glasses in her hand, Bea laughed. ‘I’m hardly blocking the driveway, anyway. It might be a smidge over, but that’s all. Here, have a drink.’
Taking the glass forced into his hand, Richie shuffled his feet. ‘The thing is, there’s a gate post the other side and I really don’t want to end up scratching my car.’
‘Okay, no worries. I’ll move it.’ Retreating back towards the counter, Bea pulled her car keys from her weekend bag before teetering back towards them.
‘If you don’t mind, I’ll move it.’ Holding his hand out, Richie frowned.
‘Of course, that was what I was going to suggest. As you can see, I’m probably in no fit state to drive anywhere.’
‘Exactly.’ Taking the keys, Richie passed his glass to Molly and made his way towards the car.
‘He’s cute, isn’t he?’ Nudging Molly’s arm, Bea blinked.
‘Cute? No, he’s anything but cute! He’s already pulled me over and given me a speeding ticket, making me late for Trevor and allowing Trevor to feel superior about yet something else, and then he knocked earlier and complained at me for having my music turned up. I mean, his mother’s bungalow is almost three feet away from my boundary wall. I’m starting to realise why the previous owners upped and left.’
‘I’m sure he’s okay really. Anyway, with muscles like that, I’m sure we can forgive quite a lot! He’s probably just having a bad day or something.’
‘Maybe, but it doesn’t really make me feel very welcomed into the village.’
‘Plus, the music thing was probably his mother complaining and making him do the dirty work.’
‘Maybe.’
‘Ooh, look here he comes. Why don’t you ask him in? Offer him a coffee. Maybe for some reason, he doesn’t like wine.’
Molly shook her head. She really didn’t want to have to entertain him of all people, not that he’d want to spend time with them, anyway. ‘No, you heard him, he’s going home.’
‘Ahh, but the night is young!’
‘Bea, stop it! Let him get back to his wife and two-point-four children.’
‘Fine.’ Taking another gulp of wine, she held out her hand as Richie returned with her keys. ‘Thank you.’
‘You’re welcome. We have a great taxi service in this village. I can ring one for you, if you like?’
‘All booked, thank you!’
‘Great. Bye.’ Turning on his heels, Richie disappeared back into the dark night.
‘See, he’s helpful as well.’
‘He was being condescending, he was making sure you weren’t going to drive.’
‘Well, of course I’m not going to drive. I’ve been drinking.’ Frowning, Bea looked at her wine glass.
Shrugging, Molly locked the front door. ‘I think I’m going to grab a coffee. Do you want one?’
‘No, I’m good thanks. I’d better have Richie’s drink.’ Grinning, Bea took the full glass from Molly’s hand.
Chapter Five
Rolling over in bed, Molly hit her alarm. How could it be morning already? She was sure she’d only just got into bed. Yawning, she slipped out from underneath the duvet, quickly grabbing her dressing gown from the foot of her bed. She really must try to decipher the timer on the boiler.
Rubbing her eyes, she made her way down the hallway into the small galley kitchen and switched the kettle on.
Reaching into the pocket of her dressing gown, she pulled out her mobile as it pinged at her. Looking at the screen, she opened the message from Bea.
Bea – Good luck for the launch day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Biting her bottom lip, Molly scooped an extra spoonful of sugar into her coffee mug. That was why she felt like she hadn’t slept. She probably hadn’t. Even though she’d come up to bed early, she’d probably had a really light sleep. She always did when she was worried about something.
Wrapping her hands around her hot mug, she padded down the stairs and into the shop. Looking around, she smiled. The chairs she’d found yesterday had added a really homely touch to the place. Even if it had taken her all morning to source them from various car boots and a house clearance. It made it look a bit different to the chain craft stores. There was a reason people would choose to come here, hopefully anyway.
She’d brought cupcakes for the Knit and Natter group today, not that she would every week. She’d try to bake her own. Homemade cakes would add a certain touch, and maybe she could even offer vegan ones too.
Taking a sip of coffee, she lowered her mug. What if there was a vegan knitter who came today? She hadn’t brought any soya or oat milk or anything. Why hadn’t she thought of that? More and more people were turning vegan, even Lauren who a few short weeks ago had been the most prolific chocoholic ever was trying to transition. She really would have to remember to get some oat milk in before the kids got back, Lauren had been nagging her for ages now. She shook her head; it wasn’t worth worrying about. She was due to open the shop at nine and the local corner shop opened at the same time, she’d just have to offer juice or squash if needed. It would be fine.
Putting her coffee down on the counter, Molly plumped up the cushions on the assortment of chairs. Each one had been a good find. Yes, they were worn, but they still had a lot of life left in them and each fray and bald patch kind of added to the shabby chic feel.
She had two and a half hours until opening. Plenty of time to grab a shower, breakfast and venture into the courtyard to see if she could find some fresh flowers to
pick and bring inside.
‘OOH, THIS LOOKS LOVELY.’
‘I love what you’ve done to the place!’
‘Look, Susan, is this the wool you were looking for?’
‘Yes, that’s it. Just the shade of blue I need too.’
Making her way around the front of the counter, Molly clasped her hands in front of her and smiled, hoping no one could see the fear in her eyes. She hadn’t thought she would be this nervous to welcome a group of potential customers into the shop. She tried to remind herself that they were coming for a nice, relaxed Knit and Natter, they weren’t here to judge her or what she’d done with the shop.
Clearing her throat, she stepped forward. ‘Hi, my name’s Molly and I’m the owner of Bramble Patch. Thank you for coming.’
‘Morning, lovely to meet you too, Molly. Come on, ladies. Let’s take a seat.’ An elderly lady with a purple wash in her short hair, stepped forward and took the first seat.
Smiling, Molly watched as the chairs quickly filled.
‘Right, now, Molly, I’ll begin with the introductions. I’m Gladys and I live just down the road, in fact, the next but one to your immediate neighbour.’ The lady with the purple rinse grinned and looked to her left.
‘Morning, I’m Susan. I live just outside the village but Gladys told me about your group and so I thought I’d join you. I hope you don’t mind?’
‘Of course not. Thank you for coming.’ Molly smiled. Susan reminded her of her mum in some way. Possibly the quiet manner.
‘I’m Lucy, and this little one is Frankie. This is usually his nap time so I’m hoping for a break.’ Lucy grinned and shrugged out of her coat, revealing baby Frankie asleep in a sling strapped to her chest.
‘Oh, he’s lovely. How old is he?’ Molly perched on the arm of an empty chair.
‘He’s seven weeks now. So still a newborn and not quite in a routine yet, but I’m hopeful.’
‘Hey, I’m Eva. I have never knitted before in my life. Actually, I lie, my grandmother spent a painstaking four hours trying to teach me when I was about seven and she was babysitting me. She never tried again so I’m a little concerned I’m just not meant to knit but, hey, I saw your poster and thought I’d give it a go.’ Eva grinned and patted her swollen belly. ‘And of course, if by some miracle I can produce something not too embarrassingly rubbish, it would be nice to have something for when this one arrives.’
