by Sarah Hope
‘That’s them. They’re showing everyone what the moves are, so I’m afraid there really is no excuse.’ Glancing across at her, his eyes crinkled as he grinned. ‘But we can get a drink first. I take it you’ve met Deb already?’
‘No.’ Molly shook her head, she’d met a lot of people in the past week but she was sure she’d have remembered meeting Deb, with her flamboyant dress sense and bright bleached hair she would have stuck in her mind.
‘Oh, that’s a surprise, she’s a councillor and thinks she runs the village. In a good way, I mean, she heads up all the organising for the village events along with Wendy the mayoress and generally busybodies about. I would have thought she’d have been the first person to check out Bramble Patch.’ Richie shook his head. ‘No doubt she’s been too busy organising this. You wait, I bet she’ll be in checking you out on Monday.’
Molly grimaced.
‘Don’t worry. She’s lovely. Nosy, but her heart’s in the right place.’
SQUEEZING THEMSELVES past the dancers as they came waltzing across the hall floor, Molly and Richie found a spot to lean against the wall.
Taking a sip of her drink, Molly felt the sharp flavour of gin hit the back of her throat as the bubbles from the tonic filled her mouth. ‘Are there any other village events throughout the year?’
‘A fair few. There’s normally a monthly village BBQ from June to September, another dance to celebrate Harvest, a Christmas Fete similar to today’s one and then a Christmas Eve dance and the same for New Year’s Eve. People do seem to like their dancing here.’
‘I can’t believe so many people are joining in.’ Molly watched as Deb took hold of a mic and announced a break.
‘Fancy having a go after the break?’
Molly nodded. ‘Why not? Although I’ve got to warn you, I can’t dance to save my life.’
‘That’ll make two of us then. As long as I don’t go home with a leg cast it’ll be a good evening.’ Chuckling, Richie took a swig from his bottle of lager.
‘Evening, Richie. Wonderful to see you here.’ Deb sidled up to them, Kevin just behind. ‘And who’s your lovely friend?’
‘Hi, Deb, Kevin.’ Bending down, Richie accepted Deb’s peck on the cheek before shaking Kevin’s hand. ‘This is Molly. Molly meet Deb and Kevin.’
‘Hello.’ Smiling, Molly shook hands with Kevin before being pulled into an embrace by Deb.
‘Lovely to finally meet you. You’ve just moved into Diane’s old shop, haven’t you?’ Bringing her hand to her mouth, Deb looked across at Richie and frowned. ‘I’m so sorry for bringing her name up, Richie.’
Shrugging his shoulders, Richie smiled. ‘It’s fine.’
‘Yes, I’ve opened a craft shop there.’
‘Yes, yes, Bramble Patch, isn’t it? I’ve been meaning to come across and introduce myself. Please forgive me. Organising this dance has taken up the majority of my time, hasn’t it, Kevin?’
‘It has indeed.’ Kevin nodded.
Shaking her head, Molly smiled. ‘That’s okay. You’ve done an amazing job here. It looks as though everyone’s having a great time.’
‘It does, doesn’t it? It’s nothing, really. I just like to give something back to the place I’ve called home all of my life. I really couldn’t have done it without that group of wonderful volunteers over there.’ Raising her hand, Deb waved at a group of women and men standing at the bar. ‘Right, I’d better be off. I need to relieve my bladder before the dancing begins again.’
‘Lovely to meet you both.’ Smiling, Molly watched as they both weaved their way back through the crowds. ‘She seems nice.’
‘Yep, and as a bonus she’s one of those people you’ll never forget.’ Richie laughed.
TILTING HIS HEAD TOWARDS the dance floor as the music began again, Richie grinned at Molly. ‘That’s our cue. Let’s get onto the dance floor.’
‘Do we really have to?’ Laughing, Molly gritted her teeth, part in jest and part because she didn’t actually know if she would remember what having rhythm felt like.
‘Yes, I’m afraid we really do. It’s a compulsory activity if you live in the village. Besides, if we don’t go up there and start the dance off together, it won’t be too long before any one of the people around you drag up a beautiful woman like yourself.’
‘Haha, very funny.’ Tipping her glass back, she took a final swig of gin and tonic and held out her hand. ‘Come on, then.’
‘Great!’
Smiling back at Richie, Molly led him onto the dance floor just as Deb and Kevin took to the stage again to lead them.
‘I promise not to stand on your foot.’ Leaning forward, Richie whispered in Molly’s ear, his warm breath tingling her skin.
‘I’m afraid I can’t be as confident as you, but if I do step on your toes, please don’t arrest me!’
Throwing his head back, Richie laughed. ‘I promise.’
Watching Deb and Kevin swan across the stage, Molly tried her best to copy. Right foot forward, left foot back. Right foot sideways and follow with the left. ‘This is impossible!’
‘Here, just relax into it.’ Placing his hands on her hips, Richie guided her across the dance floor. ‘See, you’ve got it now.’
‘And, swap!’ Deb hollered through the microphone, her voice echoing through the high-ceilinged hall.
‘What does she mean?’ Molly knew exactly what she meant, but really? Swap partners? Why would anyone actually do that when they’d gone to a dance with someone? Surely everyone would want to stay dancing with the people they came with?
‘You’ll be fine.’
Molly watched as another woman took her place, a tall blonde lady, and immediately fell in step with him. Biting down on her bottom lip, Molly wished the floor would open up and swallow her. She hated things like this.
‘May I?’
Looking up, Molly smiled. It was Bill. Holding her hand out, she let him envelope hers and began dancing in time with him. ‘You may.’
‘Sorry we couldn’t stay long to help earlier. What with the grandkids...’ Bill raised his eyebrows and grimaced.
‘It’s fine. Thank you for coming and helping for the time you did. It was lovely to meet your grandchildren too.’
‘What? Those horrors?’ Bill chuckled. ‘They do have character, no one can take that away from them.’
‘Aw, they were lovely.’ And they had been. Yes, they’d been confident, but that was a good thing. She wished she could breathe a little more confidence into hers, especially Lauren. She had so much going for her but struggled to see it sometimes.
‘I trust the rest of the day was as busy as it was when we popped in?’
‘Yes. Super busy.’
‘Good. Me and Pat used to run the hardware store on the corner and found that the Village Fete worked better than any advertising we could ever afford. You wait, now that people know about you, you’ll be busier each day now.’
‘Hopefully.’ Molly looked down at her feet as Bill swept her along in his arms. ‘You’re really good at this, aren’t you?’
‘You could say I’ve had a fair bit of practice. Pat insists I go to dance classes with her in town once a week.’
‘Well, it certainly shows.’
‘Bye, loves. Make sure you both get some rest tomorrow.’ Hugging them, Gladys gave both Molly and Richie a peck on the cheek.
‘Bye. Bye, Susan.’ Holding her hand up to wave, Molly turned back to Richie. ‘Thank you for making me come tonight. It’s been great fun.’
‘You’re welcome. Thank you for coming with me.’
Nodding, Molly stepped aside as another influx of people streamed out of the village hall, all calling their ‘goodbyes’ and ‘see you laters’. It had been a great night. Really fun. Molly shook her head, she’d have never thought she would ever have described a village dance as fun, but it had been. She’d had the most fun tonight as she’d had in, well, for a long time.
‘I’ll walk you home.’ Holding out his arm, Richie w
aited until Molly had slipped hers through his and began walking towards Bramble Patch.
‘Thank you, but there really is no need.’
‘As a police officer I would have to disagree.’
‘Oh, you think I can’t look after myself?’ Looking up at him, Molly frowned.
‘I don’t think that at all. I just need an excuse to spend a bit more time with you.’ Looking sideways at her, Richie cleared his throat.
Blushing, Molly laughed. ‘Well, it’s nice to spend a bit more time with you too.’
‘Do you mean that?’
Nodding, Molly momentarily closed her eyes. She meant it.
Pausing, Richie turned to her. ‘I’m glad to hear that.’ Leaning towards her, his lips millimetres away from hers, he whispered, ‘This okay?’
Nodding, Molly leant forward, the warmth from his lips transferring to hers. Stepping closer, she felt his arms embrace her, warm and strong against her body. Kissing him felt different to the men she had so-called dated since breaking up with Trevor. It felt right; it felt like home. Closing her eyes, she felt the energy flow between them.
Dropping her arms, Molly stepped back as the kiss ended. Looking at the floor, she tucked her hair behind her ear. She could feel the heat of a blush flushing across her face.
‘You okay?’
Looking up, Molly watched as Richie frowned and laid his hand gingerly on her arm and smiled. ‘Absolutely.’
Smiling back at her, Richie held his arm out again.
Linking her arm through his, Molly led them down the path towards Bramble Patch and fished her keys from her pocket. ‘Did you want to come in for a coffee?’
‘Yes, that would be nice.’ Nodding, Richie stood aside to let her open the door.
Shutting the door behind them, Molly waved to a woman standing across the street. Frowning when she didn’t get any response, she locked the door and peeked through the blinds.
‘Everything all right?’
‘Yes, fine.’ Glancing back at Richie, she shook her head. ‘I just waved to someone across the road, but I don’t think she saw me.’
‘Probably not, it’s pretty dark out there.’ Shrugging out of his jacket, he walked towards her. ‘Now, come here.’
Going towards him, Molly circled her arms around his neck and pulled him towards her.
Chapter Fourteen
Placing the can of polish and the cloth on the counter, Molly put her head in her hands and yawned. Closing her eyes, she gritted her teeth against the sharp pain of a hangover. Turning around, she leant her back against the counter and surveyed the shop floor. The cleaning was done, at least. She’d even managed to haul the vacuum cleaner around, but she did need to stock up. A lot.
Massaging her temples with her index fingers, she reminded herself it was a good thing she had so much stocking up to do. They’d done well yesterday. She glanced at the wall clock. It was eleven o’clock; she had about six hours until Trevor brought the kids back. Plenty of time to get the shelves filled up again and to put an order in of what they had run out of altogether. But also enough time to sit down for ten minutes. Maybe if she grabbed a coffee, she’d wake up a bit.
PLACING HER HOT COFFEE mug on the coffee table, she sank into one of the Knit and Natter chairs and drew her legs up underneath her. If she’d gone upstairs to the flat, she would have switched the TV on and been drawn into some fantasy world or other, this way at least, she could still have a break but not relax too much.
Reaching for her coffee, she dipped her head, breathing in the hot bitter aroma and smiled. She might be suffering today, but she hadn’t had as much fun as she’d had yesterday and last night for a very long time.
Feeling the vibration from her mobile, she shuffled around and pulled it out of her back pocket.
Richie – Hey, are you still feeling rough? Happy to come & help get the shop ready after my shift? X
Balancing her mug on the arm of the chair, Molly grinned and typed a reply.
Molly – Will feel better after a coffee. It’s fine, thank you though. Most of it is done now and have Lauren & Ellis coming back at 5 x
Richie – OK, glad most of it is done. I’ll try & pop in to see you tomorrow if OK? X
Molly – That would be lovely x
Richie – Best go as got a call x
Molly – x
Swapping her phone with her mug, Molly wrapped her hands around the hot ceramic and smiled. Drinking the rest of her coffee, she balanced the mug on the arm of the chair and let her eyes close. Fifteen minutes wouldn’t hurt and might actually get rid of her headache so she could get things done quicker.
OPENING HER EYES, SHE rubbed them and yawned. She could only have dropped off for a couple of minutes and would have slept longer if something hadn’t woken her. Looking around, she shook her head. All was quiet. Maybe she’d had a weird dream which had cut short her nap.
No, there it was again, a banging noise. Shaking her head, she blinked, yes, it was the door. Richie. It must be Richie. Grinning, she pushed herself up from the chair and made her way to the door.
‘One moment. Coming!’ He was certainly eager to see her again if the incessant knocking was anything to go by. Pulling the door open, she stepped back. In front of her stood a woman whose bright red lips and high cheekbones dominated her features. ‘Hi, I’m afraid we’re not open today. We’ll be open as usual tomorrow though.’
‘I’m not here to buy anything. May I come in?’
Why would she want to come in if she didn’t want to buy anything? ‘What is it I can help you with? I’m happy to take an order.’
Flicking her long dark curls over her shoulder, the woman glanced behind her before looking pointedly up and down the road. ‘I’d rather discuss this matter with yourself inside.’
‘Umm, okay.’ Shaking her head, Molly pulled the door further open. It wouldn’t hurt to serve one customer, would it? Not if she’d travelled to the village especially. Although, Molly was sure she recognised her from somewhere, unless she’d just walked past her in the next town or something.
Stepping inside, the woman looked around the shop. ‘Thank you, I didn’t want to discuss things out on the street.’
Still holding the door open, Molly turned to her. ‘What things? Has there been an issue with a purchase? I’m sure we can sort something out.’
Pulling her leather handbag higher up onto her shoulder, the woman’s bottom lip wobbled. ‘I’m Diane, Richie’s ex-wife.’
Opening her mouth, Molly closed it again. Richie’s ex-wife? Why on earth would she have come here? What could she possibly want from Molly? ‘Right, okay. Nice to meet you. I understand you used to own the shop?’
‘That’s right.’ Looking around her, she surveyed the shop floor.
Why hadn’t she stocked up earlier? With the gaps on the shelves, Bramble Patch certainly didn’t look its best. She shouldn’t have had a rest. Shaking her head, Molly tried to push all thoughts of inadequacy away. ‘Sorry, how can I help you?’
‘I’m sorry to intrude but I really do feel I need to talk to you.’
Closing the door, Molly bit down on her lip before turning back to Diane. ‘I don’t understand?’
Taking a deep breath, Diane pulled a tissue from her oversized handbag and dabbed her eyes. ‘I saw you with him last night.’
Shifting on her feet, Molly could feel the all too familiar rush of heat flush across her face. She hadn’t spotted her at the dance. Not that she would have known who she was, but Richie would have mentioned if his ex-wife had been there. Surely? She shook her head. How did it have anything to do with her, anyway? She and Richie had split years ago from what he’d said, so surely she’d expect him to meet someone else. ‘I didn’t see you at the dance.’
‘No, I didn’t go. I saw you both together after.’
‘Oh, right.’ She had seen someone last night then, she’d been sure she had – a woman across the street. Had Diane been spying on them? ‘I still don’t understand how
I can help you?’
‘I... well I...’ Wiping her eyes with the tissue again, Diane shook her head. ‘I’m sorry, I promised myself I wouldn’t get upset.’
‘Are you okay?’ Frowning, Molly reached out and rested her hand momentarily on Diane’s forearm. ‘Here, do you want to sit down?’
‘Can I?’
Molly followed her across to the chairs and watched as she sank into the cushioned seat, before perching on the chair opposite her.
‘I really shouldn’t be making such a show of myself, it’s just I’ve been so happy with Richie and now, after seeing him with you last night, I...’
Leaning forward, Molly perched her elbows on her knees. Did she seriously think that Richie would never have another relationship? ‘I understand it’s difficult when you see your ex with someone else. I remember when I saw my ex-husband with his new wife for the first time. It was a lot to get my head around even though I’d been expecting it and knew that he would move on at some point.’
‘Yes, but I and Richie have just got back together and now after seeing you and him together I’m really worried that he’s going to change his mind about us.’
Clasping her hands in her lap, Molly swallowed. He had said nothing about getting back together with Diane. He wouldn’t, not after the way she had left him. He wouldn’t. Diane must have misunderstood.
‘He didn’t say anything, did he?’
Shaking her head, Molly clasped her hands together.
‘I’m so sorry for coming here and telling you like this but I just didn’t know what to do. I didn’t sleep at all last night. The image of you with him just kept going through my mind. You see, I have a teenage girl who’s at such a vulnerable age and I worry about what it’s going to do to her, if one minute she thinks her dad and I are getting back together and then the next, he’s seeing you behind my back. Do you have any children?’
Molly cleared her throat and nodded.
‘You must understand then. I’m sure it must have been tough for your children when you and their father broke up. Can you imagine what it would do to them if their parents had been given another chance at a happy relationship only to find out that another woman was trying to steal him away?’
