Page 109 of Finding Molly Parsons

“Well, maybe we can do something when you get back,” Mateo commented, scrolling through his phone.

“Mm,” Carmen answered, her mind racing. An idea was percolating. It would change her plans slightly, but it would also bring a foul-mouthed old woman some happiness—she hoped.

“Right, I’m packed. I’m going to pop next door and say goodbye to Enid.”

“Tell her she can come around here for her birthday if she wants,” Mateo called. Carmen didn’t answer. If she had anything to do with it, Enid would spend her seventieth in the lap of luxury.

“Enid, you here?”

“In the kitchen. Do you want a Slippery Nipple?”

“Um… no?”

“That’s a shame. I love a good Slippery Nipple.”

“Are you just going to keep saying the name to make me feel uncomfortable?”

Enid cackled. “Obviously. Anyway, what brings you over here? Are you ready to set off?”

“I’m packed, but I don’t plan to leave until the day after tomorrow.” A full twenty-four hours before Molly was due to arrive.

“Lovely. You’re going to have a great time, love.”

“About that,” Carmen started, deciding after all, a cocktail with an uncomfortable name was just what she needed. “If ‘your dipshit husband’ was still around, where would he have taken you for your birthday?”

“Oh, well, um, I suppose somewhere like Florida. He was too tight to take me to Hawaii.”

“And would that be something you’d still want to do?”

“It would be tough, love, he’s been dead for a while.”

Carmen rolled her eyes. “Enid, would you like to come to Florida with me?”

“When, what?”

“Don’t tell Mateo, but I’m going to be staying in a particularly fancy hotel in Florida, and I want you to come with me.”

“But I thought you needed space?”

“I do, but I know you won’t need me hovering around while you get pampered.”

“Hell no, I don’t need you clam jamming me.”

“Christ,” Carmen groaned. “I’m just gonna brush past that. Do you want to come? You shouldn’t miss out on your birthday trip. I know how much you love the tropics,” Carmen winked.

“Are you sure, Carmen? I know I make jokes and get a little silly, but in all seriousness, I wouldn’t want to intrude on something that you need to do to make yourself whole again, honey.”

“I promise, Enid. I’ll take time for myself, but, actually, I think having you close by would be a comfort.”

“Well, spank my ass and call me Judy. I’m going to Florida!” Enid hollered, shaking her ass.

“Get packing, lady!” Carmen laughed.

Carmen filled in Mateo and Faith about Enid tagging along. After Mateo stopped pouting, he could see it was the right thing to do. Now, here Carmen stood, two days later with her suitcase by her feet, getting ready to leave the house to catch a flight to Florida. And there was Enid, taking things out of her suitcase to show Mateo and Faith her new bikinis.

“Enid, we have to go. Get that shit packed!” Carmen barked.

“Yes, boss,” Enid replied, saluting.

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