Page 55 of Finding Molly Parsons

After hours of talking to Faith, Molly was sure of one thing. If Alan and Maureen found them, Molly wouldn’t be looking for a reunion. She’d done her part now. There was no way their parents would’ve put up with Alan’s actions towards his daughter and wife.

Standing, Molly shook out her arms and legs. There was a reason she only let herself mull over all her personal baggage on her birthday. Molly was inherently an upbeat, positive person, and that was down to her limiting personal pondering. If she allowed her brain to continue chewing over everything like this, she’d become a depressed husk of a person. No, enough ruminating and questioning. There was plenty of time for that on her next birthday.

The sound of laughter drew Molly back to the present. Bessie and Enid were still on the front porch, obviously having a great time. Seeing her old neighbor again was right up there with finding out she had a niece.

Enid Butcher was one of the best people she knew. She was also one of the most interesting. Molly met Enid the first day she’d moved into the Seattle rental. It was a fortuitous meeting and one that Molly treasured to this day. Enid acted as her surrogate grandmother and Molly returned the sentiment, looking out for the woman as she would have with her own grandparents.

“… And there he was, in his birthday suit with a pool noodle and an Alpaca,” Enid roared, her entire body shaking. Bessie was doubled over, tears streaming down her face. Molly wondered what the hell she’d just walked in on. Maybe she should turn around and find something else to occupy her—“Hey, Mol, come and grab a seat,” Bessie wheezed. “You have to hear this story.”

Smiling, Molly sank into the bean bag nestled next to the porch bench. “I don’t think I want to know,” she chuckled.

“Want a gummy?” Enid and her friggin’ gummies.

“No thanks, I’m good.”

“You’re looking good, dear. It seems California is suiting you.”

“You’ve already said that,” Molly laughed. “We had an entire conversation over pizza.”

“Well, I wasn’t three gummies deep at that point.”

“Hey, how’s that neighbor? You know, the one who likes to get kinky with her husband.” Molly and Enid had taken part in several hours of curtain twitching once Enid spied her neighbor’s affinity for dressing her husband up in her clothes.

“Well, she’s still at it, but now she makes the poor man wear her stilettos. You remember the size of him, right?”

Molly burst out laughing. “Oh God, he’s going to injure himself,” she cackled.

“I hope they have good medical insurance, that’s for sure.”

“I think I want to live with you,” Bessie giggled, pointing at Enid. “You seem to have all the fun.”

“Oh, it was much better when this one lived next door,” Enid commented, throwing her thumb to one side, pointing at Molly.

“What about Carmen and Mateo?” Bessie asked, thus saving Molly from attempting to subtly inquire about Carmen.

“I only met them when Faith turned up. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I’d been spying on them for months,” Enid grinned, “But they kept themselves to themselves.”

“Not very neighborly,” Bessie remarked.

“I don’t think it was that. I think they’ve been through some god awful shit and are careful who they hang around,” Enid said matter-of-factly. “Mateo is a sweet man. Gayer than a unicorn on steroids, mind you, and hopelessly in love with the pizza delivery man. I’ve got to know him well on this little adventure. It’s my guess that he will eventually ask Daniel out on an actual date and that will be that. Mateo is looking for his forever love.”

“And Carmen?” Molly inquired.

“Now, she’s a different matter. It’s not really my place to tell you about their background. I’m sure I only know the basics, but from what I gather, Carmen is super careful around everyone. She’s guarded and very protective of Mateo. I think I’ve seen her with one or two women, but none of them stick around, or she doesn’t let them.”

“You got all that from looking out your window?” Bessie laughed.

“It’s amazing the shit you pick up just by watching,” Enid answered side-eying Molly, which was strange. “I told Carmen I thought you and her would hit it off.”

“I’m sorry, what?” Surely Molly had misheard.

“You would. I think you two would balance each other out wonderfully. She’s all deep and guarded. You’re light and outgoing. Yes, definitely a good match, and can you imagine the babies you would make?”

“Enid!” Molly chastised, completely shocked at where the conversation had ended up. Okay, so Molly may have a slight curiosity towards Carmen. From the moment Molly laid eyes on the woman, she was intrigued. First, because Carmen had so selflessly offered Faith help. Actually, Carmen and Mateo had gone above and beyond for Molly’s niece. Second, because Molly had her eyesight. Carmen was hot. She was tall, athletically built and her hair was thick and luscious. Not forgetting those big brown eyes. Whoa, mama.

“I can see that,” Bessie casually added after a beat of silence.

“Bessie!”

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