Page 79 of Finding Molly Parsons

“Chelsea, Molly’s—”

“Friend,” Molly interjected. Carmen didn’t miss the flicker of disappointment in Chelsea’s eyes.

“Yeah, friend.” Chelsea repeated. “So, do you want to hang out?”

“Um, you’re welcome to stay and hang out with us all. I want to spend as much time with these guys before they leave.”

“The kiddos will filter in as soon as I put dinner on,” Bessie said, shuffling into the kitchen. “Hey, Chelsea, good to see you, love.”

“Hey, Bessie.”

“Who are you?” Enid shot. Her short stature meant they had missed her behind Bessie. Carmen had to stifle a laugh at Enid. Her eyes were narrowed, and she was clearly judging Chelsea and her proximity to Molly.

“Um, Chelsea.”

“She’s my friend,” Molly parroted.

“Oh, your fuck buddy,” Enid tutted. Molly went a shade of red that Carmen didn’t think existed.

“Enid, fucking hell,” Carmen hissed.

“What? What did I do?”

“Go have a gummy on the porch,” Mateo shot.

“I don’t know why you’re all getting so upset. It’s the truth, isn’t it? No reason to be embarrassed. I had a fuck buddy for a while once, but his hip kept locking.”

“Oh my God,” Carmen hurled, mortified.

Enid cackled like a villain. “You lot are too easy,” she tittered, shuffling back out of the kitchen. “Call me when there is food. I’m going to have the munchies in about 20 minutes.

“I’m so sorry,” Molly whispered to Chelsea, who looked shell-shocked.

“She’s a law unto herself. We can’t control her,” Mateo laughed.

“Hey, everyone,” Faith called from the back door. Courtney and Lisa followed behind.

“Faith, hey, come and meet my friend Chelsea.”

“Oh hi, nice to meet you,” Faith smiled.

“You too,” Chelsea replied.

“What’s for dinner? I’m starved,” Liam bellowed from the stairs.

“Christ, it’s busy here, isn’t it?” Chelsea laughed, but Carmen picked up on the insincerity. She was pissed that she had to share Molly.

“Just how it should be,” Carmen laughed. Then, for some reason, she shot a wink at Molly. A wink. What the hell was that about? Oh, you’re provoking Chelsea because you’re a jealous ass!

“Hey,” Mateo interjected, “How about we have a party? With us leaving soon, I think we should have a proper sendoff.”

“Yes,” Enid shouted from the front porch. “Let’s do that!”

“Um, could I talk to you both?” Faith asked, looking at Carmen and then Mateo.

“Sure, chica, what’s up?” Mateo asked, resting his forearm on Carmen’s shoulder.

“Um, could we go somewhere private?” Faith mumbled.

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