Page 31 of Protecting What Is Mine

14

Mollie

I don’t know where that early-bird rush came from, but I’ve been so flipping busy the last few hours I haven’t had two minutes to sneak away and message Hank. By the time I finally get back to my phone, I see two missed calls and five messages, but only one is from Hank, everything else is from Sam. She knows I’m working today and she NEVER bothers unless it’s important.

“Can someone cover for a couple minutes? I need to take a break,” I ask through the pass through into the kitchen.

“Sure, Mol. I’ll take over for ya,” Josh replies. He’s barely sixteen and this is his first job. He’s a little awkward with people, so he mostly stays in the back, washing dishes, but he’s sweet and is always willing to help.

I snatch my phone from behind the counter. “Thanks, Josh. I owe you one,” I say as I push through the door and head for my car. The moment I’m outside, I look through my notifications to see what on earth is going on.

Hank: Thinking of you

Awww. Note to self–reply to Hank as soon as you see what Sam needs.

Sam: WTF – Mol, you won’t believe this. Clint’s back!

Sam: Where are you?

Sam: He’s banging on the door and I don’t know what to do.

Sam: He won’t leave, should I let him in?

The last text was forty-five minutes ago.

No, you shouldn’t let him in. Please don’t have let him in.

I call the house.

Please be okay.

One ring. Another.

Come ‘on girl, pick up the phone.

“Oh my God, Mol, there you are.” The sound of Sam’s voice is a huge relief.

“Are you alright? Please, please tell me you’re okay.”

Her voice is shaky when she responds. “I’m getting there.”

“What happened? You didn’t let him in the house, did you? Was Nessa there? Oh, my goodness I hope she wasn’t.”

“Whoa, girl. One question at a time.” Sam is quiet on the other end of the line for a moment. “I know you’re working, but if there’s any way you can come home now, you probably should.”

“Really?” My heart hammers against my chest as I wonder what in the world could have happened. “I’ll figure something out and be home soon. You sure you’re alright? He didn’t hurt you?”

“I’m fine. We’ll talk when you get here.”

I sigh. “Yeah. Okay. See you soon.”

I hurry back into Belle’s and apologize to Josh as I toss my apron at the hook on the wall and grab my purse. “I’m really sorry and I don’t have time to explain right now, but something happened at home and I have to go. I only have an hour left on my shift. Cover for me?”

Josh looks up from the order he’s taking, practically speechless. “Uh…yeah…I mean, sure. Go. I’ll hold down the fort,” he mutters.

“Thanks!” I yell as I rush out the door to my car.

On the drive home, I can’t stop running through different what-if scenarios.

---