Page 21 of Moonlit Kisses

The guys pat their stomachs, showing they’re ready to demolish the dozen or so pizzas Finn supplies each week during soccer season. We try to make up for his generosity by buying drinks and eating here at other times during the week.

“Guys, this is Molly, my new office manager. Molly, this is Finn, Gary, Aaron, Lincoln, Brent, Rob, Sean, Matthew, Thomas, and Kevin.” I point to each of my friends as I introduce them. “We’ll have a quiz at the end of the night to see if you remember their names.” Her eyes widen as I laugh. “Only joking.”

She waves timidly at the group. “Hi, guys.” She chuckles. “I don’t think I’ll remember all of your names, but I’ll do my best.”

Everyone says hello and offers her a free pass on remembering everyone’s names. Gary stands. “Anyone want a drink while I’m at the bar?”

I pull out my wallet. “I’ll take a beer.” Turning toward Molly, I ask, “How about you, Dimples? What would you like to drink?”

She chuckles at my nickname but doesn’t question it. I’m guessing she’s probably been called it more than once. “I’ll have the same as you, thanks.”

Gary taps the table, taking my money, then heads up to the bar. He has to weave his way through the crowd. I swear it gets busier and busier every Monday night.

Aaron grabs Molly’s attention. “So, Molly. What’s it like working for this ogre?” He points his half empty beer toward me.

“Fuck off! I’m a good boss, aren’t I, Molly?” I nudge her arm with mine.

“Shut up! She can’t answer honestly now that you’ve said that.” Aaron laughs. He gathers his composure, locking eyes with the girl next to me. “Seriously. Is he being good to you?”

She studies me for a few moments, her eyes scanning my face, then she turns her focus to Aaron. “He’s been a great boss so far. I have no complaints and I’m not only saying that because he’s sitting next to me.” She bumps her shoulder against mine and gifts me with her dimples. I think I could grow addicted to her smiles.

The servers bring out the pizzas and Gary returns with our drinks. The talk around the tables dies down as we dig in. It’s not until we’ve demolished almost all the pizzas that we slow down and chatter starts up again.

“How’s Layla? She feeling any better?” I ask Gary.

He smiles at me, wiping his mouth. “Sheisfeeling better. I was going to tell you guys something earlier, but we got sidetracked with our new cheerleader over there.” He tips his head toward Molly, then stands. “Guys, if I can have your attention for a moment.” Everyone quiets down, even the other patrons close by. “I’ve been wanting to tell you guys for a few weeks now, but Layla insisted we wait. Layla’s pregnant. We’re expecting our first baby!” His smile takes up his entire face as we all jump up to congratulate him. Even Molly congratulates him as though she’s known him for years. Well, that explains Layla’s sickness over the last few months.

Gary pulls out a square piece of paper to pass around. “Here’s our first baby photo.” He hands it to Molly first, and she studies it closely, then passes it to me. A pang of longing hits me out of the blue. I’m getting up there in age and I’m wondering if I’ll ever meet someone and have a family of my own, or am I destined to always be the favorite uncle?

Okay, I’m the only uncle, but I’m still the favorite!

“If you ever need a babysitter, I’d be happy to help. I used to love looking after my baby brother.” Molly offers. She never mentions much at all about her family or her life, so I’m surprised by the mention of a brother. I’m not sure she’s mentioned him before. I’m dying to ask her about her family, but I sense it’s not something she wants to talk about since she never brings them up. As much as I want to ask her more, delve into her history, this is not the time nor the place.

“Thanks. I’ll let Layla know. It’s been tough trying to get pregnant. I’m not sure she’ll ever want to leave Junior behind.” He huffs out a short laugh.

I feel like an asshole. I never knew they were even trying to conceive let alone that they were having trouble. “Well, congrats, man. I’m thrilled for you both. You’re gonna make great parents,” I tell him.

He glances down at the beer in his hands. “Thanks, man.”

I spot Molly trying to hide a yawn. “You want me to drop you back to your car?”

She looks around the table. “You guys aren’t done here, are you?”

I shrug. “We can leave whenever we’re ready. I don’t mind.”

“If you’re sure. Suddenly, I’m exhausted.” She gives me an embarrassed smile.

I stand, then help her up. “See ya, guys. We’re out.”

Everyone says goodbye and I lead Molly out through the crowd, which doesn’t seem to have thinned out any.

“I genuinely liked your friends. They seem like a great bunch of guys.” She finishes her sentence with another yawn.

“Yeah. We’ve all known each other for a while now. Been playing as a team since we finished high school.”

“I bet Gary and Layla are excited for their new baby.”

I turn to glance at her in the limited light inside my car. She’s genuinely excited for my friend. A man she’s only just met. I hate to compare her to Mona, but she never gave my friends the time of day. She seemed to think she was better than them. Better than everyone.

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