Page 98 of The Last Autograph

Molly:He did ask me to have dinner with him tonight, but fate got in the way.Anyway, why are our text convos all about me? What’s so interesting in your life?

CeCe:I’ve been seeing two lines since breakfast.

Molly:What?

CeCe:And craving chips with salt and vinegar.

Molly sat up and pressed CeCe’s number. “No way! You’re pregnant?”

“Yes, but button your lip, Aunt Molly. We don’t want all of Clifton Falls knowing just yet.”

“Wow, I’m so happy for you guys. I’m gonna cry.”

“Thanks. I’m not supposed to tell anyone for another two weeks, but I need you to start knitting, so… yeah, that’s my news.”

“That’s awesome. How are you feeling? I can ask someone else to pick me up on Wednesday if you want.” Molly climbed off the bed and made a beeline for the bar fridge. She opened the tiny freezer door and peered inside. It was time to celebrate.

“Don’t be silly. I’m fine. Tired, but fine.” CeCe paused. “Are you raiding the minibar?”

“I might be.”

“Please don’t tell me you have ice cream. I’d kill for some right now.”

She took out a small serving of mango and passionfruit sorbet and set it on the counter to soften. “Nope, they haven’t left me any.”

“How rude.”

“But I do have sorbet. Talk soon.” She giggled and cut the call.

Luka:Guess where I am?

Molly:Out on a search and rescue mission?

Luka:Kind of. Off to the supermarket for ice cream.

Molly:Funny that. Hey, congrats BTW. So happy for you both.

Luka:Thanks M. But mum’s the word for another couple of weeks, OK?

Molly:Totally.

39

“Hey, Jake?”

Jake glanced over his shoulder at Ari as he walked into the kitchen. “Yeah, mate?”

“Do we have any iced éclairs left?”

Jake cursed under his breath. In the short time he’d been gone, the iced éclairs had become more popular than ever. “What is it with these people and their darn iced éclair obsession?”

“They’re for Gloria. She wants a baker’s dozen, whatever that means.”

“Gloria?” Jake peered through the one-way glass into the store to see Molly’s landlady standing on the other side of the counter. “Yeah, okay. Would you mind prepping them for me while I go talk to her?”

“On it.”

Jake removed his apron and washed his hands. “And a baker’s dozen is twelve plus one free.”

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