Page 91 of Kate and Clara's Curious Cornish Craft Shop
Molly, still staring at me, eventually nods, and her expression is filled with so much understanding and sympathy that in that split second I think I actually see her grow up.
‘I get it, Mum,’ she says hugging me. ‘Really, I get it. I’m so sorry I contacted Joel. I wasn’t thinking properly – I thought you might be lonely. I had no idea it was as bad as that.’
‘That’s because I didn’t tell you the whole story,’ I say, holding her back from my embrace. ‘I wanted to protect you. You’re my little girl, and I didn’t want to expose you to any of it. Little did I know you’d experience something so similar.’
‘Joel didn’t hurt you though, did he?’
I shake my head. ‘No, I was lucky in that way, but no one has the right to try and control our lives, Molly. We’re the only ones who should be in the driver’s seat. We, and only we, are in charge of what happens to us.’
Molly nods. ‘You’re right. I guess I should end it with Chesney, shouldn’t I?’
I nod. ‘As soon as you can.’
‘It’s just … he’s my first boyfriend. What if no one else wants me?’
‘Are you kidding? A bright, funny, pretty girl like you? The boys will be lining up!’
‘I hardly think so.’
I think for a moment as an idea strikes. ‘Have you seen Ben since the meal we had at the pub?’ I ask casually.
‘No.’
‘Only Jack said he was asking after you.’
Molly’s face brightens immediately. ‘Really?’
‘Yeah, something about how he hoped to start surfing soon and he was keen for you to introduce him to your friend’s brother.’
‘It’s beginner surf school tonight on the beach,’ Molly says eagerly, as all thoughts of Chesney quickly vanish. ‘Do you think I should ask him if he’d like to go?’
‘Oh,’ I say, trying to sound surprised. ‘Is it? What a good idea. Why don’t you do that?’
Molly’s cheeks pink a little. ‘I don’t know if I can.’
‘Why ever not?’
‘Because he’s well fit, Mum! You can’t just ask boys like that out, especially boys who are much older than you.’
‘I’m not suggesting you ask him out – you’re simply offering to accompany him to the surf school.’
Molly still looks unsure.
‘What if I contact Jack and ask him to see if Ben wants to go with you?’
‘No way! I can’t have my mum asking for me. The humiliation.’
‘Ah, well,’ I say, turning away. ‘It was only an idea. I thought it might cheer you up …’ I wait, hoping what I think will happen does …
‘Maybe you could justfind outwhether he’s interested,’ Molly says softly. ‘You know, without saying it’s me asking?’
I smile quickly to myself before turning back again with a straight face. ‘I’m sure I could do that for you.’
‘He mustn’t know it’s me asking though, Mum. Promise?’
‘I promise. I’ll be very discreet. Now, why don’t you head back upstairs. I’m sure you have some studying to do. I can’t have all this talk of boys distracting you from that, can I?’
Molly rolls her eyes and grins. ‘All right, I guess one good turn deserves another. I really am sorry, you know … about Joel. If I’d known—’
