Page 49 of All Wrapped Up
‘That’s not quite what I meant,’ Molly whispered while Ash helped Hayley pack everything away.
I hadn’t for one second really thought it was.
‘What do you think of the schedule, Molly?’ Hayley then asked her and I got the impression that Hayley knew I wasfeeling more than a little uncomfortable with her friend’s presence and pronouncements.
Molly picked the sheet up and glanced down it.
‘Absolutely perfect,’ she said. ‘Autumn is such a special season and it looks like you’ve thought of everything we could possibly wish for to celebrate it, Clemmie.’
‘It’s not all me,’ I was quick to say. ‘If people hadn’t put themselves forward to take the ideas on, then lots of the things on the list wouldn’t be happening.’
‘Don’t underestimate your hard work,’ Ash said giving me a nudge. ‘You’ve put hours into this already.’
‘I just hope it’s all a success,’ I puffed. ‘Then the time spent on it will be totally worth it.’
‘There is one thing that might not work out,’ Molly said, her gaze flicking up to mine. ‘Do you mind if I mention it?’
‘Of course not,’ I told her. ‘I’d rather know sooner than later. What is it?’
‘The Draconid meteor shower suggestion.’
‘The stargazing nights.’ Ash frowned. ‘Don’t you think they’re a good idea?’
‘A wonderful idea,’ she nodded. ‘But—’
‘I know cloud cover could be an issue,’ I started to say, but she shook her head.
‘It’s not that,’ she said.
‘What then?’ Hayley asked.
‘It’s going to be a full moon on the seventh,’ Molly told us. ‘Right at the peak of the meteor shower, the moon will be at its brightest.’
Ash and Hayley exchanged a blank look.
‘Oh,’ I said. ‘I see. That’s definitely not going to work then, is it?’
‘Why not?’ Ash asked.
‘Because the brightness of the moon will impact on how many stars we can see,’ I sighed. ‘Okay, I’ll take that off the schedule.’
It was disappointing, but couldn’t be helped. Even if it wasn’t cloudy, it would be hard to spot shooting stars with the moon lighting up the night sky.
‘I had a feeling you’d understand.’ Molly smiled at me.
‘Oh, great,’ tutted Hayley, but I could tell she was teasing. ‘Another moon lover in our midst!’
‘What’s not to love?’ I shrugged, returning Molly’s smile for the first time, but given what she’d previously said, still feeling a little uncertain about her.
‘Maybe next year,’ she smiled back.
‘Yes,’ I agreed. ‘Maybe next year.’
‘What did Molly say to you?’ Ash asked, once we’d collected a much sprightlier Pixie, said our goodbyes in the library and were back on the road. ‘I know she said something to unsettle you because all of the colour had drained from your face when you came over to the table.’
‘Do you think she really is a witch?’ I asked, as I looked out of the truck window. ‘Do you believe in that sort of thing?’
I felt Ash’s eyes on me in the mirror for a moment.
