Page 38 of Moonlit Kisses

“Oh yeah? Who are you dating this week?” I ask as I move toward the sink to wash my hands.

“Jake. Jake Normanton from the Leah Reynolds series.” She fans herself. “That man brings everything to the table and I do mean ev-er-y-thing!” She finishes with an exaggerated wink.

Rhonda puts me to work and tells me all about Jake and Leah and their love story, which started back when they were kids. Leah’s the daughter of a serial killer and Jake’s the son of a drunk. It sounds like a fabulous read.

“Who’s the author? I might check it out.”

“Uh, hang on. I’ll grab my Kindle and check. I’d hate to get her name wrong.” She bustles off to the storeroom as I cut the bread rolls. “T. Maree. It’s a series of five books. A real slow burn.” She gets this smirk on her face. “But oh so worth it!” I chuckle. “How come you were late?”

“I wasn’t late. I was chatting with a lady who’s staying overnight. Veronica or Ronnie? Do you know her?”

“Oh yeah. Pretty girl with two different colored eyes. She comes in now and then. Haven’t seen her for quite some time, though. I was hoping things had improved for her.”

“I didn’t know she’d been here before. She must think I’m an idiot. I was showing her where everything is.”

Rhonda waves me off. “Nah. She’s a sweetheart. Doesn’t talk much and keeps to herself, but she’s super polite. Not sure what her story is because she keeps everyone at arm’s length.”

The evening passes by in a blur. It’s always crazy when I help Rhonda in the kitchen. I didn’t even have time to step out and check that Ronnie grabbed something to eat. All the lights are out in the dorms as we close the kitchen down and put everything away. Rhonda’s busy soaking a measured amount of chia seeds to add to the oats in the morning when Simone strolls in. She releases a heavy sigh and slouches against the counter.

“This is the first chance I’ve had to catch a breath. How are you ladies tonight?”

“Exhausted but good.” I answer at the same time as Rhonda does.

“I’m ready to head home and soak my feet.”

“Me too. Thanks for your help tonight, Molly. Did you manage to chat with Veronica at all?”

I lean back against the opposite counter. “A little. She said I could call her Ronnie or Ron. Told me she’s always lived here. Something she said suggested that her family has hurt her.” I shrug. “She didn’t really talk all that much.”

Simone raises one eyebrow and one side of her mouth tips up slightly. “Well, you’ve managed to get more out of her than anyone else has.”

I pull my head and shoulders back. “What? Really? I felt like I had failed. And then I got busy in the kitchen and I didn’t get the chance to check back in with her after her shower.”

Simone steps forward, placing her hand on mine and giving it a squeeze. “You did well. Never feel that you’ve failed. You’re here helping us help them. That’s incredible, Molly.” She gives my hand another squeeze before letting go. “Now go home. You’ve earned a good night’s rest.”

We all say our goodbyes and I promise to return next Tuesday.

I walk through my front door and head straight for the bathroom to take a quick shower, then drop into bed. I’m exhausted. After spending the day looking after the single parents and their kids, then tonight atShelter, I’m dead on my feet. I glance across at the photo of Mom, Jack, and E I keep on my nightstand.

Reaching out, I pull it closer to me. I trace my finger over their faces and whisper, “I think I’m gonna be okay.”

Their image becomes blurry, and I let the tears fall. They slide down the side of my face, landing in my hair. “I’ve met some genuinely good people. I’m pretty sure I made the right choice coming here, Mom. It’s such a gorgeous city. You were lucky to grow up here. Thank you for sharing all of your stories with me. After all, they’re what led me to my new life.”

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