“Yep.”
“And that you’ve just thrown her to the wolves. No training, Keet?”
“I trained her.”
“It took me months to get that job down.” Her brows furrow, then she sighs. “I guess Maddy and I can come in tomorrow for a couple of hours to walk you through some end of month stuff.”
“Really? That’d be great. Bring your lunch so we can chat some more while we eat.”
“Better yet, we can go out to lunch on Keet’s dime.” Molly smiles a real smile.
Hell yes, I’ll buy her lunch if it makes her smile. I’m watching the three women and one baby girl in my life, and I smile too. This feels good. It feels right.
Deb leaves first. “Lainie, it was so nice to meet you. I hope to meet your sisters sometime too. They sound really cool.”
“They are. Let me know when you’ll be in town next and I’ll plan something.”
“Awesome.” Deb gives Lainie a hug, kisses Maddy on the forehead and gives my sister an even bigger hug. “I’m here for you, sis,” she says softly to Molls.
“I know.” Molly whispers in reply.
“Walk me out, Keet.”
“Sure thing.” I follow Debbie out to the parking lot to her vintage 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible, cherry red. It was her dream car for years. I’m glad to see she finally got it.
“Nice ride.”
“I know, right?” she smirks. “She’s a beast. It’s got a two-eighty-nine with a four-barrel.”
“Jesus, I bet she hauls ass.”
“That she can,” she laughs. “So, I’m going to say one thing.”
I knew this was why she wanted to walk me out. “Okay.”
“Marry that girl. Invite me to the wedding. Have lots of babies with her. Make me a godmother. But, you’d better move quick. She’s a keeper.”
“Shit, you’re freaking me out.”
“Good.” She kisses my cheek, slides into her ride, flicks it to life and tears out of my parking lot.
“Now there goes a damn good woman.” Maybe she’ll find the one for her someday. Oh, shit. When did I turn into a pussy?About three days ago, if I’m counting.
Back in the shop, Molly’s the only one in the lounge area. “Hey, how’re you doing? Really?”
“Shitty.” She’s putting Maddy in her baby carrier. “But, I just joined a group for spouses of soldiers who died in service. It’s nice to talk to people who’ve been through the same thing.”
“That’s good. If you ever need me to watch Maddy while you take care of yourself, I’m there.”
She sniffles, “I know. And I love you and Eric for everything you’ve done. I wouldn’t have made it without you.”
“You always have us.” I pick up the baby carrier and follow her out.
At her car she says, “Tell Lainie I’ll see her tomorrow.”
“I will.” Snapping Maddy into her seat she adds, “I like her, Keeton. She’s kind, gentle, and beautiful.”
“Deb told you?”
