“You’re right, that is your strength.” It was no secret that Molly was good with customers. It didn’t matter if those customers were locals or tourists, she could talk the ear off anyone about anything.
“All right. Done. I’ve got an appointment I’ve got to get to. Strange that Jace isn’t here yet.”
Elle tugged her phone out of her pocket to check the time. “You’re right, he’s usually here by now.”
“I’ll walk you over to him.”
“It’s okay, I’ll lock up after you leave and wait here for him.” Jace didn’t want her in the café by herself, but she couldn’t askMolly to stay behind after her finish time, especially if she had an appointment, and a locked door should keep her safe.
Molly shook her head. “Don’t be silly. I don’t mind walking you. Jace said you couldn’t walk alone. Plus, I’m tough as an old boot, so no one will mess with us.”
“Tough as an old boot?”
“Eh. My granddad used to say it. Don’t ask me why I repeat it. Should we go?”
Elle checked her phone again. Still no word from him. And Boyd hadn’t been seen in town, by her, Eastern, or anyone else, since that day here in the café. It should be fine.
She grabbed her keys and bag and stepped outside with Molly.
“That guy hasn’t been back, has he?” Molly asked as Elle locked the door.
She shook her head. “No. Is it overly optimistic of me to hope he was just a random tourist with a criminal record and he’s passed through town now?”
“Nope. There’s no such thing as too optimistic. I think he saw you, got some weird obsession with you, but then Jace scared him off with his big intimidating I’m-former-special-forces vibe.”
“Um, I don’t know if my looks alone incite that kind of behavior in men.”
“You’re joking, right?” At Elle’s frown, Molly’s jaw dropped. “Oh my gosh, you’re not. Do you not see how beautiful you are?”
“Molly…”
“I’m serious. You aregorgeous, Elle. Stunning. How you could think anything else, I have no idea.”
She lifted a shoulder. “Confidence has never been my strong point.”
Molly grabbed her arm and pulled her to a stop. “Then let me confirm something for you. You are beautiful both inside andout. It’s a natural beauty that most people would kill for, me included.”
She snorted. “You? Molly, you are the definition of beautiful.”
“I don’t have your cheekbones. Or your perfect button nose or your stunning gray eyes.”
Elle’s cheeks warmed. “Thank you.”
“Anytime you need a boost, just let me know. I’m all for women supporting women. We need to remind each other how beautiful we are. In fact, I—”
A crackling noise sounded from somewhere in the trees behind Molly. Elle frowned and looked over the other woman’s shoulder, and Molly turned her head.
“It was probably nothing,” Molly eventually said. “But let’s walk a little faster to Jace.” She linked her arm through Elle’s, and they continued toward the skywalk.
“I might try and call him.” Elle tugged out her phone and dialed his number.
He answered on the second ring. “Hey. Sorry, I got held up. A teenager decided to climb a fucking tree while I wasn’t watching and got stuck.”
“That’s okay. Is he all right?”
“Yeah, Kayden and Hendrix are here. They’re getting him down now.”
“Great. I’m just walking to you.”
