Molly swallowed as Bree appeared in the door with a huge smile on her face.
‘You’re back! As you can see, everything has run smoothly and George is in the living room, safe and sound. But you were right, there were no customers due to the weather, and I think all the villagers were out in force helping Sam. Dixie popped in, but she was going to rest for a while. How was it?’ Bree knew she was babbling, but she was super excited to show them the loaf she’d baked and suggest a trial period in the shop.
Cam was staring at Bree, and Molly could feel the tension bubbling away, knowing she somehow had to calm the situation before it got out of hand.
‘That’s good to hear everything has run effortlessly,’ said Molly, trying to smooth the way, but judging by the look on Cam’s face he was about to explode.
Suddenly feeling the tension herself, Bree asked, ‘Is everything okay?’
‘Can we just ask where you—’ Molly started gently but Cam interrupted and cut to the chase.
‘Just get your stuff and go.’
Molly noticed Cam’s face was mottled crimson. She knew he was angry and wasn’t going to listen to what Bree was going to say and she also knew this wasn’t the Cam she’d fallen in love with. His behaviour was bordering on erratic. He’d been up and down like a yo-yo in the past couple of weeks and it really wasn’t like him. He wasn’t even giving Bree a chance to explain herself.
‘Why? What have I done?’ she asked. Her voice was shaky.
Trying her best to keep composed, Molly kept her voice calm. ‘Where did the phone come from? Did you take it?’
There was silence.
Bree was looking puzzled and shaking her head. Her heart began to thump faster. She had that horrible feeling in the pit of her stomach that she’d felt so many times since her mum had passed. A horrible anxious feeling that she never wanted to feel again.
‘Because if you did, it’s okay. We can sort this out.’ Molly shot a warning glance at Cam, who was agitatedly running his hand through his hair.
‘Of course she took the phone. I want you to leave.’ His words packed a powerful punch as he turned back to Bree.
‘What? I didn’t take your phone.’ Bree looked between them both, but it was obvious to her to that whatever she had to say Cam was not going to listen, and she could see how it looked. She’d grown up fast since her mum had passed, and life on the street had taught her to walk away with dignity, not to fuel the fire. Do not get into any sort of confrontation, no matter who’s right or wrong. She hadn’t taken the phone but she didn’t need to explain herself to anyone because even if she tried, it was obvious Cam wasn’t going to listen.
‘Please leave.’ His words had an air of finality to them as he handed her her bag and coat.
‘I think if we all just calm down this can be sorted. Look outside, Cam. Where exactly will she go?’ said Molly. ‘The shelter is now too far to walk to and the buses aren’t running.’
‘It’s okay, I don’t want to stay where I’m not wanted,’ replied Bree, taking her coat and slipping her feet into her boots. Taking her bag from his hand she opened her purse and took out her loose change, and placed it on the table.
‘Money for three croissants and a cup of tea.’ Then, with her bag slung over her shoulder, she walked towards the door. She looked back to say, ‘For what it’s worth, I didn’t take your phone,’ before stepping out into the cold, knowing that her hopes and dreams of a job in the bakery were well and truly shattered.
As soon as the door shut behind Bree, Molly could feel herself shaking and she hurried to the door after her.
‘Molly, let her go.’
Molly grabbed the counter and closed her eyes. She exhaled loudly as the words ‘Oh my God’ passed her lips.
‘What is it? Is it the baby?’ asked Cam, noticing that Molly’s face had paled.
‘No, not the baby.’ Molly took a deep breath as a memory that had been locked away for years suddenly became clear in her mind. She was clutching a teddy bear and being led away to her new family. Molly was suddenly engulfed with the fear of the unknown – the same fear Bree had described.
Where would Bree go?
Molly wasn’t impressed by Cam’s lack of compassion. She just didn’t understand it. It wasn’t like him. ‘Cam, this isn’t like you. What exactly is going on?’ Molly was beginning to feel anxious. In all the time she’d known Cam she’d never known him to act irrationally, except for the very first time their paths had crossed in Primrose Park. At the time his personal life was in turmoil, and Molly had scared the life out of him by telling him she was pregnant with his baby after their one-night stand three months earlier. But since then, they’d always talked about everything.
Cam looked like he was going to say something but didn’t.
‘If you don’t talk to me, how can I help?’
Cam held her gaze. He could feel himself shaking but he still couldn’t bring himself to say anything.
‘You know what? Have it on your conscience that a poor girl is out there in those freezing conditions and no doubt will die of hypothermia.’ Molly threw her arms up in the air, exasperated. ‘There’s something you are not telling me, because this isn’t like you. It isn’t good for my blood pressure so please just tell me what’s going on!’
