The Birthday List(13)

The late-evening summer sun was starting to set, and the dinner rush had finally subsided. At nearly eight, closing time for my small café was just around the corner, and as much as I didn’t want to turn customers away, I was hoping that my now-empty tables would remain that way. I didn’t want to have to explain—again—why I had so few options to offer from the menu.

“I need to adjust inventory plans for this week. I felt like a chump telling people we had hardly anything left.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Molly patted my hand. “People understood. You can make some adjustments and everything will be fine.”

“Traffic will probably slow down once we’re not the new thing anymore, but until then, we should plan for more.”

She nodded. “I agree. I’ve already updated the budget and sales projections.”

“You make sure to add a few extra pies to your tally for me.” Randall pulled on his cap. “I don’t want you running out if I’m here.”

Molly rolled her eyes but I just smiled. “Okay, Randall. I’ll make sure to save you some desserts.”

He slid off his stool and grabbed his cane. “See you girls tomorrow.” He gave me a pointed stare. “Don’t stay too late.”

I crossed my heart. “Promise.”

Molly and I waited for him to leave before we both burst out laughing. Yesterday, I’d thought my chances of seeing Randall James again were slim to none. Now, I was thinking he’d be my most frequent customer.

“Today was a good day.” Molly grabbed her rag and started wiping down the counter.

“A very good day.” With the exception of running low on food, I couldn’t imagine the opening having gone any better. Customers had been happy. Jars had been scraped clean. And I had found my rhythm quickly, balancing work in the kitchen and managing the counter with Molly.

And though he was a bit cantankerous, Randall had been a welcome and comforting presence today. Anytime I’d gotten flustered or started to stress, I’d found his eyes waiting for me with a small nod. His silent encouragement had saved me today.

Molly finished wiping the counter and started on the tables. “I’m glad we’re bringing in a part-time helper soon. I don’t think I can handle six in the morning until after eight at night on a regular basis. I’m dead on my feet.”

“Me too.” Except I’d been here since four and would probably stay until well after midnight.

As Molly cleaned, I took a tub of silverware and black paper napkins to a table and collapsed into the seat. Closing my eyes, I relaxed for a few seconds before getting back to work, rolling the silverware in the napkins and finishing them with a white paper ring.

Molly finished up with the tables and came to sit down, helping me with the silverware. “I’m going home, taking a long, hot bath and then going straight to bed. For once, I’m glad Finn has the kids at his place so I can crash.”

Finn had come in earlier with Kali and Max so they could eat dinner. When Molly had joined them, I’d gotten a momentary swell of hope that the four of them might have a nice family meal, but then Finn had squashed it. He’d turned his chair sideways, away from Molly, with a two-foot gap between them so he wouldn’t have to make eye contact. He’d literally given her the cold shoulder.

“Did you and Finn talk at all during dinner?” I asked.

Molly shook her head. “No. He won’t talk to me. I’ve tried for months but . . . you know. He’ll never forgive me.”

I gave her a sad smile. She’d given up hope, but I hadn’t. Not when there was still love there.

Because Finn and Molly did love one another. Anyone who spent thirty seconds with them could feel it. But their marriage hadn’t been easy. A year ago, the two of them had been going through a rough patch. Finn had been working a ton and not spending much time at home. When he was there, he’d take his work stress out on Molly. They’d been fighting so much, Finn had actually moved out. They’d agreed on a separation and therapy, but Finn had never found the time to meet with their counselor.

Then Molly had made a mistake.

She’d been lonely and certain her marriage was over. She’d gone to a bachelorette party, gotten blitzed and had sex with some random guy from the bar. She’d messed up—big time—but to her credit, she’d owned her mistake. She’d told Finn the truth and begged for forgiveness. He’d told her to get a lawyer instead.

I’d had a hard time believing my friend could do that to my brother. I’d been angry and said some things I hadn’t meant, but then I’d apologized and forgiven her. Things had been so hard for her when Finn had moved out. She’d been devastated.

So I’d assumed my role as Switzerland, supporting Molly as my best friend and Finn as my one and only sibling. Meanwhile, they were miserable. Finn was punishing Molly for one mistake. Molly was still punishing herself for losing the love of her life.

“I’m sorry, Molly.”

She shrugged. “It’s my fault. If I were in his place, if he had cheated, I’d be ruined.”

Cheated. Why did she always say cheated? I hated that word. And the way she said it was worse than any four-letter curse. Molly wasn’t a cheater. Molly was just human, dealing as best she could with a broken heart. “You weren’t together.”