Molly hadn't spoken a word to Angela for two days. Angela was getting tired of walking around like she was on eggshells. This had to stop. She was finally able to catch her before she headed to the bar.
"We need to talk," Angela stated, grabbing her sister's elbow. Molly pulled away.
"I have nothing to say to you," Molly hissed.
"Stop it!" Angela chided. The tone made Molly pause. She knew she had only a few moments to say her piece. "Look, I know I'm not your mom, but I've taken care of you for the past year. I'm your sister, and I love you and worry about you. I always will. That being said, you are right. I have treated you like a child and I'm sorry. But I'm not sorry for worrying about you." Molly stared at Angela warily. She wasn't sure of what to make of her sister like this.
"I'm sorry too," Molly finally sighed. "I know I've been difficult to deal with."
"No not at all," Angela quipped sarcastically. Molly play-punched her sister.
"I will be careful though Angie, I really like Chase," Molly admitted.
"Well, I don't like it, but if he is a good guy, I will try to trust your judgement more," Angela sighed. "This isn't easy for me either. I never imagined I would be in this position."
"Yeah I guess I never really thought of your position in all of this, I'm sorry," Molly sighed. She hugged her sister. "I miss mom."
"I know me too. We'll get through this," Angela assured. She felt her sister's shoulders start to shake. Angela continued holding Molly while they both cried over missing their mother.
XxXx
Molly made her way to work thinking about what Angela had said. She tried to blink back the tears. It was true that she missed her mom. She hadn't expected her to die so soon. No one had. Molly's life had been turned upside down when her step father had announced that he decided Angela should take Molly in. It had been a double blow to Molly. She had grown to love her stepfather over the years. She had felt abandoned. But Angela had never even argued the point. Angela had taken Molly in as if it was the most natural thing in the world. She loved her sister, even if Angela could be overbearing at times.
"Hey you," Molly heard a voice call. She turned her head to see Chase walking behind her. She smiled.
"Hi," she said, trying to keep her voice calm. She didn't want to act too immature.
"Heading to work?" Chase asked. Molly nodded. She didn't trust herself to speak at the moment. There were too many emotions going through her. "Summer season is just starting it's going to be busy for a while."
"I kind of like it busy," Molly stated.
"You are something else," Chase mused. He shook his head, but there was a smile on his face. Molly smiled back. He looked so incredibly handsome when he smiled. She savored the moment alone with him. They were always surrounded by so many other people. All to soon, Sundae Inn came into view.
XxXx
Angela decided to stop by the bar that evening. Now that she and Molly had patched things up, she was curious to see her sister in action. She carefully pulled her hair back into the meticulous bun she normally wore. Examining herself in the mirror, she sighed. Angela had never seen herself as beautiful. Besides what did it really matter? She wasn't looking to impress anyone, was she? Angela shook her head and headed for the bar.
"Bout time you came out," Molly quipped when Angela sat down at the bar. "Hayden make sure you take care of my sis."
"You betcha," Hayden replied. "What can I get you?"
"Blackberry cocktail," Angela ordered.
"Good choice," Hayden answered. She watched as he expertly concocted the drink. Angela turned her head towards the door. She noticed the familiar "UMA" hat, and her pulse quickened. Goddess if that man wasn't handsome. She found herself staring again, and quickly turned back to Hayden. The bartender had a knowing smile on his face. Angela tried to avoid the look but knew it was futile.
XxXx
Gray hadn't expected to see Angela in the bar. It took him aback a bit. She was conservatively dressed in a pantsuit, and her hair was pulled back into a bun, yet she managed to still look incredible. How was that possible? And why did he care? He needed to stop thinking about this woman. Hadn't he learned from Popuri that women are just trouble? He sauntered over to the table where Owen was sitting, he was already halfway to being drunk.
"Yo Gray," Owen slurred. Owen was a regular at the bar. So much so that he'd won the heart of the young bartender, Kathy. He was also one of the few friends Gray had on the island.
"Hey," Gray greeted. He glanced over at Angela again. What was it about that woman that had him so intrigued?
"Gray!" Kathy said easily. "Nice to see you out and about tonight."
"Yeah well," Gray shrugged. He smiled chagrined. It had been at Kathy's insistence that he come out tonight. He slid another glance towards Angela. When his eyes met Kathy's again they had a knowing look in them. Gratefully, she said nothing. He didn't want to look at Angela, but he felt nervous for some reason, knowing that she was sitting at the bar.
XxXx
Angela sipped her drink and observed the bar's chef interacting with Molly. She knew that Molly wouldn't be pleased knowing that she was sizing him up like she was. But Angela could not turn off the protective nature. He appeared to be respectful enough. It was slightly amusing watching the way he looked at Molly. It was clear that he found Molly attractive. She still felt a little unsure with the age difference between them, but observing him, she could see that he didn't appear to be vulgar. He actually was very kind towards Molly, that made Angela feel less distressed.
"He's a good man," Hayden remarked. Angela jumped at the bartender's remake.
"Pardon?" Angela asked.
"Chase," Hayden said. "He's a good man."
"Was I being that obvious?" Angela asked.
"Nah," Hayden chuckled. "It doesn't take a fool to see the attraction between your sister and him though. I figured that you were just doing your due diligence.
"Yeah I guess I was," Angela admitted. She felt a presence next to her. When she turned her head, Gray was standing leaning against the bar. How long had he been there?
"Can I get a coffee?" Gray asked. "I am going to try to make Owen drink some."
"That useless..." Hayden mumbled. He turned around.
"Hi," Angela said, when Gray turned his eyes on her.
"Hello," Gray replied. Hayden had returned with a mug of coffee in his hand. Gray thanked him and returned to his table.
"It looks like there maybe more than one romance blooming," Hayden teased.
"Don't be ridiculous," Angela scoffed. She couldn't help but cast a glance in Gray's direction. When she met Hayden's eyes again he was smirking.
"Don't worry," Hayden assured. "Your secret is safe with me. I'm not a man to spread gossip." Angela sighed with relief. The last thing she needed was rumors like that being spread about her.
