Page 33 of Pity Present
I don’t bother to wait for an answer before pulling out a chair and calling to Molly who’s still walking behind the hostess. “Molly, over here!”
She turns around and trips over her own foot. I briefly wonderif her lack of grace has something to do with her single status. It’s possible not everyone is as charmed by it as I am. When she reaches the table, she awkwardly smiles at Thor and Krista. “I don’t think they’re looking for company.”
“Nonsense,” I tell her before practically pushing her down into the chair I’ve been holding for her.
Once we’re both seated, I point to Krista. “Molly, this is Krista. She’s a kindergarten teacher.” Then I gesture toward Thor. “This is Thor. He producesChicago Flame.”
Molly nods her head at them before mumbling, “I’m so sorry. You probably wanted to be alone.”
As she moves to push her chair back, I announce, “The more the merrier, am I right?”
Neither Thor nor Krista looks like they agree with my statement, but I’m suddenly married to the idea of matching up Thor and Molly. I know that last night I was against it, but I hate seeing Molly in such a surly mood. Surely, I can’t expect to keep her all to myself if I’m not going to make a move on her.
Krista is the first to find her voice. “I didn’t see you again last night, Blake. Did you have a nice time?”
“I did, thank you,” I tell her. “And I see you’ve met Thor. Great name, huh?”
Turning to Thor, I tell him, “Molly designs gift shops for hotels. That’s why she’s here.”
Thor nods his head. “So, you’re not here for the Midwestern Matchmaker event? I thought I saw you last night.”
“Not initially, no,” Molly tells him. She’s staring at Thor like he’s a cheeseburger and she’s just spent two weeks on a deserted island with no food. I don’t like it, but that’s not the point. I have no say in Molly’s personal life, and if Thor could make her happy, then that should make me happy.
“There was a cancellation,” I announce. “So, they asked Molly if she’d like to join in.”
Krista, clearly sensing that she might be losing Thor’s interest,announces, “That’s too bad.” As we all turn to her en masse, she adds, “I mean, it’s too bad for whoever had to cancel.”
With a wink, I tell the schoolteacher, “It’s lucky for me that you didn’t cancel.” This appears to appease her ego slightly.
Thor glances around the table before asking, “What do you all have planned for the day?”
“I’ve got nothing,” I tell him.
Molly says, “I’m supposed to make use of the various facilities so I can see if there’s something the gift shop should carry that they don’t already have. I was thinking about zip-lining.”
“We should all go together!” Thor suggests. “What do you think, Krista? Does that sound like fun?”
Krista appears uncertain, as though she’s trying to discern if Thor’s more interested in her or Molly. Either way, she decides, “That does sound like a good time.” She asks me, “Have you been zip-lining before, Blake?”
“It’s one of my go-to activities,” I tell her. “I’ve been zip-lining over the jungles of Peru and Hawaii.”
“I bet that’s great fodder for your writing.” Oh yeah, that.Note to self: Don’t forget you’re writing a novel, Blake.
Molly interjects, “It’s a wonder how you can afford vacations like that on a barista’s pay.”
“I make great tips,” I tell her cockily. When in truth, pouring a cup of coffee is my limit.
“I bet you do.” Krista giggles flirtatiously.
When the waiter delivers Thor and Krista’s food, he takes Molly’s and my order. I get the belgian waffle with chocolate chips and whipped cream. She orders a hard-boiled egg and dry toast. No wonder she’s so grumpy; she must be starving.
Thor cuts into his omelet but before taking a bite, he asks Molly, “So how long will you be staying here at the lodge?”
“Two weeks,” she tells him.
“That’s an odd coincidence,” Krista offers. All eyes turn to her, so she explains, “You know, that you’d be here at the same time as the singles’ event, and for the same amount of time.”
“Life is full of coincidence, isn’t it?” I ask. “For instance, what are the chances Molly would be here at the same time as her ex?” Shoot, I didn’t mean to say that. I don’t want to embarrass Molly.
