Page 87 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

Callie hugged her back. “A week’s plenty of time.”

Leah eased away. “I’m sure whatever you come up with will be lovely, but let’s get together for a quick meeting Tuesday when I get back into town.”

“Just give me a call and we’ll set it up.”

“Perfect.” Leah gave Callie a kiss on the cheek. “Now I need to find my son.”

“The last time I saw Brad he was in the kitchen.”

“Charming Molly out of her baked goods, no doubt.”

That was one word for it. Callie laughed uncomfortably. “Well, I should go see if any of the guests need a hand.”

“All right. Have fun.”

“You too. I’ll see you Tuesday.” Callie hurried up the stairs, slowing as she walked down the quiet hall, not quite sure where she would find Molly. Then she felt the cold blowing in from one of the rooms farther down on the left. She headed that way and stopped in the doorway, her heart going out to her friend as Molly stood on the porch, looking delicate and pretty with her glossy hair styled in a French twist and her long, slim neck exposed. Callie moved through the room, giving a quiet knock on the doorframe.

Molly dashed at her cheeks, not bothering to turn around. “I’ll be right down.”

Callie plucked a tissue from the box on the dresser and stepped outside into the cold, taking in the ocean view that went on forever. “Need a friend?”

Molly jerked her shoulders.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“Nope.” Molly took the tissue and wiped her cheeks.

“I’m sorry I overheard a private conversation.”

Molly shrugged again. “It doesn’t matter. The whole thing was a mistake anyway.”

It seemed like more than that, but Callie kept her thoughts to herself. “He looked pretty miserable when I left him.”

“Good.” Molly huffed out a breath and rolled her big blue eyes to the overcast sky. “I don’t know what I was thinking. We’ve been friends since… I can’t remember a time that we weren’t. We grew up together. He and Nate have always been my best friends.” She sighed again. “That night… It just sort of happened. A stupid one-night stand I can’t take back.” She dashed at another tear. “I had no idea he was going to be here today. Of all the weddings on all the islands, he had to come to mine.”

Callie wrapped her arm around Molly’s shoulders. “Oh, Molly.”

“Next time I’m put in charge of a last-minute wedding, I’m asking for the guest list before I say yes.”

Callie held Molly tighter. “I’m so sorry.”

Molly sucked in a steadying breath. “When I saw him talking to Nate outside the bakery this morning, it took me completely by surprise. Usually I know when he’s coming home.”

Callie nodded her understanding, wishing she’d realized her friend had needed her when Nate had been making introductions. “I hate that you’re hurting.”

Molly shook her head. “I’m just pissed. I cry when I’m mad, which makes me even more angry.”

Anger and hurt were close friends, but Callie didn’t mention that either. “How can I help?”

Molly settled her head on Callie’s shoulder. “You can’t. Unfortunately, I’m stuck here until my eyes don’t look blotchy. I’ll take my last breath before he knows I was crying over him.”

“It’ll be our secret. We can totally fix blotchy eyes.”

Molly lifted her head. “How?”

“Cold water and a washcloth. Come on.” She led Molly into the bathroom and ran a cloth under the faucet. “In five minutes or less we can head back down. You’re barely red at all.” She gently pressed the cloth beneath Molly’s right eye.

“Thank you.”