Page 44 of Whispers of Sweetwater

‘Right.’ He set his mug on the timber railing, but his voice was rougher than it should’ve been. ‘Thanks for checking in.’

‘Any excuse to see that handsome little fella,’ she replied lightly as she glanced towards Maverick, though her chest tightened at the truth of who else she found handsome.

When she moved past Hayden and towards her Hilux, his hand brushed her arm, just a fraction, a fleeting touch that sent a ripple through her entire body. She glanced up at him, pulse skipping. His smile was slow and deliberate, carrying just enough heat to make her toes curl in her boots.

‘Drive safe, Doc Steele.’

She nodded, climbing into the Hilux with more effort than it should have taken. As the engine rumbled to life, she caught sight of him still leaning against the fence, arms folded, eyes tracking her until the dust rose between them.

A few hours later, after a routine check on what she discovered was a pregnant pig, it was eleven o’clock when she found herself outside Chapter One, her arms crossed, watching as Trev, a local handyman, tapped the final piece of trim into place above the doorway. The freshly varnished sign glinted in the morning sun, and she shaded her eyes against the brightness of it.

Molly stepped up beside her, coffee in each hand, her usual smile now returned, full force. ‘Looks good, doesn’t it?’

‘It looks perfect,’ Brianna replied. But the word tasted odd. Off balance.

Inside, the scent of paint had faded, replaced again by roasting coffee beans and lavender polish. Books lined the walls. Teacups were neatly stacked. It was, at a glance, a haven again. But although Molly seemed outwardly over the moon, Brianna could still see the edge in her friend’s posture. The tightness around her eyes. Fear was a funny thing. It lingered long after the threat had seemingly disappeared.

Molly took a sip of her coffee, then added, ‘I moved my things back to my cottage this morning, while you were out. And before you say anything, it felt right.’ She offered Brianna a soft, thankful smile. ‘I adore how you want to take care of me, Bri, but it’s time I went home.’

Brianna tipped her head. ‘Are you sure?’

Molly nodded, sipping her coffee again. ‘I’m sure.’

‘Okay, I’ll have to take your word for it.’ Brianna frowned slightly, then dropped her voice low. ‘I just wish you’d waited a bit longer, Moll. I don’t like you being there alone, especially at night.’

Molly gave her a look, one that was warm but firm. ‘Bri, I’m a big girl. With big-girl boots. I can stand in my own kitchen and make my own tea. And I can call for help if needed.’ She smiled now. ‘I got this gig.’

Despite herself, Brianna smiled too. ‘Still. You could’ve said something instead of absconding when I left this morning.’

‘Uh-huh, and you would’ve talked me out of it,’ Molly said with a wink. ‘Which is exactly why I didn’t.’

There was silence for a beat, then Molly sighed. ‘And if you’re wondering about the money, yes, I paid it,’ she said quietly.

Brianna froze. ‘You did what?’

‘The eight hundred I was behind in paying, to the same account as before.’

‘Molly …’

‘I had to. I just want this to stop.’

Brianna swallowed her frustration. ‘And in two weeks, when they want more?’

‘I’ll deal with it then,’ Molly said, trying to smile.

Just then a voice called across the street, cutting the conversation short. ‘Wowsers, looks like you’re back in business already, Molly.’

It was Doris Lilah, the town librarian, gliding across the road in her pressed cardigan and long pleated skirt, her silver hair coiled tightly at the nape. Her lipstick was impeccable. Her expression was warm, but her eyes were sharp as pins.

‘Yes, just about,’ Molly offered.

‘Glad to see it. Wouldn’t feel like Sweetwater without the scent of books and your delicious homemade cakes wafting in the air.’ Doris waved a ring-clad hand through the air to emphasise.

Molly thanked her politely, though her gaze lingered. As the two chatted, a little too formally, about nothing of importance, Brianna kept her evaluation to herself, but something about Doris’s presence set her teeth on edge. Like the woman knew more than she was letting on. And just as the librarian wandered off, and she was about to ask Molly her thoughts about Doris, a delivery van pulled up behind them.

‘Howdy, Molly!’ the driver called cheerfully, unloading a stack of brown boxes. ‘I have a specialty teas and syrup order for you.’

‘Oh thanks, Joe, but I didn’t think I reordered yet,’ Molly said, frowning.