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“Alright you lot, let’s get some food in our stomachs,” Bessie shouted over the din.

Chairs scraped and plates clanged as they all tucked into the food. Carmen sat next to Faith. Maybe she should have let Molly sit next to her, but selfishly Carmen needed to be close to Faith, just in case.

If Molly was put out, she didn’t show it. In fact, the woman made a beeline for Enid. They embraced each other tightly and began chatting.

Conversation flowed between the mix of people. Faith quickly got into a discussion about music with Lisa. Carmen had to stuff down the chuckle she felt when she caught Courtney scowling at the two girls talking without her. Oh dear, there’s some lesbian drama on the horizon.

As soon as the last piece of pizza was claimed, Enid stood from her seat. “I’m taking Bessie out to the porch. Us seniors need a break.” Enid winked, kissing Molly on the cheek.

“Hey, do you want to come and chill for a bit?” Lisa asked Faith.

“Sure,” she replied, looking at Carmen for reassurance.

“Go for it. I’ll help clear up. You go relax.”

“You’re the best, Carm.”

“I’m going to take a shower and then hit the hay,” Mateo whispered into Carmen’s ear. His eyes darted between her and Molly, which was weird. Well, Carmen thought so anyway.

Once the masses cleared out, Carmen suddenly felt nervous. Molly was clearing the table, and Carmen couldn’t help but watch just for a minute. The gentle sway of Molly’s hips was almost hypnotizing. What is wrong with me?

Leering after a woman wasn’t Carmen’s style, so why was she finding it so hard to tear her eyes away from Molly, a woman she didn’t know?

“Want a beer?” Molly’s sudden proximity to Carmen’s ear made her jump.

“Shit,” Carmen exhaled, her heart rocketing inside her chest.

“Sorry,” Molly giggled. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“No, it’s all good. I spaced out and didn’t hear you approach.” Didn’t hear you approach? What is she, a fucking animal? Christ, Carmen, get your shit together.

“So, beer?” Molly wiggled the cold beer bottle she was holding.

“Sure, that would be great, thanks.”

“Want to sit out back? I’ll leave Bessie and Enid to the front porch. I don’t want to know what kind of trouble those pair are going to get into.”

Carmen chuckled, “Yeah, I’m not sure it’s a good idea we let them become friendly.”

Molly tipped her head towards the kitchen door that led to the backyard. “This way.”

Carmen followed a few paces behind because she couldn’t stop being a creep and Molly’s ass in those shorts was criminal. I need to call Rachel when I get home!

Molly settled down on the grass and looked up at the darkening sky. Carmen mirrored her actions. They fell silent for a few minutes. “Thank you,” Molly began, “for being there, for Faith.”

Carmen glanced over at Molly. “It’s no problem. She’s a great kid.”

“She is,” Molly trailed off. “I can’t believe I never knew about her.”

“Would you have done it differently if you had known?”

“I want to say yes, but honestly, I don’t know. There’s no way I could have ever moved back, not without Alan accepting me. But…”

“But?”

“I would have made sure I was there for her. She must have felt so alone all those years.”

“Faith is a strong girl. Well, young woman. What she went through was pretty terrible, but she coped and she did the right thing by staying as long as she did. Trust me, I wanted to find your brother and rip him a new asshole when I heard how he behaved.”