Wish Upon A Sunset

Molly The Wine-O

Emma

A knock on the front door drew me from my bedroom, where I had changed into a pair of flannel pajama bottoms and a matching shirt. My gray fluffy slippers didn't make a sound as I crossed the living room.

"Who is it?" I called out.

"Room service!" came a comically high-pitched voice from the other side of the door.

Laughing at Molly's antics, I walked over to unlock the doorknob. I had invited her over earlier for a girls' night to gab and catch up. Plus, I needed her advice about Logan.

Playing along, I called back, "Sorry, I didn't order any room service!"

"Complimentary chocolate fountain and unlimited ice cream!" Molly squeaked, barely containing her giggles.

Grinning, I retorted, "In that case, come on in! But I expect top-notch service!"

I opened the door to find Molly making a ridiculous face, eyes crossed and tongue sticking out. "Your wish is my command, madam," she said with an exaggerated bow. "Shall I fluff your pillows or draw you a bubble bath first?"

"Get in here, you goof," I laughed, pulling her into a hug. As I felt her rounded belly press against me, I was relieved again that the hospital scare had been just false labor and that Molly and baby were fine. "And don't forget my mint on the pillow!"

Laughing, she brushed past me, and I shut the door behind her. "Not in my job description." After she set down her purse, removed her shoes and jacket, she made herself at home in no time. "I thought your good neighbor would have handled that for you." Her face scrunched up in disgust.

"What do you mean?" I asked as I wandered into the kitchen. I grabbed a bottle of non-alcoholic wine from the fridge and filled a pair of glasses.

The grimace on Molly's face intensified as I gave her the drink. "What's his name? The lurker in the stairwell?"

"Oh! You mean Arlo?" I sat beside her, folded my legs beneath me, and leaned back against the nauseating green upholstery of my couch.

"Yeah, that guy." Molly wrinkled her nose as she took a sip of the cheap, fake wine I had picked up at the store. She swirled the liquid in her glass, eyeing it suspiciously before setting it down on the coffee table with a soft thud. "Does he ever do anything other than hideout behind the stairs?"

I leaned forward, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "Why? Did something happen on the way up here?"

She shook her head, her earrings catching the light as they swayed. "Just him standing in the dark like a creeper, guarding your tower." Her face grew pensive, one finger tapping against her chin. "Or like the troll under the bridge? Anyway, he was wearing sunglasses again, even though it's overcast outside." She mimicked putting on sunglasses, her movements exaggerated. "He didn't say anything to me, but I could feel him watching me as I passed by and headed up here. And does he own any other clothes?" She plucked at her own shirt for emphasis before picking up her glass of wine.

I nodded in understanding, hugging myself with my free arm. "He totally weirds me out, too. Did I ever tell you about when he asked me to the fair?"

Molly's eyes widened, and she sat up straight, nearly spilling her wine. "No! What do you mean he asked you to the fair?"

I recapped what had happened that day, as well as my quick trip to his living quarters. Molly's expressions were a sight to behold - her eyebrows shot up, her mouth fell open, and she gasped when I mentioned the knife collection.

"Emma!" She grabbed my arm. "That was stupid! You should never have gotten close to his room. Especially by yourself." Her grip tightened, her concern palpable.