"I can't be held responsible for that fight," she said in a subdued voice. "I was messed up and thought you were someone else."
Blinking tears, she collapsed. Her head in her hands, she wept uncontrollably. Molly enfolded her in comforting arms, gesturing to the men to leave. The rest of the people in the kitchen ignored them, going about their business. They knew they would find out eventually. Right now, it wasn't their business, and they awarded the privacy they would want for their own grief. Each of them had been there at least once, especially early on. Molly would take care of it.
Raleigh drew Sam aside, asking for help with some boxes that needed to go to the pantry. He led him to the stack by the back door. The huge walk-in pantry was roughly the size of Seattle. Each shelf was clearly labeled, making it pretty idiot proof. Posters every few feet reminded everyone to rotate the stock, putting the new behind the old. Raleigh and Sam brought in all the boxes, then set to work filling the shelves.
"So, you said you'd explain your girl's prickly nature."
"Molly said we could tell you anything in confidence."
"Dude, this whole place is about honesty and confidences. If you don't want me to tell, I don't."
"You can tell Molly, if Emma doesn't. It's her dad. He's a pervert, and he's been forcing her—ever since she was ten."
"To have sex, you mean?"
"Yeah. It's hard to say it. But yes, he's been doing that for eight years."
"Let me guess, he's a fine, upstanding citizen, whose reputation is impeccable. The state pulls her out and puts her back like a yo-yo?"
"Right on the money."
"Not the first case I've seen. You're a brave man to stand by her so long. Most guys give up."
"Emma's my other half, Raleigh. Crazy and soppy as that sounds, it's true."
"You've been watching too many chick flicks." Raleigh chuckled, making light of it, to save him embarrassment.
"You don't know the half of it. Emma loves them and makes me sit through a marathon from time to time. It's guy hell. I can tell you the storyline to The Notebook, The Piano, Sleepless in Seattle...."
"Hey, don't dis Sleepless. I happen to love that movie."
"Okay, I'll give you that and Pretty Woman, but please don't make me sit through What Dreams May Come again—ever. That's the most depressing movie I've ever seen. I'm a guy, and I sat there crying like a girl the entire time."
"That's a long damn movie to cry through."
"Soggy popcorn and warm beer.... Torture."
"Dude, nuf sed." He shuddered, laughing.
They worked until all the food was put away. The boxes were stacked by the back door once more. Dusting his hands on his jeans, Sam looked around for Emma. He spotted her with Molly, as they walked around the kitchen. Her hair was in a bun, pulled away from her face like Molly's. She was puffy around the eyes and her nose was red, but she was smiling. Molly had her arm linked through Emma's, guiding her around, introducing her to the others. Sam stood watching, a smile playing at his lips. She looked so happy. He hadn't seen her this at peace for so long, he had trouble remembering. Definitely not since she was a little girl. One of the guys said something and Emma laughed, nearly collapsing.
"Must have been pretty damn funny," Sam mumbled.
"Probably was. Tim's done standup. He's got a hell of a delivery. He's sharp."
Raleigh glanced from Sam to Tim. He could sense the young man next to him stiffen. Tim was doing silly magic tricks, pulling a guitar pick from Emma's ear. He was now juggling eggs, but Molly put an end to that, forcing him back to work.
"It's okay, Sam. Tim won't step on your action. He sees a girl who needs a good laugh, that's all. Lighten up, man. He's not like that."
©2020 Dellani Oakes
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