Mollie McQueen is NOT Getting Divorced Page 10

  Rolling onto his side, Max stuffed a pillow behind his head as the camp bed squeaked loudly beneath his weight.

  ‘Well, the football is due to kick-off in half an hour.’ He said smugly, much to Mollie’s dismay. ‘I have a curry arriving shortly and beers chilling in the fridge.’

  ‘You have to be kidding me?’ She cried, resting her hands on her hips. ‘That’s how you spend every night!’

  ‘Hey, this is my date, Mollie. You don’t get to judge me.’

  Snapping her bag closed with a bang, Mollie slipped it under her arm and reached for the door handle.

  ‘Fine.’ She said abruptly. ‘Don’t forget to put the dishes in the dishwasher once you’re finished.’

  ‘Oh, I will do.’ He yelled, racing after her as she ran down the stairs. ‘Don’t complain about those shoes hurting your feet, because I won’t be there to carry them!’

  Responding by flipping him the bird, Mollie opened the front door and smiled when she discovered the takeout delivery guy on their doorstep.

  ‘Delivery for McQueen?’ He said cheerfully, holding out a greasy carrier bag. ‘We give you extra bhajis…’

  Chapter 17

  Ginchiest is a retro bar frequented by hipsters and people desperate to claw back a taste of the fifties. It is also a bar Mollie had been longing to visit since it opened its doors over a year ago. With a monochrome floor and original red booths, it couldn’t be more up Mollie’s street if it tried. She and Max had walked past Ginchiest on many occasions, but due to the fact they didn’t serve beer, have an extensive vegetarian menu or show the football, they always gave it a wide berth.

  Reminding herself this was her date and nothing to do with the husband who was currently devouring mushroom pakoras in front of the television, Mollie attempted to shake all thoughts of Max from her mind. The delicious twinges that teased of an evening filled with lust, fun and excitement were in full force, and she couldn’t be happier to welcome them back into her world. For so long, Mollie’s life had revolved around her chaotic career and a Pot Noodle for dinner. Venturing out of the house with the sole purpose of enjoying herself had become so alien to her.

  Max was right about one thing. Mollie had neglected her social life. In her quest for a successful career, she had neglected pretty much everything and everyone else. She couldn’t remember the last time she treated herself to a facial or met her mum for a browse around the shops. If it didn’t involve Payne and Carter, marketing campaigns or spreadsheets, Mollie McQueen simply didn’t prioritise it. Her grandmother once warned her not to fall into the trap of being too busy, because no one is ever too busy. It all comes down to just how important something really is to you.

  Taking a sip from her glass, Mollie reached for the cocktail menu and felt her lips spring into a smile. Having the freedom to choose which drink she desired without Max rushing her into making a decision was half the fun of drinking it.

  Despite the aim of the evening being for Mollie to spend time in her own company, she couldn’t help but wonder how her date would have differed if Maximilian was there. They would have argued a lot, that’s for sure. Firstly over the choice of venue, and then about her inability to order a drink within five seconds of being seated. The chorizo-stuffed olives she was about to devour would almost certainly cause an argument all of their own…

  ‘Thank you.’ Mollie said to the waiter, smiling as he placed the olives on the table in front of her. ‘May I order another strawberry and black pepper G&T, please?’

  ‘Sure.’ The waiter replied, pointing at the cutlery opposite Mollie. ‘Will anyone be joining you, or should I take these away?’

  ‘It’s just me.’ Mollie said easily. ‘Me, myself and I.’

  ‘Okay…’ A flicker of surprise crossed the waiter’s face as he dropped the unused cutlery into his apron pocket. ‘Enjoy.’

  Watching him walk away, Mollie jabbed an olive with a toothpick and popped it into her mouth. Was it really so hard to believe she would be drinking alone? In a bar filled with chattering groups and loved-up couples she did appear to be the odd one out, but that was the whole point of this process. Evangelina had instructed her to spend time by herself in order to discover just who Mollie McQueen really was.

  So far, Mollie had to admit her date was going rather well. She arrived on time, she had enjoyed one, going on two, delicious cocktails and she would shortly be moving along to the steakhouse of her dreams. The mere idea of sinking her teeth into a juicy piece of meat made her mouth hungry with desire, resulting in Mollie counting down the minutes until her reservation. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder and where Mollie’s relationship with steak was concerned, that couldn’t be more true.

  In an attempt to forget about her upcoming dinner for a while, Mollie took a notepad from her handbag and drew two columns as ordered by Evangelina. She was quite insistent on the need for Mollie to make notes during her date, and in spite of her reservations about Evangelina’s practices, this was one task she wanted to give her all. Tapping her pen against the page, Mollie asked herself how she felt in that very moment. Happy. Content. Independent. Scribbling these down on the paper, she quickly closed the notepad when a different waiter returned with her drink.

  ‘One strawberry and black pepper G&T.’

  Thanking the waiter, Mollie dropped the pad back into her bag and squinted at her watch. She left the house an hour and a half ago, which meant Max would now be in his usual post-curry coma. Mollie pictured him sprawled out on their sofa, beer bottle in hand and empty foil trays scattered around him. A scowl appeared on Mollie’s face and she cursed under her breath. Even when he wasn’t around, Maximilian still managed to get on her nerves. In a way that no one else could, Max had a unique ability to press Mollie’s buttons and Mollie resented him for it.

  As she tormented herself over the many ways in which Max annoyed her, a group of women on an adjacent table laughed loudly, effectively popping her thought bubble. Listening to their excited chatter, Mollie realised just how much she had missed spending time with her girlfriends.

  ‘It’s so good to be out of the house!’ One of them squealed, fanning herself with a cocktail menu. ‘I love my kids. I really, really do, but there are times when I think… If I see one more piece of Lego, I am going to lose my damn mind. Do you know what I am saying?’

  ‘I hear you.’ Her blonde friend replied. ‘I have the exact same thing with the toilet seat. Just the sight of a left-up toilet seat makes me want to scream out loud. Can anyone explain to me why my husband can lift the seat without a problem, but finds it totally impossible to put it back down again?’

  Grinning into her G&T, Mollie resisted the urge to jump in on their conversation. She could see their Lego and toilet seat debacles and raise them a year of celibacy and dreams of an edible toilet paper enterprise. The last one she couldn’t bring herself to say out loud.

  ‘Honestly, girls, this is the only thing that keeps me sane.’ The blonde lady gushed. ‘Without nights like these, it’s safe to say Jeremy and I would have divorced a long time ago.’

  ‘Wouldn’t we all?’ The brunette added, causing the other two to erupt into hysterics. ‘Here’s to not getting divorced!’

  Quickly finishing her drink, Mollie dropped a few notes on the table and grabbed her jacket. Their laughter followed her through the bustling restaurant as Mollie stepped outside and began the short walk over to the steakhouse. She would have liked a few more minutes to appreciate her cocktail, but the talk of divorce from her neighbouring table was killing the vibe ever so slightly.

  Enjoying the sensation of the evening breeze against her face, Mollie slowed down her pace and savoured the moment as she approached the Brazilian restaurant. Taking yourself out on a date isn’t exactly common practice, but unbelievably, Mollie was feeling giddier than if she was on a proper date. She was high on adrenaline and buzzing with anticipation for what the evening ahead would bring.

  Pushing her way into the steakhouse,
Mollie tucked her bag under her arm and joined the lively line of people who were waiting to be seated. Unlike Ginchiest, the steakhouse was dimly-lit and occupied by dozens of beautiful couples sipping fine wine. The delicious aromas that were floating out of the kitchen made Mollie’s mouth water as she stepped forwards in the line. Finally, she was going to sink her teeth into some steak. Some juicy, tender, satisfying…

  ‘Mollie?’

  Spinning around, Mollie smiled and raised her hand in acknowledgement.

  ‘Jasper!’ She said in surprise. ‘Hi…’

  ‘How are you?’ Her brother-in-law asked, squeezing her tightly. ‘You look lovely. Special occasion?’

  ‘Thank you.’ Blood rushed to Mollie’s face as she smoothed down her dress and shrugged. ‘I’m just having dinner.’

  Nodding back at her, Jasper picked up his briefcase as the line of people shuffled forwards.

  ‘Where is he then?’ He asked, looking around the restaurant in search of his brother. ‘He’s not running late, is he? He’d be late for his own bloody funeral.’

  Jasper laughed playfully and Mollie made an effort to join in, but sensing he obviously didn’t know about her split from Max made her anxious.

  ‘So, is he on his way?’ Jasper asked, slipping his hands into the pockets of his pristine suit.

  ‘Actually, Max isn’t coming.’ Mollie replied cautiously. ‘I’m having dinner alone tonight.’

  ‘Oh.’ Giving her the same look the waiter gave her earlier, Jasper nodded uncertainly. ‘I’m here for a meeting with one of the investors from Hartman’s. I’m a little early, but they should be here shortly…’

  His words trailed off when his phone pinged from his pocket. Retrieving the handset as Mollie gave her name to the waiter, Jasper let out a groan.

  ‘I think I’ve had a wasted trip. It seems they’re not coming at all.’ He mumbled, quickly tapping out a response. ‘Unless… you want some company?’

  ‘Table for two?’ The waiter asked, obviously eavesdropping on their conversation.

  ‘That would be great.’ Jasper said gratefully. ‘I’m absolutely starving.’

  Groaning under her breath, Mollie followed Jasper and the waiter through the maze of tables before taking a seat next to the window. Jasper and Mollie had always had a great relationship, but tonight, she was a little disappointed to see him. Mainly because he had unknowingly interrupted her date, but also because she now had to tell him about her split from Max.

  Looking at Jasper from behind her menu, Mollie mentally compared him to her husband. Visually, nobody could deny they were brothers. The sandy hair, the grey eyes and strong jaw gave that away immediately, but their personalities couldn’t be more different. Whereas Max was easy-going, happy-go-lucky and bloody bone idle, Jasper was driven, ambitious and thrived on his glittering career in the finance industry.

  ‘So, how is Max?’ Jasper asked, loosening his tie. ‘I haven’t heard from him in weeks.’

  ‘He’s fine.’ Mollie lied, avoiding eye contact. ‘Everything is just fine.’

  ‘Are you sure?’ A look of concern flashed across Jasper’s face as he narrowed his eyes at her.

  ‘Yes.’ Mollie said tentatively, attempting to work out what he knew. ‘Why do you ask?’

  Running his fingers through his hair, Jasper frowned and took a deep breath.

  ‘Excuse me if I’m speaking out of turn here, but I had breakfast with my parents yesterday and they happened to mention that you guys were having some problems?’

  A wave of relief washed over Mollie at realising she didn’t have to explain everything to her brother-in-law.

  ‘It’s true.’ She admitted. ‘Max and I are having some problems. We’ve been attending therapy.’

  ‘Wow.’ Jasper replied, his eyes wide with shock. ‘How are you finding it?’

  ‘It’s different, that’s for sure, but Evangelina Hamilton is the best in the business. We just have to trust her processes.’ Mollie said, enjoying being able to speak with someone about her marital struggles. ‘Between you and me, I’m completing a task set by her right now.’

  ‘You are?’ Jasper whispered. ‘Do you want me to move to another table?’

  ‘It’s fine. To be truthful, it’s nice to have some company.’

  Staring at Mollie with an expression she couldn’t quite read, Jasper fidgeted with his cufflinks.

  ‘I apologise if I sound a little ignorant, but I’ve never heard of this before.’ Jasper mused. ‘It’s just so bizarre.’

  ‘It’s not that uncommon.’ Mollie replied, moving her napkin away from the flickering candle. ‘I never thought we would have to resort to this, but here we are. Therapy is the last hope for us.’

  ‘Max is doing this too?’ He said in disbelief. ‘Max? Seriously?’

  ‘Oh, he has to do it. It’s his fault we need therapy in the first place.’ Mollie complained, studying her menu. ‘We should have sought counselling way before now. It might have prevented things from getting so out of hand.’

  ‘I just can’t believe I haven’t known about this.’ Blinking repeatedly, Jasper rubbed his temples. ‘Surely there were signs?’

  ‘I can’t speak for Max, but I tried to hide it as much as I could.’ Mollie confessed. ‘At first, the idea of anyone knowing we were struggling was kind of embarrassing.’

  ‘Mollie, you don’t need to be embarrassed by this.’ Jasper said reassuringly. ‘It might be a little out-there, but who am I to judge?’

  Relieved that Jasper wasn’t giving her a hard time like Margot did, Mollie smiled back at him as the waiter came to a stop at their table.

  ‘Here are our specials.’ The chirpy waiter smiled and handed over two chalkboards. ‘The dish of the day is fire-roasted duck with redcurrant jelly.’

  Smiling in response, Mollie frowned when she noticed Jasper staring at the waiter in horror.

  ‘Is everything okay?’ She whispered, watching him wipe his brow with a napkin. ‘You look a little pale.’

  ‘I’m okay.’ Jasper stammered. ‘It’s you that I’m concerned about.’

  ‘Why?’

  Holding up his menu to shield their conversation from the waiter, Jasper lowered his voice to a whisper.

  ‘The special.’ He hissed. ‘Is that going to be a trigger for you?’

  ‘Trigger?’ Mollie repeated. ‘Jasper, what the hell are you talking about?’

  ‘You know…’

  ‘No, I really don’t.’

  ‘I’m talking about the anatidaephobia!’

  Mollie stared at Jasper as though he had lost his mind and shrugged her shoulders, still none the wiser.

  ‘Anatidaephobia?’ He said more slowly, lowering his menu. ‘That’s the reason you’re in therapy, right?’

  ‘Anatidae-what-now?’

  A knowing look crept onto Jasper’s face as he turned to face the waiter.

  ‘Could you give us a few moments, please?’

  Tactfully waiting until they were alone, Jasper shuffled his seat closer to Mollie’s.

  ‘Mum told me you were in therapy because you have anatidaephobia.’ He said seriously. ‘But from the way you are looking at me, I’m going to take a stab in the dark and say that isn’t correct.’

  ‘Jasper, I don’t even know what anatidaephobia means.’ Mollie said exasperatedly.

  Looking over his shoulder to ensure no one was listening, Jasper cupped his hand around his mouth.

  ‘Anatidaephobia is a fear that somewhere in the world, a duck is watching you.’

  Desperately trying not to laugh, Mollie covered her mouth with her napkin.

  ‘Tiff told you I was afraid of ducks?’ She replied, struggling to maintain her composure.

  ‘She said you both were!’ He replied seriously. ‘Hence the therapy!’

  Despite her attempts to stop it, a laugh tumbled out of Mollie’s mouth.

  ‘Jasper!’ She giggled, hitting his arm playfully. ‘We don’t have anatidaephobia!’

  ‘You
don’t?’

  ‘No!’ She yelled. ‘We’re in therapy because I want us to separate! No ducks, no geese, no bloody birds at all.’

  Jasper stared at Mollie for what seemed like forever before moving his chair back around the table.

  ‘I have to be honest with you, Mollie.’ He sighed, a disappointed tone to his voice. ‘I preferred it when I thought you had the duck thing. Where has this come from?’

  Not wanting to go over things once again, Mollie simply shrugged her shoulders.

  ‘It’s just not working out.’ She said frankly. ‘We’re trying counselling and if it works, great. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t.’

  ‘Okay…’ He said slowly, visibly struggling to process the bombshell Mollie had just dropped on him. ‘I’m sure you can appreciate this is a little out of the blue.’

  ‘Is it really though, Jasper?’ Mollie replied. ‘You and I both know Max is difficult to be with. Let’s not beat around the bush here…’

  ‘Don’t do this, Mollie.’ Jasper groaned. ‘If you leave him, he is going to lose the only good thing he has going for him. Besides, you’re part of the furniture. You’re a McQueen. You’re one of us.’

  ‘Jasper…’

  ‘Can we get some drinks, please?’ Jasper asked a passing waitress. ‘We’ll take a bottle of the Argentinian Malbec.’

  ‘This isn’t something that’s happened overnight.’ Mollie explained, watching the waitress disappear to the bar. ‘I completely understand this has come as a shock, but whatever you have to say, I have already heard it ten times over from everyone else.’

  ‘But you two are so good together. Yes, you’re different, but opposite attracts, don’t they?’ He said encouragingly. ‘You bounce off one another. His unflappable nature balances out your high-maintenance personality.’

  Mollie raised an eyebrow and Jasper quickly backtracked.

  ‘Sorry, that came out wrong. I meant highly strung.’

  Folding her arms, Mollie gave him another accusatory glare.

  ‘I mean…’