Since she had time to prepare for her death, Mrs. DiNatali was very specific in the way she wanted to be laid to rest. She was cremated, for she did not want her children to see her body looking other than it was, and have that burned in their memory. Her favorite poems were read, Jess belted out the song her mother sang to her as a child, and by the end of it, there was not a dry eye in the room.
Molly Luco remained in her seat throughout the entire thing, not standing in line to greet the family. She was technically not breaking her doctor’s orders, since she was sitting in a chair, though she knew Dr. Hamilton’s preference was for her to rest and recuperate in a bed, and not a funeral home. She had a difficult time moving on her own, so after the home was emptied and everything settled with the funeral director, Liam helped her to her feet. Every step she took was jarring, but she kept her face composed as they walked with careful steps to the parking lot.
Liam was a beast of a man, but as soon as he got into the driver’s seat of her green sedan, he broke down and wept. Molly did her best to hold him over the median, but with two broken ribs, she feared she was not offering much comfort. He wept into her shoulder-length hair, not knowing how he survived without her quiet tranquility just three weeks ago.
They had not discussed their future since her brother’s friends attacked her, but their connection could not be denied. As the DiNatali family mourned the loss of their beloved matriarch, they drew a modicum of comfort at watching Molly slowly pull Liam out of his shell of distance.
When Liam finally composed himself enough to drive, Molly spoke up. “You can drop me at the hotel and then go be with your family.”
“No. You go where I go.”
Molly shook her head. “No, Liam. It’s family only. You guys deserve a few hours together without me horning in on your every conversation. Go be with your dad. See what he needs. You’ve already gone above and beyond taking care of me. Now go be with your family.”
Liam wanted to argue, but knew she was right. “Fine, but I’ll only be gone a few hours, okay? I’ll bring you dinner when I come back.”
“We’ve still got takeout in the mini fridge. Stay with your dad. Get to know your sister’s kids. I’ll be fine.” When Liam did not answer, Molly pressed on, reaching out and resting her hand on his knee. “Kyle’s still locked up. We’ll get the conviction. You can’t keep worrying like this.”
“I won’t feel better until the trial happens, and we win.”
“You know that could take months, if not years. Doctor Hamilton’s got all my x-rays, and he’s already sent them to my lawyer. He even said he’d be willing to testify that many of my injuries were from childhood stuff, since all my old injuries match the police report I turned in.”
The lawyer who took her case did the entire thing pro bono, since Molly had interpreted for his clients on numerous occasions, and worked above and beyond to keep his clients calm under pressure. She also agreed to interpret for his next deaf client free of charge.
“But your aunt and uncle. They’ll get away with everything because of the statute of limitations.”
Molly shrugged. “It is what it is. They’re in the Keys still. Even though they know Kyle’s being held until trial, they’re sunbathing in Florida. I’m guessing that’s where they’ll stay. I gotta tell you, that’s fine by me.”
“They should be charged with domestic violence, and you know it. At least no time was wasted getting those restraining orders against Gina.”
“Yeah. Hard to argue when your face is blue.” Molly sniggered. “I designed that ink. It won’t come off for another month, if then.” She took in Liam’s rigid posture and etched frown. “It’s alright, Liam. It’s over. We won.”
Liam gripped the steering wheel. “You’re right. I know you’re right. I’m just all turned around right now. It’s been a day.”
“Understandable.”
“Kyle isn’t the only one who attacked you, you know. Gina and all them sent you to the hospital. Don’t open the door for anyone but me.”
Molly was quiet for a moment. “But what if the lottery I’ve never bought a ticket for sends someone over to tell me I’ve won thirty million dollars?”
Liam’s hard expression thawed a little. “Fine. But don’t open it for a penny less.”
“Deal.”
He parked the car and helped Molly up to the room, babying her to the point of stalling. “I’m just waiting until they bring you more towels.”
“Liar,” she chided him. “You’re afraid to face the whole thing. Rip off the Band-Aid, sweetheart. It’ll be good for you.”
“You know? I’ve always hated that saying. I’ve seen bandages ripped off prematurely, and they just gush blood everywhere.” He sat on the edge of the bed next to her, frowning when she pushed him off.
“You can’t use me as an excuse to hide from this. I won’t let you. I’ve got a restraining order on Gina, and you even gave photos of Gina, Kitty and Steph to the concierge so they can’t get past the front desk. The door’s double locked, and I promise to be a boring shut-in until you get back.” She kicked her good leg at him. “Now, go. There’s a show coming on that I need to see. Like, really need to see, and you would hate it. It’s all kinds of Dawson’s Creek-OC-Kardashian girliness.”
“You’re just trying to make me feel better about leaving you, and I gotta say, that’s not going to happen.”
Molly waved off his concern. “Go spend time getting to know Warren. He needs you to like him, so really make an effort this time. And Nate didn’t crack one inappropriate joke all day. That’s gotta be painful for him. And Jess needs you. Go. Send my love.”
He leaned over the bed and kissed her, knowing he would miss the home he found in her. He despised any amount of distance that came between them, and knew he’d been a little overbearing since she’d come home from the ER.
When Liam finally left, Molly bolted the door shut, just in case. She flipped on her laptop and went to the freelance online site for interpreters she was contracted through. She looked at the list and found a Skyping appointment that was available, so she signed up for it and sat up, trying to make herself look as professional as possible. She translated for four hours straight, trying to make up some of the time she lost by being injured and then helping out Liam’s family as his mother passed. There was no way she would be able to afford more than one solar panel at this rate, which was nowhere near what she needed for her master plan. The money she had in the trust fund was life insurance money from her parents when they passed over two decades ago. That would cover the orange grove she had her heart set on, but nothing more.
Her savings was dwindling. Her plan of constructing a massive solar grid was beyond reach at this point. She was not sure what she was going to do once Liam left at the end of the week. His bereavement time was up, and he was dipping into his vacation days now. He would leave, and she would need a place to live.
Staying at her parents’ place was certainly an option, but not one she would consider. The auction for the orange grove was in two weeks, so she just had to find a place to live until the paperwork was signed and she was given the all-clear to move in. She scheduled a walk-through of the property with her realtor for the following morning.
After her Skype appointments were finished, she looked at the realtor’s website at the many photographs of the run-down, yet still promising property. Dreams of her independence distracted her from the gnawing ache that came when she thought of Liam leaving in two days.