Eyes Wide Shut

Chapter 19

            We open the front door and are suddenly enveloped in hugs and squeals.

            “It’s about time!” Rochelle yells.

            “Close the door! Close the door!” Mollie commanded.

            Peter, the only one not in the group hug, quickly turned around to slam the door, but the paparazzi probably already got the shot they wanted. It was beyond obnoxious to always consider our actions outside the house because of our fear of what the cameras would catch. But it came with the job and we had to keep reminding ourselves of that.

            All of the girls continue to hold Mollie and I, like they haven’t seen us in years. All I can do is hug them back. It was incredible to see them again. We decided it was about time we invited them over to let them know she was okay. And thank god for that. The girls were family and not having seen them in two weeks felt like a year. Vanessa digs her head into my shoulder, shaking against me with her feet puttering against the floor.

            “I’ve been so worried,” Una announces as we pull apart from our hug.

            “I’m okay. I promise…Hi, Peter,” Mollie says as Peter gives her a hug.

            He then makes his way over to me to give me a hug as well. He gave me a certain look, almost as if he was saying, “You should have called me but, I’m glad she’s okay.”

            “Frankie! You have hickies all over you!” Vanessa exclaimed in a joking manner.

            “Oooooo, Frankieee,” Rochelle joins in.

            I join in with everyone as they laugh and catch a quick glance at Mollie who is trying to hide the big grin on her face and keep from completely losing it, knowing that she is responsible. I shrug it off like it’s whatever, worried I might give something away by saying anything.

            “Tea anyone?” Una suggested as she led the way to the living room.

            I feel a slight touch of a hand on the small of my back and I instantly knew she was there. Her touch calmed me. Even though it was our idea to have them over, I was still paranoid that one of us was going to let things slip, considering it had only been a little over a day since I came home.

            “Come on girls. Let’s talk,” Peter directs at us as the group continues to plop themselves on the couches.

            “You okay?” She whispers to me as we walk into the room.

            I nod and find myself a spot on the couch and she follows, sitting right next to me. After grabbing the kettle and a few cups, Una joins us and sits on the other side of Mollie.

            “So I think we should push back the single release,” Peter announces as soon as we’re all settled.

            “What!” Mollie responds as her body snaps to a forward leaning position, glaring at Peter.

            I instinctively grab Mollie’s hand and she slowly sinks herself back to her original position on the couch. She gives me a momentary squeeze as a thank you, but I could tell she was riled up.

            “Just until May. We need to make sure you’re ready to go before we start -”

            “I told you. I’m fine,” She snaps.