“He doesn’t matter,” Penelope said, her lips drawing into a thin line.
“He left you, didn’t he?” I asked.
She shrugged. “I was going to break it off with him, anyway. I’d already realized that I had made a mistake. He was not you. I don’t even know why I went with him. I was just lonely. You were never here for me. Maybe I just wanted to show you that other men wanted me even if you didn’t.”
She was easy to read. Her pride had been wounded and because of that, she had come back. But maybe that experience had taught her to put her daughter first. The only part I didn’t like was the way she was trying to imply she still had feelings for me. “If I agree to this Penelope, you’re going to have to follow my rules.”
Her face lit up. “Yes, of course! You’re Molly’s dad and I’ll do exactly what you say.”
“You can only see her in this house to start with. If I see that you are a positive influence you can start to take her out of the house for little trips to the park or for a meal,” I told her.
She agreed eagerly. “Yes, I agree. That sounds absolutely fair. I always knew you were fair and—”
I held up my hand. “I have more rules for you. I don’t want to upset Molly anymore, so you’re not to tell her that you left her for a man.”
A horrified look came over her features. “What do you take me for? I wouldn’t do that. I’ll tell her that I left for work.”
I let out a humorless bark of a laugh. Work indeed. “If I see one hint that your presence is affecting her negatively, that will be the last time you see her.”
“Yes, I understand.” Penelope nodded eagerly.
“Where are you staying?” I asked her.
“In town. I’ve taken a room at the Sheraton hotel.”
Of course, she was. Penelope loved to spend money. She was staying in the most expensive hotel in town at my expense. But no matter. If she could bring even a little happiness to Molly, it would be worth it.
I’d gladly pay double what I already was if she could make my daughter happier.
She made a praying gesture with her hands and adopted a sickly-sweet voice as she spoke, “I can see you’ve probably had a long day and you’re tired, but before I go… is it okay if I see Molly one more time. If she’s already asleep, I won’t even disturb her. I just want to see her face again. She’s so big and beautiful.”
Once I had believed Penelope was this sweet. Not anymore, I knew this sickly-sweet facade was what she used when she wanted something she knew you didn’t want to give her. I almost refused, but then thought better of it. What harm would it do when I’d already agreed to allow her to see Molly? “Sure,” I said curtly.
“Thank you,” she murmured and was careful not to look too victorious.
We climbed up the stairs to the playroom.
Molly was actually awake and she and Ella were on the floor playing with dolls. They looked up when we entered.
Ella scrambled to her feet and excused herself.
I longed to pull her into my arms for a quick hug, but I didn’t want any questions from Penelope.
Penelope joined Molly on the floor and sat smiling at her.
Molly stared back at her mother, but didn’t make any moves towards her.
Penelope leaned forward and kissed Molly’s cheek.
Still, Molly did not react. She had retreated back into her shell. I started to frown. Had I made a mistake in letting Penelope speak to her? Was all the progress Ella and I had made going to be lost?
“It’s late so I’m going now,” Penelope said softly. “But I’ll be back tomorrow and the next day and the next. I’m not going anywhere, Molly. I promise, I’m going to be here for you from now on.”
She was good… I had to give her that. She spoke softly to Molly and with just a few sentences, she had conveyed to Molly what her intentions were.
She stood up. “Goodnight, Molly. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Molly peered up and gave Penelope a tiny smile.
“I’ll walk you to the door,” I told Penelope and led her out of the room.
A myriad of emotions came over me. I felt glad Molly seemed happy to see her mom, but I was worried sick as well. What would happen if Penelope left again? How would Molly survive a second loss? I closed the door firmly behind us.
“I can’t tell you how happy I am to see her,” Penelope said.
I stared at her grim faced until she stopped smiling. “What happens when you decide to leave again, Penelope? Molly can’t handle having her heart broken again.”
Penelope dropped her head. “I deserve that, and I’m sorry. People change, Luke. I was immature and selfish and all I could think about was myself and my own happiness. I’m not going to hurt her again. I promise.”
I was desperate to believe her, but I really didn’t have much choice. “If you break your word, I promise you’ll never see Molly again.”
“You’ll never have to worry about me breaking my word. Just give me another chance and you’ll see how much I’ve changed.”
After seeing her off, I went to the kitchen. I desperately needed a strong cup of coffee. I found a cup, put it under the machine, and waited.
Not too long ago, I wouldn’t have given Penelope the time of day. I would have immediately escorted her out of the house and as for seeing Molly, that wouldn’t have happened, but over the last few weeks, I had changed. The anger and bitterness I had held close to my heart had melted away.
Ella was the reason. She had softened my heart and taught me that there were good women in the world. Every woman
