She nodded, already responding. Molly had a way of resetting her just when she needed it. She had to admit, it was beyond hospitable for the theater to offer a complimentary screening of the documentary for the citizens of Applewood.

A quick glance at the screen told her that the film had less than five minutes remaining. She could do this, she decided. In fact, the ending was her favorite part.

She settled back in her seat as the film cut to the final interview with George and Bobby. This was the denouement, the film’s wrap-up section that tied everything up into a nice neat little bow. Not all films had the luxury of such an ending. She was glad this one did.

She’d shot the interview on their front porch, loving the texture the railing offered. Quaint. Very much in contrast to George’s big city sophistication they’d established earlier in the film, which made it all the more perfect.

“You never know what life has in store for you,” George told the camera before sneaking a look at Bobby, next to him. “Two years ago, if you told me I’d be living in a town like this one and enjoying every minute of it, I would have laughed in your face. But love has a way of changing things. I even wear less black now.”

Bobby chimed in. “It’s true. The love thing, I mean. He still wears a ton of black. When I think about my life just over a year ago, I’m amazed at the contrast. I was a closeted bartender who came home to the television and my Basset hound each night. I thought that was it for me. But my life was forever altered by a pretentious socialite from the big city.”

George’s mouth fell open. “Hey!”

“It’s true, baby. Highly pretentious.”

The audience laughed right on cue as the shot cross-faded to a largely pregnant Eden applying frosting to a batch of cupcakes at Flour Child. “I flat-out hated the guy. I’m not even going to lie about that. He got my fur up. Now, I’m having his baby and more excited than I’ve ever been in my tiny little life. We’re decorating the nursery tonight. In pink.”

The camera panned to Damon who stood across the prep table from Eden grinning at her like she’d hung the moon. He looked over at the camera, the tears visible in his eyes. “I still can’t believe I’m about to have a family.” He swiped at his face sheepishly as Eden came around the table and put her arms around him.

The screen went black and faded up on Molly’s face. She looked past the camera as if lost in thought before finally settling her gaze just next to the lens. “You can’t choose who you fall in love with. I used to think you could. But sometimes your heart overrules your head. And you know something? I think it knows what’s best for you. Falling in love with Jordan was the most terrifying and worthwhile thing I’ve ever done. Trust me, I fought it. Our situation wasn’t ideal, but then really whose is? Love takes work. But this”—she gestured with her head to the blue Beetle that pulled into the driveway—“this feeling I get when I see that she’s home at the end of the day is pretty much the best thing ever. And while I’d love to talk to you about it some more, I’d much rather go kiss the woman in that car. So if you’ll excuse me.”

Soft guitar music strummed under the image of Molly pulling Jordan into her arms in the driveway, Eden and Damon hanging a mobile above a crib, and George and Bobby toasting over dinner. The film’s title, How Sweet It Is , faded into the frame as the camera pulled back to slowly reveal Main Street, the center of Applewood.

The theater broke into massive applause, and a few folks even dabbed at their eyes. It was a more emotional response than a typical audience, and of course, Jordan understood why.

“They loved it,” Molly whispered in her ear as the applause continued. “And you were right. Love in unexpected places was a better subject for your first project. It was absolute perfection.”

“You should listen to me more often.”

Molly grinned. “I will listen to you from here to eternity.”

“Oh, good, ’cause I have a lot to say. Now kiss me so we can celebrate properly.” And as the credits scrolled in beautiful white letters, they did just that. Finally, the words, The End , faded up languidly across the screen.

Jordan and Molly turned and looked, knowing that for them, it was anything but.

About the Author

Melissa Brayden is currently pursuing her MFA in directing in San Antonio, Texas. Recently, she’s fallen down the rabbit hole and rediscovered her love of creative writing. She is a three-time Goldie Award winner for her books Waiting in the Wings and Heart Block .

Melissa is married and working really hard at remembering to do the dishes. For personal enjoyment, she spends time with her Jack Russell terriers and checks out the NYC theater scene several times a year. She considers herself a reluctant patron of the treadmill, but enjoys hitting a tennis ball around in nice weather. Coffee is her very best friend. www.melissabrayden.com

What Reviewers Say About Melissa Brayden’s Work

About Waiting In the Wings

“This was an engaging book with believable characters and story development. It’s always a pleasure to read a book set in a world like theater/film that gets it right…a thoroughly enjoyable read.”— Lez Books

“This is Brayden’s first novel, but we wouldn’t notice if she hadn’t told us. The book is well put together and more complex than most authors’ second or third books. The characters have chemistry; you want them to get together in the end. The book is light, frothy, and fun to read. And the sex is hot without being too explicit—not an easy trick to pull off.”—Liberty Press

About Heart Block

“The story is enchanting, with conflicts and issues to be overcome that will keep the reader turning pages. The relationship between Sarah and Emory is achingly beautiful and skillfully portrayed. As each woman goes through her own set of difficulties, the story advances to its final conclusion. This second offering by Melissa Brayden is a perfect package of love—and life to be lived to the fullest. So grab a beverage and snuggle up in a comfy throw to read this classic story of overcoming obstacles and finding enduring love.”— Lamda Literary Review

“Although this book doesn’t beat you over the head with wit, the interactions are almost always humorous, making both characters really quite loveable. Overall a very enjoyable read.”— C-Spot Reviews

Other Melissa Brayden Titles Available Via Amazon

Books Available from Bold Strokes Books