Not Pretending Anymore by Ward, Penelope (big ebook reader .TXT) 📕

Inside, the quiet space was a peaceful escape from the noise of the city. Surrounded by beautiful stained glass, I breathed in the soothing atmosphere.

“Are you Molly?” someone asked.

I turned to find a guy who looked about my age, dressed in Spandex and a hoodie. He must have been a bike messenger.

“Yes?”

“This is for you.” He smiled, handing me an envelope. “But before you open it, sit for a while in the cathedral. Take a moment to quiet your thoughts and reflect with gratitude.” He nodded and slipped away.

“Thank you. I will,” I said, though he was already halfway out the door.

As I sat in the near-empty church, I looked over at an old woman in one of the front pews. I wondered what she might have been thinking about, whom she might have lost. I reflected on how fortunate I was. Even though I’d lost my dad too soon, I had a man in my life who loved me as much as my father had.

After several minutes of silent prayer, I stood up, feeling refreshed. Before I left, I lit a candle.

Back outside, I was met once again by the noise of the city. I opened the envelope.

Because you’ll always be a daddy’s girl. Think pink.

My eyes flitted back and forth as I processed that. Think pink.

The pink room in my dad’s house! It had to be.

As I got back into my car, my heart beat faster in anticipation.

Once I got to Lincoln Park, the previously sunny weather turned drizzly as I made my way up the steps of my dad’s house. The front door opened before I even had a chance to knock. It seemed Kayla was waiting for me.

“Hey, Molly.” She smiled, looking utterly amused.

“So you’re in on this little game, huh?”

She moved aside to allow me to enter. “The envelope is waiting for you on the bed in the pink room, but before you open it, there’s a little surprise.”

“Is Siobhan home?” I asked as I headed up the stairs.

“No. Your sister is at ballet.”

“Oh. I’m sorry I missed her.”

I spotted the white envelope on the bed and chills ran through me.

“So, before he died…” Kayla said, “your father left something else for you, in addition to the cards he wrote. Last weekend at dinner, I asked Declan’s advice as to when I should give it to you, and he suggested today.”

She walked over to the desk and handed me a small, pink-velour pillow. “Squeeze it,” she said.

When I did, I heard my father’s voice. “Love you, my sweet Molly.”

I hugged it tightly as tears filled my eyes.

I squeezed it again. “Love you, my sweet Molly.”

His voice sounded frail. He must have recorded it toward the end of his life.

I turned to her. “Oh my God. When did he do this?”

“I’m not sure exactly, but he left it in the box of stuff he gave me that was designated for you.”

Wiping my eyes, I squeezed it a few more times, cherishing the sound of my dad’s voice.

“I thought receiving that birthday card was amazing, but nothing beats getting to hear his voice again.”

“I know he wanted to do a lot more toward the end—wanted to make an entire series of videos for you and your sisters—but he was just too weak and ultimately didn’t want to be remembered that way.”

“Can I take this home?”

“Of course you can. It’s yours!”

I hugged her. “Thank you, Kayla. I have no idea what’s coming next on this scavenger hunt, but I am certain nothing can beat this.”

“Declan loves you so much. You got yourself a good man there.”

“Tell Siobhan I’ll call her to take her out next week.”

“She’ll love that.”

I picked up the envelope before heading back downstairs.

As Kayla stood at the door and waved goodbye, I thought about how differently I viewed her now. I was grateful my father had gotten to spend his last days with someone who made him feel fulfilled.

In the privacy of my car, I opened the envelope to find out where I was headed next.

Because I know you need your favorite candy when you’re emotional—and not just a small amount. A lot.

A lot. The bulk candy store!

I looked up the address and made my way there.

A bell dinged when I opened the door to Poppy’s Candyland. A woman at the counter smiled at me.

“Hi…I’m Molly,” I said. “I believe you might have an envelope for me?”

“Sure do.” She handed me a plastic bag. “But first, feel free to peruse our candy selection.” She winked and pointed to the left corner of the room. “The M&Ms are that way.”

Heading over, I noticed there were two M&M compartments, one filled with primary rainbow colors, and one that contained all pink with a sign that read Molly’s.

I broke out in laughter. How the heck? The amount of effort Declan had put into this scavenger hunt was unbelievable.

Filling my bag with my favorite pink M&Ms, I took it over to the counter so she could weigh it.

“No need to pay.” She shook her head. “Your friend gave us more than enough to cover the cost of that bag.” She handed me the envelope. “And here you go.”

“Thank you so much.” I smiled.

Back out on the sidewalk, I ripped open the envelope.

Because I miss you, it’s time to go back to the place where it all started. See you soon.

As much fun as this had been, I was eager to get back to the apartment and kiss that crazy man for coming up with this idea.

Wearing a permasmile, I drove back in the direction of our apartment building.

Once back home, carrying my bag of M&Ms and my father’s pillow, I reached the top of the stairs. A familiar sight brought a feeling of nostalgia—the same Tupperware container Declan had left at my door exactly two years ago. If it hadn’t been for those cupcakes—those delicious cupcake tops I’d devoured—I might never have given in and called Declan to offer him the room.

I bent