17
That evening, Ben was out having an apéro with some of his friends, and Frances took the opportunity to come to La Baraque for some girl-time with Molly.
“I haven’t been ignoring you,” she said, after they kissed cheeks and Molly had closed the door against the cold wind. “I’ve been going gangbusters on a series of jingles—I think they’re the best I’ve ever done. People are going to be cursing my earworms for eternity!” she said, letting out a malevolent cackle.
“Did it ever occur to you to think that you are not sending a positive energy into this world?”
“Oh, don’t be a stick in the mud. It’s just jingles, for crying out loud. You look glum. Why, Miss Molly? You know you can’t hide from me. I see the glum. Explain.”
Molly smiled falsely and turned to the refrigerator. “You’re see
