Page 112 of The Making of Marnie Jones

Kennedy gestured to the other chair. “Sienna likes you.”

“The feeling is mutual.” Olivia checked with Marnie. “Can we come back next week?”

Marnie looked toward Kennedy who, in turn, nodded.

“I'll see you ladies at nine o'clock next Saturday. If that's okay?”

Marnie’s enthusiasm grew.

Kennedy pulled out a sheet of paper from a folder. “Shopping list.”

Chapter thirty-six

Sixweeksflewby,and summer was soon over. School began, and the library returned to regular hours.

Olivia’s studies progressed well. She loved her volunteer service, and she’d even gone on three dates with Tristan.

Marnie grew more and more concerned that the young woman was too happy. She was never upset, never moody, never angry. It’d be nice if it was simply a matter of the younger woman adapting well, but Marnie didn't buy it.

Last week she mentioned it to Kennedy who agreed it might be an issue. They discussed what Kennedy referred to as thehoneymoonperiod, where Olivia was likely on her best behavior in order to stay in Mission City.

Kennedy opined that this could change, and Olivia might become difficult. Either way, the doctor had been unable to formulate a concrete plan of action.

“Marnie?”

“Yes?” She tucked the bookmark in place and met Olivia’s gaze.

“Tristan called and asked me out to dinner. He wants you to come as well.”

An offer Tristan and Olivia made every time, and Marnie always declined. “Not tonight. I've got a new book I'm reading.”

“Okay…” Olivia put her hands on her hips and her eyes narrowed. “We want you to join us.”

“Are you going to see a movie afterward?”

“Yes, we’ll probably catch a show and maybe a coffee?”

“Was that a question or statement?”

“Both?”

Marnie snagged Olivia's hand. “You're a big girl, and Tristan is a nice young man. It's okay to not be in a hurry to grow up.”

“We've only held hands. We haven't even kissed.”

“It’ll be all the sweeter when you do.” She tried to find the right words. And failed. “Why don't you talk to Kennedy tomorrow?”

“Because Kennedy doesn't understand me. You do.”

Crap.This was what she feared. “Kennedy may not have been through what we've been through, but she still has a lot of experience helping people. I thought you enjoyed going there.”

“I do.”

“What's the issue?”

Olivia’s gaze wandered over to the photographs on the wall as she shifted from foot to foot. “I haven’t said anything, but I need something more intensive.”

Smiling sheepishly, Marnie reached out to the younger woman, pulling her gaze so their eyes met. “I'm ready for something more as well.”

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