Page 113 of The Making of Marnie Jones

Olivia yanked Marnie into an embrace. “We’re a pair, aren’t we?”

“Yes, my dear, we are a pair. And your cooking needs some help.” Might as well put everything out there and sort it as best they could. Keeping secrets was the quickest way to destroy the burgeoning friendship.

Olivia's laughter rang through the room.

“Okay.” Marnie tapped her finger on her thigh. “Maybe we ought to be more honest with each other.”

“Yeah, cool. I'm always walking on eggshells, afraid you'll kick me out.”

“Remember our contract?”Damn.“I never gave you a sense of security, did I? I can promise you I’d never be so capricious as to kick you out. You’re a sister to me—don't ever doubt that. Family doesn't give up when the going gets tough.” Her throat tightened as she said the words, thinking about Lydia and how the woman had never prioritized either Olivia or their family. She was about to continue when the doorbell rang.

Olivia made for the door, then pivoted. “Are you sure you won't come with us?” Her eyes pleaded.

“Next time, I promise.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

“Okay.” She grinned. “Now get going and say ‘hi’ to Tristan for me.”

With a wave, Olivia left.

Marnie read a few more chapters but was distracted.Hmm, maybe I’m hungry.

She wandered into the kitchen contemplating what to have for dinner.Something simple.Maybe peanut butter and marmalade? She pulled out the fixings and was putting the bread on a plate when the doorbell rang.

With some trepidation, she made her way to the front door. She was certain Olivia’d flipped the lock with her key as she left, so this wasn’t her roommate having been locked out. She looked through the peephole, then her heart skipped a beat.

Irritated and annoyed, she opened the door. “You could've called.”

“Didn’t know if I’d be welcome.” Jake’s gaze flickered over her shoulder. “Is Olivia here?”

“No, she left for dinner and a movie with Tristan a little while ago. If you called ahead of time, she would’ve known to be here.”

“I told her I was coming in tomorrow night.”

“She didn't say anything to me.”

“I asked her not to.” By his tone, he wasn’t sure of his footing.

“Whyever not?”

“I was afraid you wouldn't see me.”

She rolled her eyes as she opened the door wider. “I said you’d always be welcome.”

Stepping inside, he eased the door closed behind him. He glanced around, taking in her home. Clearly, he was uncomfortable.

“Have you eaten?”Grouchy much?

“No, I came straight here. May I take you out to dinner?”

Hell no.“I’ve had a long day and I'm tired. I was about to make a sandwich.”

“Will you let me cook for you?”

“Not tonight. You've come a long way.”

“You have no idea.”

---