Page 64 of The Making of Marnie Jones

“You said that before, but I’m sure you're exaggerating.” He tried to be reassuring, but panic set in, and his gut clenched.

“You weren't there, Jake, you don't know. I said the wrong thing and…I lost her. I had her trust, and I lost it.”

“So earn it back.” He met her gaze head-on. “You did it once, and I'm sure you'll do it again.”

“You have too much faith in me.”

“And you don't have enough faith in yourself.” He fought his growing emotions. Fear. Anger. Panic.

She let out a long breath and eased her legs off the couch and onto the floor. “It's time for me to be heading home.”

“You're not a quitter.”

Her gaze snapped up to meet his.

Good. At least he had her full attention. “Go if you want to. Skulk away because you had a rough go of it. Or stay and keep on trying to get through to a young woman who is desperately in need of you. Only you can give Olivia what she needs.”

She stood and took a step toward him. “You promised.” She pointed her finger directly at him. “You promised you wouldn’t emotionally blackmail me.”

He rose to his feet. “And you said you got her talking today. I’m sure she hasn’t talked to anyone since she quit counseling seven months ago. Hell, I don't think she even confided in the therapist. You're getting through to her.Pleasestay, please try again. If you go, make sure it's because you can’t handle being here, and not because you're running scared.”

“You’re a bastard, Jake McGrath.” She bit off the words with a snarl.

“And you'll stay because you need Olivia as much as she needs you.”

Her expression changed. Anger. Resignation. Hope. Hard to see in the darkened room.

He was about to speak but a bright flash of lightning illuminated the whole room. Immediately a bone-jarring boom of thunder followed it.

The standoff between the two adults ended instantly at Olivia's bloodcurdling scream.

“Marnie!”

Chapter twenty-four

Olivia'sscreamresonatedthroughMarnie as surely as the thunder. Heart in her throat, she threw open the door, unaware of the time it took her to travel to the bedroom.

Olivia cowered against the headboard with her hands clasped over her ears.

Jake flipped a switch that illuminated both bedside lamps simultaneously.

Instead of that bringing some comfort to her, Olivia cowered further.

Marnie was already crawling on the bed, inching toward Olivia as quickly as she dared. Another flash of lightning caused Olivia to dive toward her, almost knocking her over. The young woman's arms around her waist were so tight that Marnie fought for breath.

The clap of thunder sounded a bit farther away, but there was no easing of the girl’s shaking as she sobbed.

Awkwardly, Marnie ran her hand over Olivia's hair. With even more awkwardness, she tried to say soothing words. Glancing over Olivia's head, Marnie mouthed the word “water” to Jake. He looked desperate, and her heart ached for him as his helplessness mirrored her own. She was in over her head.

Time passed and, as the thunder receded, Olivia's grip lessened, and her tears abated. When the pounding rain became a light patter, she eased away. She pulled tissues from the box that magically appeared. Finally she backed away from Marnie, her face tear-streaked, her eyes red. “I'm sorry.” Her voice was soft.

“What for?” Marnie was confused.

The young woman waved her hand around. “For all this. This overreaction.”

“Never apologize for your emotions or your fears. Everyone has things that frighten them.” Here she could be vehement.

“I've always hated storms. Often, when Mom wasn't home, I hid in the closet.” Olivia wiped away another tear. “I can't hide in the closet anymore. The dark…”

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