Page 67 of The Making of Marnie Jones

Olivia's enthusiasm swept Marnie up. “I've never seen the show either. This’ll be fun.”

“I'll go buy the tickets.”

Jake left before Marnie could object. A couple of theater tickets were expensive, but not prohibitive, and he needed to be useful. This whole situation was beyond his realm of experience, and he was coping as best he was able.

“Marnie?”

“Yes?”

“I'm sorry.”

“Honey, your reaction to the storm was perfectly natural—”

“No.” Olivia appeared distinctly uncomfortable as she shifted her weight from foot to foot.

Ah. That.

Marnie took several steps toward the young woman. “You never have to apologize. I’m the one who superimposed my experience on you.”

“Maybe.” Olivia fidgeted, her eyes downcast. “Except I should be as sensitive to your needs and emotions as I am to my own.”

Marnie was touched. Clearly this was something Olivia’d reflected upon, ruminated over, and Marnie needed to bridge the gap before it widened. “Olivia, I’ve had five years to digest and accept my situation while you've barely had a year.”

“A year and a half.”

“A year.”Make her see.“They only convicted him a year ago. I was lucky because I didn't have to go through a trial. The fact you had the fortitude to withstand that proves how strong you are. “

Olivia stepped forward and pulled Marnie into an embrace.

This time, she tried to relax. God, maybe one day she could accept, or even give, a hug without tensing up.

A movement caught her attention. Jake hung back, waiting for a sign from her. She nodded, encouraging him to come into the room.

“Tickets purchased.”

Marnie was startled when Olivia released her suddenly and launched herself into her uncle’s arms.

“Thank you. Thank you, Uncle Jake.”

Marnie noted his look of surprise. Good, he wrapped his arms around his niece. She felt…envious. What would it be like to be held in that powerful embrace? His grasp of Olivia was fatherly, but Marnie, to her distress, was veering toward non-platonic feelings. Completely inappropriate, but there nonetheless.

Olivia released her uncle and turned back to Marnie. “We can wear our boots!”

“Yes, we can.” She had an inspired idea. “Which outfit are you going to wear?”

“Which outfit areyougoing to wear?”

She grinned at Olivia's cheekiness.

Jake snagged his messenger bag. “Well, I have some work to do. How about a fashion show?”

Olivia's enthusiasm rewarded him. “Come on, Marnie, this’ll be cool.”

Marnie gave him a look of desperation.

He merely smirked. “Call me when you're ready.” He headed off to the den.

Olivia dragged Marnie over to the couch where she started pulling out the boxes and bags carefully stowed.

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