Page 69 of The Making of Marnie Jones

As soon as Jake headed toward Olivia, Marnie fled. She barely heard Olivia calling her name over the roaring in her ears. Blindly, she made her way to the bathroom, slamming the door and clicking the lock into place. Turning, she leaned back against the door and sank to the floor. She held up her hands to see them shaking violently. She took in gulping breaths of air, desperately trying to keep the panic at bay.

No. No. No.

How could this be happening again?Just a panic attack. The walls were not going to close in around her, and she was not going to suffocate. She was not going to be locked up in a room with no way out.

She pressed the heels of her hands against her closed eyes. What must they think? Especially Olivia. All the girl had done was suggest Jake and Marnie stand next to each other. What a colossal overreaction.

Being able to stand next to a man was such a basic concept. She’d stood near Rusty dozens of times. Seth often came close, but always kept a decorous distance. Colton was even more understanding, undoubtedly because of his work with victims of sexual assault and molestation. He was a tall and imposing man, but he possessed a gentle spirit. Loriana’s Mitch also came to mind. Although Marnie’d been scared at first, she’d enjoyed going out with the couple and considered the giant man a friend.

And Jake? Probably the least threatening of all the men because he was following all the edicts and rules she had set out. He never came too close—physically, at least. But emotionally… She wasn’t sure she could withstand the onslaught of emotions he roused within her, panic being only a small one.

The knock at the door startled her.

“Marnie, it's Olivia.”

Her stomach dropped.

“Marnie…Jake explained. I'm sorry, I never thought. He’s such a great uncle, it never occurred to me that he's a stranger to you. Please talk to me. You forgave me when I flipped out on you…just say something.”

With monumental effort, Marnie stood. She unlocked and opened the door. “Can I hug you?” It surprised her to hear her own voice, because suddenly she needed physical reassurance. Forgiveness she could only get from Olivia. As they embraced, the rightness of the situation enveloped her. Why Olivia was able to give such physical affection while Marnie was incapable bothered her until she remembered her own words. Everybody coped differently. Maybe, after four years in a concrete bunker, Olivia needed the physical contact.

Olivia pulled back, gently stroking Marnie’s hair, offering comfort in a way never received before.

It stunned Marnie, and it warmed her at the same time.

“Uncle Jake suggested I bring you your pajamas. He said to tell you that you can sleep in the den tonight.” Olivia shifted, and her eyes were full of compassion. “There's a lock on the door.”

Marnie took the pajamas in one hand and placed the other on Olivia's arm. “Give me a few minutes to get changed. Please tell your uncle that although I appreciate his thoughtfulness, I cannot possibly put the poor couch through such abuse. Tell him I'm okay, Olivia. I'll apologize, but can you go out and tell him I’m all right?”

“Are you?”

She fought to find the strength in her resolve. “I am okay. Please tell him.”

The younger woman gave her one last look, as if verifying the veracity of her statement, then headed out.

“Olivia?”

The young woman spun around.

“Thank you.”

She rewarded Marnie with a bright smile.

As quickly as Marnie was able, she washed off the makeup and changed into her pajamas. Although the shorts were a little on the short side, they were also a talisman. If she faced Jake in this outfit, he’d understand. At least she hoped he understood.

He must have, because he’d evidently explained things to Olivia.

In fact, Olivia seemed to appreciate this even better than Marnie did.

When she entered the living room, the two sat on the couch, huddled together.

Olivia leapt up to greet her. “Come see the pictures.”

With trepidation, Marnie made her way over to them. Two pairs of blue eyes filled with kindness met hers.Silly, silly woman.Overreact much?

She took the proffered photos. Oh, how wonderful. The first shot was one she’d taken of Jake and Olivia.

The framing wasn't great, but the rapport between the two of them was clear. With Olivia wearing her boots, she was the same height as her uncle. The next photo was of the two women. Olivia's arm draped over Marnie’s shoulder, and they both had grins on their faces. The last photo was the candid snap of Olivia looking down at her.

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