Page 107 of The Making of Marnie Jones

Matilda had been trying to teach Olivia how to cook—with varying degrees of success.

Marnie wasn't just going to miss the home-cooked food. Although still awkward, she’d forged a relationship with her father. He committed to visiting her the next time he was in Vancouver, and she looked forward to showing off her modest home. When he tried to offer her more money, she refused. She was proud to show him how fiscally responsible she was.

“Laura?”

Caught wool-gathering. “Yes, Matilda.”

“I asked if you wanted me to pack some sandwiches.”

“That’d be nice, but don't go to any trouble.” The older woman’s thoughtfulness and concern knew no bounds.

“No trouble, my dear.” Matilda pulled a cooler bag from the fridge. “They're already made.”

Chuckling, Marnie stood to put her dishes in the dishwasher. “What will I do without you?”

“Same as you always have. You'll be fine.”

“I'll miss you.”

Matilda's eyes narrowed. “I'm not much for sentimentality, but I’ll miss you too.”

“Marnie, Jake's here.” Olivia's voice broke the moment.

Before it slipped away, however, Marnie embraced the woman who’d always cared for her. “Thank you.” A broken whisper.

“You're welcome.” Matilda replied, returning Marnie's unexpected burst of emotion. “You go home and find healing.”

Mindful Jake waited, Marnie pulled away from the embrace and ducked her head. Following Olivia, she made her way through her childhood home. Suddenly beset by nostalgia, she recollected how these walls had given her a sense of security twice now.

With a few trips to the SUV, they loaded everything. As Martin’d already said his goodbyes and headed off to work, the parting between Matilda and Olivia took a few moments.

Marnie stood off to the side with Jake as the two women embraced.

“You're sure about this?” He gestured between his niece and her.

Not entirely.“I can do this. I have to do this.”

“I'll be a phone call away.”

She glanced up at the tall, attractive, sunglasses-wearing man. In his khakis and white shirt, he looked as cool as a proverbial cucumber in the humid heat.

When Olivia turned, Marnie quickly tucked herself into the back seat, leaving the front for Olivia. Both women waved to Matilda as they pulled away.

“I like her.” Olivia bounced in her seat. “You were lucky to have her around when you were growing up.”

“I was.” Marnie wasn't going to explain there’d never been a close relationship because of the employee/employer dynamic. Given the choice between Lydia and Matilda, though, there was no contest. Although Marnie missed having a mother, she’d always known security.

Olivia insisted on getting a gift for Matilda, asking Marnie for a small loan, selecting a nice pair of earrings. When she suggested getting something for Martin, Marnie assured her a thank-you card was more than sufficient.

Congestion clogged the city, but Jake made it look easy, changing lanes, adjusting his route, and making quick work of the trip.

Olivia chatted about anything and everything, yet Marnie couldn’t hold on to the words. She wanted to say something. Anything. But words wouldn’t come. She couldn’t fathom how to bridge the divide that grew larger by the moment. Pretty soon it’d be the Grand Canyon, and there’d be no crossing it—no matter how badly she might want to in the future.

All too soon, they arrived at Downsview. Chaos ensued while getting the luggage checked, scanned, and loaded onto the plane.

The pilot informed them the plane was ready to leave and, as Marnie watched, Olivia stepped into Jake's arms. Marnie didn't hear the words exchanged, but the tears flowed down Olivia's cheeks.

Acknowledging her own wistfulness, Marnie watched Olivia step back, then she stepped forward.

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