Page 54 of Comforting the Grump

I winked. “Oh, honey, when have I ever left you unsatisfied?”

A slow grin spread across Marnin’s face. “Fair point.”

We dug in, and I watched anxiously as Marnin took his first bite. His eyes widened slightly, and I felt a surge of triumph.

“Well?” I prompted. “Is it everything you dreamed it would be and more?”

Marnin swallowed and nodded appreciatively. “It’s delicious. I’ve never been a fan of gnocchi, as they’re so often tasteless blobs, but this is amazing.”

I preened at the compliment. “Thank you. Very happy you like it. I wasn’t sure if you ate blue cheese, so it was a gamble.”

“There’s not a lot I don’t eat. One of the side effects of growing up dirt poor. You learn to not be picky.”

My heart softened, as it always did when he referenced his childhood. “So what’s something you don’t eat?”

His face tightened for a moment. “Peanut butter. I survived on the stuff, mostly provided by Auden’s mom, since my father rarely had food for me. Now I can’t stand the taste anymore. I guess that’s what happens when you eat too much of something good.”

I’d known Marnin’s childhood had been rough, but I’d had no idea it had been that bad. “I didn’t know she did that.”

Marnin’s expression softened. “I wouldn’t have survived without her. And your dad. They…” He closed his eyes for a moment and breathed out. “They not only kept me alive but kept me sane by stepping up as de facto parents. Jesus, I spent more time at their house than I ever did at mine. The fact that I’m not more fucked up than I am is because of them. And Auden, in all fairness. We’ve never talked about it, but he was always there. Still is.”

Marnin had told me how my brother reacted when he informed him about us. I had a feeling more had passed between them that he’d left out, but I wasn’t gonna pry. Marnin was so notoriously tight-lipped that I savored every morsel of information he was willing to give about himself without pushing for more.

“You must’ve been heartbroken when she passed away,” I said softly.

“Worst day of my life.” His voice cracked a little. “Still is, to this day.”

Without thinking about it, I took his hand. “I wish I could’ve met her. I know the whole reason for my existence is the fact that she died and my father met my mother, but still. The way people talk about her makes me believe she was special.”

“She was. Don’t get me wrong. Cora—your mom—is great, and she’s never treated me with anything but kindness, but Auden’s mom had a special place in my heart.”

“I’m so glad she was there for you when you needed her most.”

Marnin squeezed my hand, then let go and cleared his throat. “Anyway, your gnocchi are delicious.”

I recognized it for the emotional retreat it was. “Thank you. Really glad you like them.”

“How’s the job been?”

I shrugged. “It’s been fine. The chef’s an asshole, but that’s nothing new. But it isn’t the same as running my own kitchen.”

“Do you miss The Lodge?” Marnin asked softly.

I sighed, playing with a piece of gnocchi on my plate. “Yes and no. I don’t miss the drama, that’s for sure. But I do miss the creative freedom. And the pay,” I added with a rueful laugh. “Line cook wages aren’t exactly going to help me save up to open my own restaurant.”

“You’ll get there. You’re too talented not to.”

I looked up. “You really think so?”

He cocked his head. “What would you want to do? If you had carte blanche, what would you do?”

I felt a familiar spark of excitement ignite in my chest. “Actually… Even before I lost my job, I thought about it. A cozy little restaurant in Forestville. Nothing fancy, mind you. Good, honest food, preferably locally sourced and inspired by local cuisine and the seasons. A place for people to gather. Kinda like Brianna’s, except open for lunch and dinner.” The words tumbled out of me, fueled by passion and the unexpected opportunity to share my dream. “I’ve even got a name picked out: Sunshine Corner. Cheesy, I know, but?—”

“It suits you,” Marnin interjected, a rare smile tugging at his lips.

I beamed at him, joy spreading through me. “Thanks. I’d love to create something meaningful, you know? Something that brings joy to people’s lives.” My smile faltered as reality crashed back in. “But, of course, it’s all a pipe dream now that I’ve lost all my savings. No investor will ever give me money now.”

“Yeah, that’s gonna be tough.”

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