Page 25 of Nate

“Sounds good. I don’t feel like going home then back out, so I’ll just stay here until I meet her.”

“Alright. See you tomorrow.”

“Have a good evening, Tess.”

“Thanks. You too.”

Markie heard Tess go out the door, then lock it. She enjoyed working for Tess and hoped to keep working here for years to come.

Her cellphone buzzed from her desk, and she picked it up and groaned. Taking a deep breath, she answered.

“Hi, Mom.”

“Markie, honey. How are you?”

“I’m fine. You?”

“Wonderful. You are going to make it to my party next month, right?”

Markie hesitated but knew she couldn’t disappoint her mother. Despite the fact that her husband was an ass, Markie loved her mother.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

“I’m so happy to hear that. Jarrett is taking me on a cruise this summer.”

“He’stakingyou?” Markie clenched her jaw.

“Yes. Look, I know you don’t approve of him being so much younger—”

“Mother, that has nothing to do with it, but considering it is your money, and he doesn’t have a job anymore,heis not takingyou.”

Her mother’s sigh came over the phone. “Well, I thought you would be happy for me.”

“About the cruise? I’m sure you’ll have a good time.”

“You know that is not what I meant, Marjorie Ann Russell.”

Oh, boy. Full name.Her mother was angry.

“I’m sorry, Mom. I am happy you found someone, and his age has nothing to do with it as long as he makes you happy and doesnothingto hurt you in any way, shape, or form.”

“He’d never hurt me, honey.”

“Not as long as you have money,” Markie muttered.

“What’s that, honey?”

“Nothing. I’ll see you next month. I have to go now and close up.”

“You don’t need that job, Markie.”

“Mom, I like my job. I’m too young to sit around and do nothing.” Markie hoped her mother got the message on that.

“Alright, honey. See you next month. I love you.”

“Love you too.” Markie hung up the phone, put it on her desk, and shook her head.

The last thing she wanted to do was go to that party and dodge Jarrett all damn night.

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