Page 125 of Every Chance After

“Marnie,” she coos, “how nice to see you.”

“Nice to see you, too. Hey, Ashe, Elise, Wes.” She offers them a chipper wave and her usual bright smile.

Before anyone can respond, Cora cuts in. “Hear you’re cashiering at the G&G. My, what an interesting choice.”

“I’m managing, not cashiering, and giving the place a makeover. It looks amazing. You should all come and see it sometime.”

Cora scoffs. “With all the horror stories I’ve heard? No, thanks. Most people wouldn’t set foot in it, but I’m glad you found something that suits you. I’m just surprised it’s trailers, cigarettes, old men, and a swamp.”

Her entourage looks confused by her antagonism, especially Ashe. He tugs on his mom’s sleeve like a child. “Our table’s ready.”

“Definitely better than the funeral home you tried hiding me in,” Marina adds. “Or moving, like you wanted.”

Wes and Ashe turn toward Cora, surprised.

Marina takes a deep breath, grinning. “The G&G’s rustic, broken, homey, and beautifully genuine. There, I’m valuedexactlyas I am and credited for what I do. That has made all the difference. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Cora offers a satisfied humph before tapping her fingernail on the table. “Really? Not even the fact that Guilt-Trip-Tripp here is funding this awful experiment? You know he pays your salary, right?”

She points to me, and Marina freezes.

Cora chuckles while Wes moves beside her. “Honey, the table.”

She waves him off. “Oh, dearest. You didn’t know? You should’ve taken my advice about relocating. It would’ve saved you so much trouble. You still could. Plenty of towns need cashiers. You finally cashed our check. I bet you’re grateful for that Sunny’s severance now, huh?”

Her dark eyes cut to me when she says it, and there’s thatus and themmentality again. Fucking Cora. I’m bombarded with anger and questions.Cora tried to get Marina to leave? Severance? She could’ve left? And she stayed, anyway?

“Mom!” Ashe protests. “That’s enough.”

“Ashe, it’s okay. Marnie needs to know—everyone else does,” Cora coos. “She should be let in on the G&G joke. I’m doing what’s best for her.”

“It’d bebestfor you to carry your ass away from this fucking table. Now.” I keep my voice down but say it sternly, ready to bulldoze them out of here if need be.

Cora laughs, putting her hands up defensively. “You really should’ve let us sue him, Marnie. I only speak the truth.”

“Truth, huh?” Steeling herself with a deep breath and her forced smile, Marina locks eyes with Cora. “It’s afamilybusiness. He’s a Tripp. They’reallfunding me. That’s the truth.”

“It’s a farce, regardless.”

“No, it’s competition,” Marina quips confidently. “This little engagement reminds me of that time you got defensive when one of our best vendors threatened to leave—Cora the Conquerer came out in full force. You have no reason to antagonize me now, unless…”

Marina giggles, slapping her hand on the table.

“… Oh, my goodness! I see right through you. You’re worried.”

“Ridiculous!”

“No, you are. Look at your little forehead lines,” Marina coos. “Has the G&G dented your profits already?”

Cora gapes, silent for once. Wes and Ashe share a bothered look. Holy shit, Marina’s right.

Marina shrugs and shakes her head. “No wonder you still want me to skedaddle out of town. Well, sorry-not-sorry. I’m staying. Now that that’s settled, I suggest going to your table because you’re making your guest uncomfortable, and, you know,optics.”

The word breaks out of Marina like a trapped animal, pissed and hungry. Fuck, even I have chills. Cora shudders, taking in the room again and stepping away.

Then, Marina says, casually glancing from Cora to Ashe, “I write my own narrative now. I wish you’d do the same.”

Ashe looks puzzled before he drapes an arm over his mom’s shoulder and pulls her away.

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