“Sherri Middleton’s mother is driving back to Denver today. I met her at the luau after our mini golf game. She said I could come along with her, and she’s not even making me pay gas money. She just wants the company.”
“Why isn’t Will back here?”
“Because his mom wants him to stay there now. Which is ridiculous.”
Elinor had a million follow up questions, but she took a moment to prioritize them like cue cards in her mind. “How long are you planning to stay there?”
“Best case scenario, I don’t come back at all.” Marianne moved to her closet and bent down to get a pair of shoes.
“Just like that?”
“Just like that. It’s called living, Elinor. I love him, and moldering in this town waiting for my life to get better is not my style. I can’t do this anymore.”
“You were fine before he came along.”
Marianne huffed. “Your definition of fine and my definition of fine are not the same.”
“Where are you going to stay? Where are you going to live? And don’t tell me: ‘who cares?’ or ‘you’ll figure it out’ or I’ll… jump up on that bed and dump out your suitcase.”
Marianne flipped around, putting her arms out at her sides to guard the bed. “You will not.”
“Will too. I’ll make it rain in here. With underwear.”
Marianne rolled her eyes. “I don’t have time for this, and neither do you. Don’t you have to leave for work?”
“Well, despite my moldering, hum-drum life, if I called Edward and said I needed an hour, he’d be okay with that. In fact, I’d have his blessing to talk some sense into you before you do something you’ll regret.”
“The only thing I’d regret is not going after Will. His mother obviously hates me and wants to separate us. But she can’t do that if I’m there.” She didn’t relax her defensive stance, but her face turned apologetic. “Sorry for implying that your life is hum-drum. Just because I’m unhappy here doesn’t mean I don’t think it’s good for other people.”
“Apology accepted.” Elinor sank down and sat in the doorway. “Drop your arms, Marianne. I won’t dump out your suitcase. Did Will ask you to come?”
Marianne shook her head. “He wouldn’t ask that of me, and that’s partly why I want to do it.”
“When did you last talk to him?”
“Last night. It was so nice, Elinor. Just to hear his voice and have him make me laugh. I have to try this. And why not? To keep some dead-end job?” Her voice got all wobbly at the end and she turned her puppy dog eyes on Elinor.
“Okay, go. You have my blessing, not that you need it. I know I was the last one you told.”
“Because I knew you’d disapprove, along with asking a thousand questions.”
“I only ask because I care.” Elinor picked up the discarded blouse that Marianne had declared too chesty and held it up against her smaller frame. “I’m keeping this.”
Marianne laughed. “Of course you are. I have fabulous taste.”
The sound of running feet warned Elinor of an incoming guest, and Greta leaped right over her to throw herself into Marianne’s arms. “Don’t stay too long, Marianne.”
“I won’t.” Marianne ran her hands down Greta’s unruly hair. “You better hurry or you’ll miss your bus, munchkin.”
“Okay. Just getting in one last hug.” Greta squeezed her so tight Marianne croaked.
“Greta. Can’t breathe.”
“Love you. I wish I could drive off on an adventure and miss school.” Greta ran off, waving to them both.
“What did Mom say?” Elinor asked.
Marianne sighed. “Oh, you know. She said to be good and wished me luck, and she promised you guys would be waiting for me with open arms whenever I wanted to come back. I’ll miss her.”
