Embarrassment makes my cheeks flush as I turn to Marina. It’s so awful that I want to scoop her into my arms, make a run for it, and find a way to erase her memory of this. She should hate me for bringing her here, let alone suggesting she work here.

But she stifles my upcoming apology with a wide smile. “Yes, it’s Marnie. Are you three heartbreakers my welcoming committee?”

Christie nearly falls over himself, coming from behind the counter to greet her—at a lumbering six-four, he tends to look clumsy. “It’s so wonderful to have you here,” he says, hand grazing his heart.

“I’m happy to be here.” She shakes his extended hand. “What a lovely blouse—a very good color for you. Brings out your eyes.”

Christie looks like he might tear up at the compliment. He fingers the collar of the silky shirt. “Told you, boys. She has exquisite taste. I still dream about your starry night display at Sunny’s.”

“Picnic Under the Stars? You remember?” Her cheeks redden sweetly. “We sold out of beach blankets and picnic baskets over that one.”

Christie raises his hand. “Guilty of buying both! Wren and I love going on nighttime adventures. Well, I call them adventures. She calls them evening spells and incantations. Do you know Roy?”

Christie motions to the idiot on the stool, who promptly stands, bows, and salutes, but does each clumsily. “Roy Fontaine. Retired Duke Power lineman. Glad you ain’t dead.”

“Um, thanks. Me, too.”

He rubs his gray beard, scrutinizing her with his drunk eyes. “You’re a lot prettier than Grady said.”

Marina flashes a coy smile in my direction.

“I never said,” I correct sternly. “Stop talking.”

Roy fumbles back to his stool.

Christie motions to Wade, still sitting behind the counter. “You remember Wade?”

Wade nods and flicks his cigarette ashes into the dirty tray beside him.

For the first time since we entered, Marina’s smile falters. “I remember. Nice to meet you under better circumstances. Thanks for being there, you and Christie, my heroes.”

Christie gasps. “A terrible day, but not tragic, thanks to Grady and the universe. Glad to help.”

“Just doing our civic duty,” Wade huffs.

I give him a stern glare over Marina’s shoulder. I should’ve known he wouldn’t make this easy.

“Grady tells me you’re looking for a manager,” Marina says, scanning her surroundings. Her finger lands on an empty stool. Its wobbly spin makes her smile widen and stirs my memories. I wish she could’ve seen the place when Maureen was here.

“That’s right,” Wade says.

“Someone to revitalize the place and our sales,” Christie chimes in. “We need a customer service makeover, Marnie, and you’re just the person to do it.”