“Hearing that bummed us the fuck out,” Wade says more empathically. “We respect your independence. You don’t need a man. But swearing off dating sounds like you’re giving up rather than deciding you don’t want it. And when have you ever given up on anything?”

“That’s why I did it,” Roy jumps in, “to encourage her to get back out there. There’s no good reason a fine lady like her should go unattached for long. Got her my cousin’s number, too.” He taps the envelope I’m still holding. “He’s her age, likes a good time, and gets out in a few days.”

“Gets out of what?” I ask through gritted teeth.

“Jail. Just some unpaid parking tickets. Nothing violent. Anyway, Marnie could use a rebounder, right? He’d make a fun pizza delivery boy if you know what I mean.”

The asshole dares to laugh.

“Roy, best shut up now. You’re asking for a beating,” Wade says with a huff.

“Why? She’s an attractive woman, stuck with us all day. She needs something else in her life, someone to keep her warm at night,” he says enthusiastically. “Besides, it’s not like you want her, Grady. You’ve made that⁠—”

“Stop fucking talking,” I snap.

Marina’s hand falls from my arm, and the room stills. They probably don’t see the hurt etched on her face. It disappears when she replants her signature smile and focuses on Roy.

“Roy, I appreciate the kind gesture—you were thinking of me… not about me. But the only person you should give a gift like this to is an intimate partner. Not a friend or co-worker.”

“We’ll have to add it to the rules,” Wade chuckles.

“We’re tainted by our bachelor ways,” Christie says. “It’s so good you’re here, Marnie.”

Her muted smile returns at the compliment. “It’s good for me, too. All this change we’ve gone through together has been tough. But the store looks beautiful, we’re a wonderful team, and we learn from each other every day.”

They nod in unison—leave it to Marina to turn an outright offense into a teaching moment. Even my hands unfurl under her calm tone and easy smile.

“Something you fellas have taught me is that we all have a story,” she says, “and things we need to let go of, right?”

They nod again.

“Roy’s excessive porn habits perhaps, but more than that, his lack of purpose and identity after losing his former career…”

Roy nods and removes his hat reverently.

“… Christie, your ex and all the unkind and untrue words she said to you,” she lists off, moving from one to the other, “and Wade, your guilt and grief.”

“You have grief, too, Marnie,” Christie says softly.

Her voice catches, but she maintains her smile. “Yes, I do.”