We glance up simultaneously to see Cora, Wes, Ashe, and some bouncy blonde in a low-cut top stroll in. She hangs on his arm, two-handed, like a leech, not that he minds the attention. I meet Marina’s eyes, and she smiles, returning to the menu like she’s completely unaffected.

I hope that’s true.

Cora notices us and, taking in the nearly full restaurant, sees that the crowd notices too—the Sullivans, Marina, and me in the same place. Smugly, she strolls over, and the others hover behind her, unsurely.

“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 valued exactly as 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 that us and them mentality 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.”