Page 45 of Marvelous

I shook my head, “A few years ago, I might have listened. But now, no. I’ve had enough of being judged by things that were so far out of my control they might as well have been lost in the freaking Milky Way.”

And with that, I turned on my heel, opened the door, and left.

Then I got in my car and drove to Virgin Mary’s, walked inside, right to the bar, and smiled at Birdie, “Can you use another waitress?”

At her nod, she winked.

I was on my second shift when I felt the air stir.

I glanced up and saw Alec, Garrick, Dom, Bronson, Carter, Ethan, Harlee, Tatum, Lila, Everly, Frank, Misty, and Talia.

Yes, I had met everyone yesterday when they all showed up with welcome casseroles and welcome baskets. Thankfully, Talia wasn’t there.

And yes, I had dinner with Jacob last night, at Gusher’s, and it was a blast.

I had also met Harlee’s parents, Pete and Darla.

They were a hoot.

Now, I watched all of them as they scanned the bar, and when their eyes landed on me, they all made a beeline towards me.

Misty smiled, then she looked at Talia and said, “Now.”

Talia sighed, then ran her hand through her hair. “Can we talk somewhere in private?”

I shook my head and crossed my arms over my chest, “Nope.”

She winced, then she nodded, “I’m a big enough woman to admit when I’m wrong and apologize for acting like a bitch. I’m sorry. I just get protective over my friends.”

I nodded, because I got that. But still.

She nodded, “I know. That doesn’t excuse what I said or how I acted. I’d like to make it up to you. Therefore, it’s why we’re all here.”

Then the others chuckled. I narrowed my eyes at all of them.

Alec winked at me, and then moved closer and said, “Talia hates the Jonas Brothers, and I mean she loathes them. She’s going to sing you a song.”

Then Talia winced and nodded, “Nothing like a good public apology.”

Then she started to walk away and over to a small stage set up in the corner.

Then she stopped, turned her head, and asked, “Can you forgive me, so I don’t have to do this?”

I waited a beat and then shook my head.

She sighed while everyone chuckled.

Then I lowered my voice, “Who else is mad at her right now?”

Every hand went up.

Then I nodded.

And when Talia turned again before the stage, I shook my head.

She visibly sighed again.

Then she reached the stage, winced, and pulled out her phone.