Page 22 of The Interview

“Just need a piss,” I announce.

“Really, Marls, did we all need to know that?” Ashley asks.

“I didn’t want you to miss out on the opportunity of holding it for me?” I arch my brows suggestively at my wife. She arches hers right back.

“I love both you and your dick, but no, thank you.”

“Shake it for me then, just a little…”

“Marley!” my wife and sister snap at the same time.

“All right!” I snap back. “Fuck me, what’s a bloke gotta do to get a little tug around here?” I mumble as I head for the bathroom.

Once I’m done, I wash and dry my hands before gripping the edge of the sink. Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I begin to wonder how I got so fucking old while still not feeling any different to how I felt at eighteen.

Have you ever watched those interviews on the news with people who have reached a hundred, and they all say the same thing, that in their mind they’re still the same as they were when they were young, it’s just their body that’s aged? Well, it’s absofuckinlutely true.

“Forgive me, Mac,” I whisper. “I’m about to give up all our secrets and probably piss off your missus big time. Although, technically, she’s not your missus anymore, she’s Cam’s. Just remember that before you strike me down with lightning or whatever retribution you might be considering sending my way.”

I end my one-way conversation when the noise level out in the studio increases and my nosiness gets the better of me.

When I head back to where everyone has congregated around the kitchen island, I see my brother and Jimmie have turned up.

My eyes meet Len’s, but when I smile, he frowns.

“You all right?” I ask as he pulls me in for a blokey cuddle and back slap.

“Yeah. Just heard you were about to dig your own grave and thought I’d come and see if there was anything I could do to save the day.”

“I’m good. Not good, but… fucked if I know. It’s all going to come out in the film anyway,” I say as I step away.

“Not the same as sitting down next to her and saying it out loud, then having it broadcast around the world.”

I rake my hands through my hair as I take in the concern on my brother’s face. “The thing is, Len, when people watch the film, all they’re going to see is what I did, the role I played, the things I said. They can’t portray on film what was going through my head, the way I was feeling. At least this way I can try to explain.”

“You don’t owe anyone an explanation, Marls. Especially not if it’s going to drive a wedge between you two.” He gives a quick chin lift in our sister’s direction.

“Surprisingly enough, she seems to be okay with it.”

“She’s stoned, and according to Cam, on her third or fourth Prosecco. What happens when that all wears off?”

I shrug in response. “A meltdown of Georgia proportions?” I add with the smallest of smiles.

“You prepared for that?”

I shrug again. “I’m not, but I’m confident the big man can handle her.”

Len returns my small smile with a bigger one until we’re both grinning.

“Love you, you fucker,” he says as he pulls me back in for another cuddle.

“Right, people, let’s do this. Marley and Georgia, back to the couch. Quiet from the rest of you, please,” one of Dan’s assistants shouts out.

Jimmie steps in and kisses my cheek while squeezing my arm.

“I’m good,” I reassure her. I’m totally not, but she doesn’t need to know that.

Georgia appears at my side. I take her hand and lead her back over to the sofa we were sitting on earlier. Our hair is messed with, a girl presses powder onto my face, then G’s, before adding lipstick to her lips.