Page 85 of Hidden Gem
“No, mum. It’s extortion. Nobody should pay that much.”
Marnie shuddered. Jason’s words about property investing popped in her head. She missed him so much her heart ached. It hurt more than her swollen morning fingers. How would she ever get over him when every cell in her body called out to the man. Hell, some of the cells in her body were his.
She hugged her son. “You can stay here as long as you like, rent-free.”
“I can pay something,” Tom mumbled into her hair. “And I won’t stay forever. I just need to figure out my next move.”
“Of course. What about Hana? Is she still in Wellington?”
“No. Back in Australia. That... didn’t work out.”
“Oh, dear.” Marnie hugged her son a bit tighter.
After a moment, Tom pulled back to give her an assessing look. “Also, I heard about you and Jason Hallett.”
Marnie glanced at Tanya, who’s face reddened a little as she buttered a piece of toast. “Come on, Mum! I didn’t tell Hayley, but Tom’s family! How were you going to keep sneaking around without Tom finding out? Since he’s moved in and all.”
“It’s okay,” Marnie dropped on the couch. “It’s over, anyway.”
“Huh?” Tanya’s mouth hung open.
Tom gave her a sympathetic frown. “I’m so sorry, Mum. I saw Luna’s posts and when Tanya told me, I kind of put it together.”
Tanya dropped the butter knife and glared at her brother. “What posts? Who’s Luna? You never tell me anything!”
Marnie rubbed her fingers. “I was going to tell you both.” She wasn’t sure if that was true, but somehow, she felt better now that they knew. Jason and the pregnancy were all she could think about.
She glanced at her children. “As you know, I’ve been seeing Jason Hallett, but I broke it off. I was scared of the publicity and being too old for him and everyone judging me.”
Tanya narrowed her eyes. “That’s stupid. You’re both old. Why would that matter? You’re good enough for him.”
She glanced at Tom, who nodded. “Of course you are! I don’t know if he’s good enough for you.”
Marnie shook her head and a sob escaped. “No. He’s amazing. But he’s moved on already. He’s dating that influencer woman now.”
“Are you sure?” Tanya asked, straightening her spine.
“Yeah, it’s all over the news.”
“You should probably check your phone.” Tanya gave her a slow nod, her eyes wide.
“Why?”
“Just do it, Mum.” She nodded at her phone, charging on the kitchen island.
Marnie got off the couch to pick it up. A text message glowed on the screen.
I did it. I quit. It’ll be in the news soon. I’m not asking you to be part of this mess, but please be there when it’s over? That’s all I ask. I can’t imagine a future without you. – Jason
Marnie gasped, her ribcage tightening with emotion. Jason still wanted a future with her. If this was true, she needed nothing else. This was her chance. She wouldn’t make the same mistake twice.
Pressing the phone to her chest, Marnie stood in the middle of her kitchen, tears spilling out of her eyes. The kids probably thought she was nuts, but she didn’t care. In fact, she was ready to shout it to the world and face the consequences. She was ready to be seen.
“I only saw that pop up on your screen,” Tanya said. “I didn’t click on it or anything.”
“It’s fine.” Marnie smiled. Squeezing the phone in her hands, she walked over to Tanya. “Can you help me post a video?”
She had to show Jason she wasn’t hiding anymore. That she wasn’t scared of Kathleen or anyone else. That she was there for him.
