She was just a woman with a cup of cider standing next to a man she'd known for 24 hours. She thought, "I could get used to this. " And then she thought, "That's the most dangerous thing you've thought all weekend. " She took a sip of cider and said nothing. It was around 3:30 when the afternoon shifted. Ava had found her school friends and migrated into a cluster of third graders near the bounce house, and Marcus and Victoria had drifted to a bench near the edge of the parking lot where it was slightly quieter. They'd been talking for maybe 40 minutes about everything and nothing.
His grandmother's ratifications that had slowly become his own. A book he'd been reading about the history of American infrastructure that she'd expressed surprise at. And he'd said simply, "Cars are infrastructure. It's all connected. " when a woman approached. Late30s well put together the specific energy of someone who knew Marcus and had an opinion about him being on a bench with someone she didn't recognize.
Marcus, she said, her voice was warm on the surface and slightly pressurized underneath. The way water feels before it starts to boil. I didn't know you were bringing someone. Hey, Renee, Marcus said. Nothing in his voice indicated anything.
How's James? He's good. Her eyes moved to Victoria with the transparent pretense of a casual glance. I don't think we've met, Victoria said. Not Wells, not Hail, just Victoria, which felt in this moment.
More accurate than either. Renee Dawson. I've known Marcus since God since forever. You're not from Mil Haven, Atlanta, Victoria said. Visiting for the weekend?
Renee smiled. It was the smile of a woman processing information she'd requested, but didn't necessarily enjoy receiving. She looked back at Marcus. Ava looks like she's having a great time. She won a cake, Marcus said.
Of course, she did a beat. Then I'll let you two get back to it. Marcus, call me about the church potluck thing. We need to pin down who's bringing what. I'll call you, he said.
Renee walked away. Victoria watched her go. Old friend. She said she's been trying to set me up with her cousin for about 3 years. Marcus said, "Nice woman, very committed to the plan.
Are you opposed to the plan? " He looked at her sideways. "I'm not opposed to meeting people," he said. "I'm opposed to being managed into it. " She understood that more precisely than she would have liked. The festival began to thin out around 4. Parents gathering children, volunteers stacking folding tables, the ring toss shutting down mid-aru from a 9-year-old who wanted one more shot.