41. Marnie
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
Marnie
Today’s the day.
Months of hard work, research, and planning have gone into this exhibit, and now that day is here, and I’m a nervous wreck.
Even though the burden of Irene’s approval no longer looms over me, I still want Josie’s approval. And Caleb’s. And everyone who’s been a part of making it a reality. I’ve poured my blood, sweat, and tears into this exhibit, and I’m damn proud of it.
Gwen got up at four this morning to catch the first ferry over from Woods Hole so she could help me with whatever I needed before the event.
We spent the morning arranging tablecloths, setting up the flyers at the check-in table, and doing one last cleaning of all the glass display cases to remove any residual fingerprints or dust from the installation.
The historical society remained closed to the public today ahead of the event, so I was able to arrive at the showroom a few hours early to take one final walk-through just for myself to take it all in before the chaos of the unveiling this afternoon.
I used that opportunity to place one final touch that no one else has seen yet.
The signed cast photo from Art.
I found the perfect place for it among the photos submitted by locals who served as extras in various movie scenes.
My eyes flit over each of the fifty or so people in the photo and I can’t help but smile as I look at it.
Each person joined this cast and crew with a special story, a unique journey that brought them here to that moment in time, and they were all forever bonded by that experience.
Regardless of the movie’s success, they were a family.
The parallel of how I’ve formed similar relationships this summer does not go unnoticed.
Parental figures and mentors in Art and Josie, surrogate siblings in Linny and Parker, and most of all, a supportive partner in Caleb.
Each of them has made Martha’s Vineyard feel like home and no matter what happens after tonight, nothing will ever change that.
With one hour left until the public’s arrival, Gwen gathers up my tote bag and ushers me into the bathroom, determined to keep me on schedule and not late for my own event.
The counters are spacious, and I take my time applying my makeup while the curling iron heats up. Once it’s ready, Gwen helps me style my hair into loose beach waves and pins back two strands on either side of my face with a small clip.
Gwen stands guard outside the door while I change into my evening attire.
I chose a flowy, floor-length navy dress that was both dressy and comfortable. The straps tie into ribbons atop my shoulders to show off the square neckline, pairing well with my low silver heels and simple silver chain necklace.
Gwen bursts back through the door, holding up her phone to show me the time. “Fifteen minutes left. Need any more help?”
“Nope,” I reply, securing the final strap on my heel. I give myself one final look in the mirror, admiring how the outfit came together, before stuffing everything into my bag and dropping it in my office.
By the time we arrive back at the showroom to meet the staff who are working tonight’s event, there is a line out the door of people waiting to get in.
Josie appears next to me, pulling my focus away from the door. “You look great. Ready?”
I straighten and take a deep breath. “Ready.”
Photographers snap photos of everything and everyone. A reporter from the MV Times interviews me for the article running next week, and I finally meet the representatives from the chamber of commerce who commissioned the exhibit.
Gwen sweet-talked her way into greeting guests as they arrived, so any time I feel overwhelmed by the attention on me, I can make a quick escape to see her under the guise of welcoming in the guests.
After making a few initial rounds, I grab a glass of water off the refreshment table and down it, immediately reaching for another one. Between the nerves and small talk, my mouth is running dry.
A few people approach me at the table and offer kind words of praise. When they continue on to see more of the exhibit, I finish off what’s left of my water.
I return the glass and seek refuge in the corner, allowing myself a few minutes alone to recoup and admire the sight before me.
Hundreds of people are here to celebrate the unveiling—celebrating fifty years of island history and the four months of hard work to make it a reality.
Next to me, a group of children are taking turns on the interactive map in the corner while an elderly couple are pointing between the photo wall, shouting out names of people they recognize in each portrait.
Parker is standing off to the side watching Linny talk to a cluster of visitors about overfishing, shark populations, and simple ways they can get involved in marine conservation.
The rest of the showroom is filled with several dozen people browsing the various props and artifacts.
Among the popular hits are one-of-a-kind articles of clothing, Steven Spielberg’s director’s chair, the yellow barrels from the chase scenes, remnants of one of the shark animatronics, and the iconic Louisiana license plate carved out of the presumed shark culprit.
Scattered in between those were premier night memorabilia—posters, ticket stubs, cast autographs—and merchandise from the first year of production.
But my absolute favorite detail is the slideshow loop of every single island resident credited in Jaws, a photo of their movie role and short biography to tell their story of life before, during, and after filming.
I wanted it to be a personal tribute to their own legacy, since so many people across all walks of life came together to make history.
Just as I am about to head out for another round of introductions, I see Josie making a beeline for me with a large bag in her hands.
She stretches out her arms and pulls me into a hug.
“Congratulations, Marnie.” When she releases me, she holds out the dark blue gift bag topped with tissue paper. “This is for you.”
I take the bag from her and remove the tissue paper, revealing the contents inside.
Lying flat on the bottom of the bag is a small wooden sign.
I reach in and pull it out to examine it more closely.
It’s identical to the one I saw on my first day of work.
The one I’ve grown so fond of. The one that gave me a reason to fall in love with this place.
On Island Time.
Tears reach my eyes and I wipe them away gently, careful not to smudge my makeup.
“I had another one made for you. For your new office.”
“My new office?”
Instead of answering my question, she holds out something else. An envelope. “Open it,” she urges.
I slip my index finger under the flap and drag it across the length of the envelope, breaking the seal. I unfold the papers inside and begin reading.
My eyes widen. I start to read the first few lines, and my jaw hits the floor.
It’s a job offer.
Excitement washes over me, but it’s quickly replaced by confusion. “I don’t understand,” I say, lowering the papers.
“The board loved your application. They emailed over a job offer this morning for me to give you.” She points to the papers. “And there it is.”
“But that’s impossible. I never interviewed.”
She smiles softly. “The board didn’t feel it was necessary. You’ve been interviewing this entire summer.” She gestures around to the exhibit. “And they were very impressed.”
The tears are back in full force now. “Josie, I don’t even know what to say.” I step towards her and pull her into another hug. “Thank you.”
She squeezes me in return, patting my back gently. “I don’t need an answer right now. This is a lot to spring on you, and I want you to enjoy your night. But think it over in these next few days and let me know what you decide.”
We break apart from the hug and I straighten, my head spinning from all the information I just received. The approaching figure brings everything back into focus.
Caleb.
A warmth spreads over my chest.
He’s walking to me with a purpose, carefully shielding something in his left hand. When he reaches us, he says hello to Josie, then turns all his attention back to me.
Josie gives my shoulder one last squeeze before leaving me with Caleb.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Gwen watching our interaction, and then she sets down her handful of pamphlets and gracefully maneuvers her way through the crowd and over to us.
Caleb eyes her curiously as she bounds over to my side.
I give her a small hug and step back to introduce them. “Caleb, this is my friend, Gwen.”
“So, this is the famous Gwen. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Likewise,” she replies with a toothy grin. “You must be the hot contractor I’ve heard so much about.”
“All good things, I hope?” he quips, eyes meeting mine. A playful challenge hinting in his expression.
“A lady never reveals her secrets,” I reply.
“How did I miss you coming in?” Gwen asks, drawing his attention. “I’ve been at the door all night.”
Caleb flashes her the security key clipped to his waistband. “Used my key to the city.”
A giggle escapes me. “You were supposed to return your key when you finished the installation. Don’t let Josie see you with that.”
He shifts his focus back to me. “Gwen, would you mind giving me a moment alone with Marnie?” Caleb asks, eyes never leaving mine.
“Sure, I’ll go mingle.” She gives me a knowing look. “You kids have fun.”
When we are finally alone, everything else fades away. Nothing else matters. Just me and him. “Hi,” he whispers.
“Hi,” I blush.
“You look beautiful,” he says, shifting his feet, revealing the item in his left hand. “These are for you.” He hands me a bouquet of half a dozen hydrangeas tied together with a white ribbon, the petals the same bold, striking blue as the ones at my cottage.
He wraps an arm around my waist and leans in to kiss my cheek. “This exhibit is incredible. I’m so fucking proud of you, Marnie.”
“You deserve a lot of credit, too. I couldn’t have done this without you, Caleb.”
“Don’t do that. This was all you. Every bit of it. Own it.”
His words elate me, and I hang on every single one.
Everyone’s support means the world to me.
I’m so grateful to Linny for her collaboration, and to Parker for always being unapologetically himself, like the big brother I never had.
I’ve truly found my home with this group of four, and I can’t believe how close we’ve gotten since I first met them a few short months ago.
I need to introduce Gwen and Linny before the night is up. They would hit it off immediately.
My fingers adjust to a new grip on the bouquet and the offer letter slips out of my grasp and flutters to the floor, settling at my feet.
Caleb reaches down to pick it up. “What’s this?”
“A job offer,” I say, the words still feeling unnatural as they roll off my tongue.
Caleb doesn’t seem surprised to hear this, but there’s an uncertainty in his expression, like he simultaneously does and doesn’t want to ask. “And . . .” he hesitates. “What are you going to do?”
“I’m staying,” I confirm. “On the island. At the historical society. With you.”
A smile stretches across his lips and he pulls me in for another hug, excitement radiating off his body. “Well, it seems we have a lot to celebrate,” he says in a low hum, dragging his gaze down to my lips and back up to my eyes. “I’m taking you out tonight.”
His offer is so enticing, and I have half a mind to abandon the event and leave with him right now. But Caleb knows me too well, because he leans down to whisper in my ear, “Go on, make the rest of your rounds. I’ll pick you up at seven.”