7. Chapter 7
Mariana
Sinclair Montt Family Chat
Dad: The lawyers have informed me the divorce is through.
Mom: Henry's statement was classy, I'll say that.
Maisie: Ours was pretty good as well. Irreconcilable differences— if it works for Hollywood, it works for us too.
Mariana: I'd rather not be talked about in a paper or on social media ever again, thanks. It's silly that we had to put a statement out at all! Or that a write-up was ready from us, too. Looking at you, Mom and Dad.
Maisie: Don't let any of that affect you! Everyone whose opinion matters won't think twice about it.
Cora: You raise your head up high and live your best life, hermanita. Especially on this side of the pond. No one cares enough about it over here.
Cam: I'm unsure whether this is a time to congratulate Mariana or not.
Luke: She's been waiting for it to be done, hasn't she? I'd say it's time for a party.
Mariana: Trying to arrange that, actually. And before you say anything, it will be classy and understated, Mom.
Mom: I wasn't going to say anything.
Maisie and Mariana's text chain
Maisie: As your eldest sister, let me say I'm bloody thrilled for you. And as much as I miss seeing you more often, I'm happy you're not in London right now.
Mariana: Is the press too bad? I haven't wanted to look, and I will not ask Mom and Dad.
Maisie: Not bad. I'm pretty sure it's only been mentioned on a few lowly sites. Luckily, Henry wasn't that popular, and with the latest 'actually royal' scandal, they're distracted.
Mariana: THANK GOD.
Maisie: Still, smart to take a year away.
Mariana: I hope you miss me :( I hate putting off working together for another year! This time we'll go international, Maisie. We were meant to be doing this for ages but… Henry.
Maisie: Of course I miss you! I can't wait to have you back, but take your time. You have a plan. We have a plan. We're good.
Mariana: I miss you too. See you for our work call on Wednesday?
Maisie: See you then.
Mariana: Say hi to your wife from me, okay?
Maisie: We can call in an evening or two and chat, the three of us.
Mariana: Sounds amazing.
Cora and Mariana's text chain
Cora: Do you want to go out for dinner? I know we had breakfast together earlier but we had to cheer with coffee mugs and that doesn't feel fancy enough. Let's celebrate your divorce properly!
Mariana: Thank you! Maybe tomorrow? Pen invited me to go out with her friend group tonight, after I told her.
Cora: The friend group, huh?
Mariana: I know you can't go, or I'd invite you. Then you'd see it's a sweet gesture and not a big deal.
Cora: It's not a big deal that I can't go. It's a big deal that you're going with that friend group. Pen's friends are Dom's friends.
Mariana: I know that. THAT's not a big deal either!
Cora: Sure, sure.
Mariana: I don't care if Dom is there. Let him see me happy now that I'm divorced and thriving. Someone who can go out and start dating as soon as she figures out where to meet eligible men, and finds the time in her schedule to go on a hunt.
Cora: Right, right.
Mariana: So let's go out for dinner tomorrow. Then you can see I'm well and ready to celebrate. And since you've been in the city for longer, you can share any tips you have.
Cora: Unfortunately I have none yet. But we'll celebrate!
Mariana: We'll celebrate! See you tomorrow.
Cora: Make sure to have fun tonight, hermanita. I'll approve of whatever wild decisions you make.
Mariana: Byyyeee