The Difference

Chapter 20

The next morning I sleep in. Ava texts me from the funeral that Troy asked about me and I suddenly feel guilty. Why do I feel guilty? He's the one avoiding me. I shake my head and get ready anyway. On my way to the mansion, I realize everyone is still at the funeral. I debate in my car for a while, and then decide to go to the cemetery. As I pull in, I spot Ava and Brad off to the corner, holding hands. I see Ellen sobbing with Mrs. Marigold next to her, who wears a blank expression. There are dozens of people here to my surprise, and I search around for Troy. I finally spot him and jump out of my car. I feel awkward as everyone is silent, just standing around George's lowered casket. I'm not necessarily interrupting the procession, but I still don't feel good about the long walk I take from my car to the group of people, the sound of my heels on pavement causing everyone to slowly turn their heads toward me. I link eyes with Troy and I'm surprised to see him standing next to a blonde woman about our age, with bright blue eyes, and a very tight, lace black dress. She's wearing the same Manolos I am. Troy looks at me and says something to the woman before walking towards me and leading me away from everyone.

"I wasn't expecting you here," he says, and I can't tell if he's happy or angry.

"I know, Ava said you were asking about me and I didn't want you to be all alone." Troy says nothing. "Who's the girl you were talking to?" I question and Troy plays dumb.

"Which one?"

"The blonde one staring daggers at us right now," I say coldly.

"She's a family friend. Her name is Isabel. She's just protective. I've known her since we were kids."

"Ah," I say, slightly embarrassed. 

"Listen, baby. I don't know how to say this, but.." he trails off. I take his hint because I don't want to hear the words come out of his mouth.

"You want me to leave?" I notice a camera crew zooming in on Brad and Ava. Troy starts speaking faster, putting a hand around me and walking me to my car.

"I'll see you at the mansion later," he says, opening my car door for me. He gives a quick glance back to the group of people and leans into my car for a kiss. Just as quickly as I came, I was gone. I turn on my car and take a left toward the mansion. I ponder stopping, and decide against it. I drive 10 minutes outside of town to Eric's house. I walk up to the door and knock, as his dad comes to the door. 

"Rosemary! What a pleasant surprise! Eric just ran to the store, but he should be back soon. Would you like to come inside?"

"Sure," I say, as he opens motions for me to enter. I give a friendly smile and Mr. Marcus calls out to Mrs. Marcus that I'm here. She rushes over, giving me a huge hug and asking where I've been. 

"Well, in the last month I started a new job as Ava's assistant for her event planning company, I quit the craft store, I started to plan this royal ball at the Marigold Mansion right outside of town, and I started to date the Marigold's youngest son, Troy," I say all in one breath. 

"Honey! That's amazing," Mrs. Marcus says, giving me a hug. Mr. Marcus begins to laugh.

"I want to say I'm happy for you, Rosemary, but part of me always wanted you to end up with my son," Mr. Marcus replies.

"Oh, dear, stop it. They're best friends!" Mrs. Marcus cuts him off. 

"The only bad quality that girl has is her love for Alabama football!" he jokes.

I shake my head and let out a laugh, not surprised at all he remembers my comment from so long ago.

"We're really happy for you, honey. It seems like you're all grown up. You and Eric!" Mrs. Marcus says sadly.

"He sure is trying to be. Striking up deals with my father and all, you know, Rosemary? I never thought he'd take his side," Mr. Marcus says, taking a seat in his recliner. He flips through the television nonchalantly. Mrs. Marcus tells me to wait here while she makes some tea for us. When she leaves, I sit on the couch across from Mr. Marcus.

"You know what Eric told me?" I say abruptly.

"What's that?"

"He said that everything he ever learned from cars, he owes to you."

Mr. Marcus smiles slightly, then shakes his head. "The boy was always smart. He just needed a little help."

"I know. So, let's help him. Can you imagine him running his own dealership? I mean, who's more qualified than he is? Besides you, of course," I say for brownie points.

"It's just hard to see him siding with my father after he stole the dealership out from under us."

"With all due respect Mr. Marcus, I think Eric is an amazing person. That being said, you can't fault him for having empathy for someone trying to right their wrong. If anything, you should be proud. You raised him this way," I say, smiling at him.

"Rosemary, you are such a bright young lady. This Troy fella better not break your heart or I'll send Eric after him," he smiles and gives my hand a friendly squeeze. I can tell this is his way of thanking me. 

I sit and have tea with Mr. and Mrs. Marcus as we watch reruns of The Office. Apparently Eric showed them to his dad when they lost the dealership a few months ago. Now, it's all Mr. Marcus watches in his free time between his part-time jobs. We are all laughing at the iconic CPR scene of the show when Eric walks in the door. 

"Hey. Thought I saw your car out front," he says, putting the grocery bags on the counter.

"Hi," I say, and he can tell by the look I give him something's wrong.

"Wanna go talk?" He asks in front of his parents. Mr. Marcus gets up quickly. 

"Not so fast! Eric, I just wanted to let you know I won't be mad if you take Grandpa's offer of running the dealership. Actually, I want you to. I'm so proud of you, son," Mr. Marcus says, pulling him into a hug. He gives me a wink over Eric's shoulder and Mrs. Marcus pulls me into another hug. We all separate and Eric decides we are going for a drive. 

"Have you talked to Troy?" He asks, as he pulls out of his driveway. I tell him about the funeral and Isabel and me not knowing what's going on between us.

"It's as if as soon as we became official, which was very soon after we met might I add, he started to get all weird. And his Grandma hates me now. At first she liked me, but now she doesn't. As soon as we got closer, everything went downhill. He also inadvertently kicked me out of the funeral."

"Maybe he's afraid of commitment like me," Eric says casually. 

"Yeah, maybe."

"Rosemary, is he the one you want to be with?" Eric blurts out.

"Yes."

"Then, come on. I'm taking you back to get your car and you're gonna go get your man," he says cracking up at how strange the words sound coming out. I laugh with him as we turn around and he drops me back off. I give him a hug and tell him I'll keep him posted. When I'm about to let go, he takes hold of my hand.

"Thanks for talking to my dad," hey says sincerely.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I joke.

He looks down at me. There's that award-winning smile I know so well. I let go of his hand and walk towards my car. I look back once I open the door and call out, "You're welcome!"