A/N: Thanks for continuing to read, review, and follow! I really appreciate it. I apologize for the late update. The election threw me off, and I honestly couldn't bring myself to write for a couple of days. Then, I picked up some sort of bug that wiped me out. I'm back to myself now though. This is a shorter update and mainly just wraps things up with this storyline. This chapter picks up where the last one left. Hope you enjoy this update! To my readers in the States, Happy Thanksgiving!
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After the parade and more ice skating and shopping, everyone had gone back to the bed & breakfast to get ready for the bonfire later that evening. Danny and Lexie were each put down for a much needed nap while the others relaxed or helped the Millers with their preparations for the evening's festivities. Jessica and Nancy caught up while they worked on the chili and the rest of the food that would be served that evening. Erica signed autographs for and posed for photographs with many of the star struck locals as well as visitors to Devon that had stopped by the bed and breakfast. As for Greenlee, she reviewed the recording she had made of Shelly. Once she was positive Jessica couldn't be seen and after a few strategic edits, she posted it online. Greenlee was right. The video had indeed gone viral. In the short time it had been online, the video had already received hundreds of thousands of views, and the number was climbing rapidly.
Everyone reassembled outside a few hours later, and when the judges stopped by, everything had been on point. Things were definitely looking good for another Miller win. With the judging of their display completed, the group was finally able to relax and recall the day's events.
"That had to be one of the most interesting parades we've ever had here." Clay chuckled as he handed Nancy a mug of hot chocolate before he sat down near the B&B's bonfire.
Nancy nodded. "I have to agree. I don't know that I've ever attended one that fun before. I'd like to say that I feel bad for Shelly, but I really don't. I honestly believe she got what she deserved. And just for the record, my daughter is not a goon."
Cory laughed. "I don't know, Mom. Like I told Marissa and Jo earlier, I kind of like it. I feel a little bit like a badass. Besides, it helps with my street cred."
The woman sighed and rolled her eyes at her daughter's response. "Oh joy, my daughter the badass. I can see where you really need to worry about your street cred considering we are talking about the mean streets of Devon."
Kendall snorted at the older woman's sarcasm. "Hey, you never know what's going to happen with this goon squad. Oh, I just thought of the perfect gift for Red, Jo, and Cory! I'm seeing matching shirts with Goon 1, Goon 2, and Goon 3 on them!"
"I like it! Who is Goon 1?" Greenlee asked.
"Marissa!" Cory and Jo cracked up laughing when they answered in unison.
Marissa shook her head, clearly amused by her friends. "I couldn't have any better goons on my squad."
"I'm sorry I missed what happened between you and Shelly." Krystal said.
"Well, it's no surprise that Rissa was pretty badass. She didn't let Shelly get to her and crushed every argument she had." Bianca added proudly.
The redhead shrugged. "I simply said what needed to be said. I can tell you I really wasn't planning on it being broadcast to everyone though."
Jo glanced at her mother. "Yeah, funny how that happened, and it was only when you talked to her and not when other people did."
While Jessica's expression gave nothing away, there was mischievous gleam in her eyes that both Jo and Marissa knew all too well. "Hmmm, that is interesting."
"You know what I would find extremely interesting? What was said when Mom was in there with her." Kendall added with a raised her eyebrow.
Greenlee nodded. "Me too. I'd love to know that. You know it had to be good because Shelly was really pale when she finally left the restroom. Of course, her being pale only lasted so long."
"Yeah, she did pick up some color not long after that." Zach smirked.
"It was the Kane death glare in all of its glorious power. It is truly a fearsome sight and one to behold, from a distance."
"Marissa's right. I don't ever want to be on the other end of it." Jo agreed.
"Yeah, it does have a tendency to bring people to their knees. The only people I know that seem to be immune to it are Jack, Zach, and Marissa." Kendall noted.
The three individuals in question glanced at each other and smiled. They freely admitted that the glare from their respective partners had the exact opposite effect on them than it did on others.
Bianca chuckled when Marissa looked her way and waggled her eyebrows. As much as she was having fun with her family in Devon, the brunette had to admit that she was really looking forward to being back home for some much needed alone time with her wife, especially when Marissa looked at her the way she was now.
"Has anybody heard anything about Fitz or the city council?" Jo asked.
"The last I heard, they were all kind of laying low. As much as a lot of people don't like Shelly, they all agree with Marissa. It wasn't cool what they tried to do. I think it will eventually blow over, but for the time being, it's probably better for all concerned for them to not be out as much in public for a couple of days. The same goes with Ginny Williams. There are even more people upset with her. The general feeling is that while what Fitz and the council were wrong, they were thinking of the town, but Ginny was being Ginny and thinking about nothing but causing trouble." Cory said.
"We were hearing that a lot earlier from a majority of the folks that stopped by. That along with how good it was for them to see the three of you again." Clay nodded at Marissa, Jo, and Jessica.
"It definitely was nice coming back, despite Shelly." Marissa smiled. "And this, spending time with you and Nancy along with one of my favorite goons and her family, makes it even better. I have no doubt that you guys are going to win again."
"Well, we couldn't have done it without all of you pitching in to help, and Marissa, thank you so much for making the hot chocolate. It's been too long since I've enjoyed the Tasker family recipe. This so good, and I think it will put us over the top." Nancy added.
"I'm happy to help."
/
A short time later, Marissa saw Erica walk towards the B&B's front door. The redhead quietly excused herself and followed her mother-in-law inside. She had noticed that Erica was quiet earlier, and Marissa really wanted a chance to talk to her in private and make that she was okay.
"Do you have a few minutes to talk, Erica?"
"Of course, dear. What's on your mind?" Erica asked as she took a seat in an overstuffed chair in the lobby and gestured towards another chair for her daughter-in-law.
Marissa took the empty seat. "Thanks. I want to apologize."
"Apologize? Whatever for?"
"Pretty much everything that's happened since you came to Devon. You have to know that I didn't know anything about them wanting you to be the parade's grand marshal. I was completely blindsided by Fitz. He and the city council wanted to use you for financial gain, and they didn't think about you at all. You came here to spend time with family and relax. Granted, it wouldn't require much to sit on a float and wave, but it's the principle of the matter. What's worse though is that when word got out that you would be taking the role from someone else, and we both know damn well that word would somehow get out, it would be a blemish on your character, tarnish your reputation, put you in a negative light. However you want to put it, it wouldn't look good to the public. I wasn't going to let that happen. I couldn't let that happen."
Erica simply nodded her understanding when Marissa paused. The diva would make sure she responded, but she knew that her daughter-in-law needed to get everything out.
"Not only that, but then there's Shelly. I mean you obviously heard what she said about you. I can never apologize enough for that. It was awful, and she did it because of me. She's always been threatened by me for some reason, and I've never done anything to her. I can handle her coming after me but not my family, never my family. I'm sorry for what she said about you. We both know that the vast majority of it wasn't true, but in the time that I've known you, I've learned that it doesn't necessarily mean anything. People will believe what they want to believe, and in this case, you would be the one hurt the most by that. There's nothing right about that. I can't allow it. You are family, and no one hurts my family, especially if it's because of me."
It was evident to Erica that Marissa was beating herself up somewhat over this entire incident. "Marissa, I need you to listen to me. None of this is your fault. You know as well as I do that there are people in this world who are unhappy with their lives and can't stand to see someone else happy, to see them succeed. This is most definitely the case with Shelly. I'm not sure why she feels the way she does about you, but from I've been able to tell, it isn't because of anything that you've done. I've spoken with Jessica, and she told me more about the history between you and Shelly. To me, it seems that she is threatened by you. While others never confronted her about her behavior or her treatment of them, you did. You were never intimidated by her, and you often bested her whenever she attempted to take you on. That made her feel inferior. She was used to bullying people and getting what she wanted. That's something you never allowed. From what you've told me, your parents taught you that a bully usually backs down if you confront them, and I agree with that completely. Shelly doesn't quite know how to handle that so she rants to anyone that will listen. Now, that I think about it a little more, I believe she is jealous of you."
"That's ridiculous."
"No, it isn't. Think about it. You are a very successful lawyer at the top law firm in state. You are happily married to someone who loves, respects, and quite simply adores you. Your four beautiful children feel the exact same way about you. You have family and friends who love you and who would gladly stand by your side. Does Shelly have any of that?"
"I'm lucky to have all of you, and I know it. I never take any of you for granted."
"I know. We all know." Erica briefly paused. "I need to tell you that I overheard her talking about you earlier. While I have no doubt that you are more than capable of dealing with her, it's like you said before, you are family. I won't allow someone to hurt you without dealing with them myself. As for what she said about me, I am used to the attacks, and she is more of a gnat than anything else. While most of what she said was wrong, she was right about me being an alcoholic. It's public knowledge, and that makes me an easy target for their attacks. You defended me, quite impressively I might add. I respect you, and what you said means a great deal to me. I don't blame you at all for what she said. Please know that."
Marissa nodded. "Thank you, and I meant every word I said to her. I need to thank you for something else. I don't know what you said to Shelly, and I'm not asking you to tell me. It was easy to tell that you put the fear of god into her though. So whatever it was, thank you."
"You're welcome."
"You know, you and Jessica have become quite the team."
Erica chuckled. "Yes, I suppose we have. I don't know that we're on Kendall and Greenlee's level however. Don't tell them that I said that though."
"Your secret is safe with me."
"Thank you. It's no secret that I like Jessica and consider her to be a very good friend. Given my celebrity, I don't have many that are close. It can be quite daunting to find one that doesn't want anything from me. Jessica, however, is one of those people. She has always been straight with me, and that's something I value. I have you to thank for that because you were the one who brought her and Jo to Pine Valley and into all of our lives."
"You're more than welcome. I'm glad the two of you have become friends. Jessica is very special. There was a time when she didn't have many friends."
"Because of her husband." Erica said knowingly.
"Yes. A lot of people didn't know what to make of the situation so they avoided her, and she became isolated to a degree."
"Your mother wasn't one of those people though."
The redhead shook her head. "No, she wasn't. Mom would never turn her back on a friend. Jessica's the same way. You can trust her, and if things ever go bad, she's definitely someone you want in your corner."
"Sounds like someone else I know. I'll keep that in mind."
"Hey, I'm not interrupting anything am I?"
Marissa smiled when she saw her wife and children. Danny was asleep in his brunette mother's arms, and AJ, Miranda, and Gabby were clearly fighting sleep themselves. "No, not at all."
Erica noticed both women smile when they saw each other. It was a reflex with them, and it warmed her heart to know that both Bianca and Marissa had found the happiness they truly deserved. "No, sweetheart, Marissa and I were just talking. It would appear there are a few people who are tired."
"Yeah, it's been a long, busy day. I was just going to take them up to bed. Kendall and Zach are not far behind me with the kids and the same with Greenlee and Ryan with Emma."
"I'll help you." Marissa stood up and turned to her mother-in-law. "Thank you, Erica."
"You're welcome, dear. I enjoyed our conversation a great deal." Erica stood and placed a kiss on the top of the head of each of her four grandchildren. "Goodnight, dears. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Goodnight."
Bianca leaned forward and kissed her mother on the cheek. "Night, Mom. Sleep well."
"You too, sweetheart. Goodnight, Marissa."
"Goodnight, Erica. We'll see you in the morning, and hopefully, it will be a lot quieter."
"I think it will be. We were talking outside and think that a certain parade grand marshal will be keeping a low profile." Bianca added as she walked towards the stairs.
Marissa sighed. "That would be a great early Christmas present. Come on minions. Let's get you all to bed."
It would be an early start for everyone the next day and a very busy one. They were all meeting for breakfast. Then, the kids would be getting their pictures taken with Santa Claus. While the older ones didn't necessarily believe in the jolly old elf anymore, they maintained the air of belief for the younger kids. There was also a train ride as well as a few other activities they wanted to do before they all headed back home to Pine Valley.
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A/N: I started on an update for Kegs & Eggs so you'll probably see that next week. For those looking for more than fluff, I do have at least two upcoming storylines for Things Change that will definitely have some angst so stay tuned! See you soon!