Chapter 82

"Marcy, has Maia been giving you a hard time? Want me to handle it?" Zachary asked. Marceline clutched her bag and shook her head. "No, Zach. Thanks, though." He ruffled her hair. "Head on home. Call me if you need anything." Zachary had always been gentle with her, and Marceline used to appreciate that. But lately, it just felt off. She couldn't quite explain why. Marceline stepped out of the hotel and spotted Curtis leaning against a pillar, cigarette dangling between his fingers. His gaze swept over her. "Finished talking?" He flicked the ash off his cigarette, irritation simmering just beneath his words. Marceline kept her head down and started to walk past him, but he trailed her like a shadow. "You really think it's appropriate to meet a guy here this late?" She stopped dead in her tracks. Curtis was clearly itching for a fight. "Curtis, if you can go see Jenna, why can't I meet Zach?" Amused, Curtis smirked and flicked his cigarette into a nearby trash can. He stepped