Margo's Got Money Troubles
by Rufi Thorpe
Contents
Chapter Thirteen
Overview
Margo accompanies Shyanne to shop for a Vegas wedding dress, but the outing implodes when Shyanne learns about Margo’s OnlyFans and harshly condemns her. Shaken, Margo finds solace as Bodhi says “Mama” for the first time. Later, Suzie steers Margo’s brand toward nerd culture, and Margo deepens her emotional rapport with JB through intimate email exchanges.
Summary
Margo drives Bodhi to Fashion Island to help Shyanne shop for a Vegas wedding dress. After rejecting a flashy sequined gown, Shyanne tries a peach Diane von Furstenberg wrap Margo chose and marks it as a “maybe,” aiming for cocktail elegance that suits Kenny’s likely attire.
At Nordstrom, Shyanne asks about a fictitious job, prompting Margo to admit she’s earning through a porn-adjacent site. Shyanne pulls her aside, condemns the work as ruinous for marriage and employment, and calls Margo a “whore.” As Bodhi fusses, Shyanne leaves to finish shopping alone, and Margo, shaken and ashamed, nurses Bodhi openly on a mall bench. Bodhi says “Mama” for the first time, grounding Margo amid the conflict.
That night, Suzie continues “nerd school,” guiding Margo through games and anime to target a nerd demographic. After Minecraft, Margo drafts an email to JB about her three-legged childhood cat, Lost-y. She reframes it to explore how a collar signifies love and safety, fearing that being unlabeled equals being trash. She asks JB for a portrait of his mother.
JB replies with a vivid, affectionate portrait of his Korean American mom—gregarious with clerks, a Blockbuster fixture who brings cupcakes, obsessive about cleaning, adored by a husband who worships her, and later a beloved high school aide. Margo reads it repeatedly, likes JB more, and reflects on how editing details can make anyone look like face or heel—including Shyanne, herself, and JB.
Who Appears
- MargoProtagonist; shops with Shyanne, endures condemnation over OnlyFans, nurses publicly, writes heartfelt emails to JB.
- ShyanneMargo’s mother; seeks a Vegas wedding dress, denounces Margo’s porn work, storms off upset.
- BodhiMargo’s infant son; fusses at the mall, says “Mama” for the first time, nurses.
- SuzieCollaborator; launches Margo into “nerd school,” gaming and anime to refine her audience strategy.
- JBWealthy patron; receives Margo’s cat story and sends a warm portrait of his mother, deepening their bond.