My mother smiles shyly. “I did. Though, I was going for whole flowers instead of pieces.”
Violet’s hands cover her face, as she’s horrified. “Yourmomsent you these flowers?” Violet whispers.
“Why don’t I give you two a minute,” my mother suggests and pivots to head back into the house.
I tilt my head gently to the side as I watch guilt spread over Violet’s face. “My mom came out to Lake Spark to see my house since my dad is away on business. She was getting in last night after dinner, that’s why I didn’t ask to see you. But I did see you, and then I was pissed and ready to kill the sheriff. To my surprise, my mother was a listening ear while I drowned myself in scotch.”
Violet touches her forehead. “The special night?”
“She and I haven’t had a good conversation like that in years.” I shrug. “Maybe it was special.”
“Oh no, I feel mortified.” She glances at the flower graveyard at her feet. “I even went for the carnations instead of roses.”
“You devil woman,” I reply, while a smirk stays on my mouth. Her eyes meet mine, and I can tell that she feels guilty. “You really think that I would jump into bed with someone else?” Disappointment is apparent in my voice.
Violet lowers her head in near shame. “Truthfully, deep down, I don’t. On the surface, I was angry, and then the flowers. It seemed easier to be furious.”
I hook my fingers under her chin to guide her sight back to mine. “I just walked away.”
A somberness glazes her eyes. “I didn’t enjoy last night.”
“Me neither.”
“What’s tonight? According to the card that I just shredded, your mom is looking forward to tonight.”
A warm wave spreads across my chest, and even though I’m about to make a move that I’ve never done before, it feels right. I cup Violet’s cheeks and her eyes turn soft. “I wasn’t planning on my mom staying, but she’s in town until tomorrow because I asked her to stay. Want to join us for dinner?”
Surprise flickers in her eyes, but a gentle smile appears. “You want me to meet your mom?”
“Yeah, you can’t really say no now. I mean, you destroyed her sweet gesture,” I tease.
Violet laughs, and her head falls forward to rest on my shoulder. “What a first impression. I’m so sorry.”
“What do you say? I’ll get us a private table at the Dizzy Duck.”
Her beautiful eyes search my face for a clue because this is unfamiliar territory for us. “Are you sure?”
I don’t hesitate. “Yeah. I was about to head into town to ask you, but you showed up here in a rage first.”
“I killed the flowers. What kind of florist willingly murders flowers?” She’s in a dazed state, either because she really does feel sorry for the flowers, but my money is on that I’ve thrown her off by my invite.
I stroke her cheek with my thumb to assure her that I’m sincere. “You know, I’ve never had a woman meet my mom.” I try to sweeten the persuasion, realizing to myself that Violet is special.
It's not a clear answer to her question from last night, but it gives us a little direction. To where? I’m still not entirely sure, but I can’t let her walk away just yet.
* * *
Violet smoothsher light pink dress while she sits across from my mother. I can tell she put in effort. Violet has natural beauty, and she doesn’t wear a lot of makeup, but her lips have a little gloss, and I think she curled her hair slightly. Violet apologized more times than I can count for destroying the flowers my mom ordered. They were quick to ease into conversation with one another.
“This is exciting, Violet. I’ve never had the privilege to meet someone in Declan’s life. I’ve only seen pictures in the media of past… dates. Last night, my son couldn’t stop talking about you,” my mother explains, and already I might be regretting my decision about this evening.
“Really?” Violet is curious, and she rests her chin on her propped palm, intent on getting the full intel. “What did he say?”
“More wine, anyone?” I interrupt.
Both women tsk me away in unison.
“Well, I’m not sure a mother should break that trust, but you have his head in knots, for sure.” My mom dips her fork into her salad.
