Reid chuckles, his tone light, but there’s something in his eyes that says he’s enjoying this more than he’s letting on.
“You’ll see. I’ve traded in the loud, ‘look at me’ act for… well, a quieter, more refined version of myself.” He pauses dramatically, savoring his next words, and then adds, “Or so I like to think.”
Violet pipes up, as if she’s been eavesdropping the entire time. “Refined? You? You’re about as refined as a bull at a rodeo.”
Reid laughs, tossing a mock glare at Violet. “Ouch, Violet. You’re harsh. I’m a man of culture, I assure you.”
I watch the two of them banter back and forth, but my gaze lands on Reid. He’s still got that confident smile, trying to reel me in. I can tell by the way he holds himself that he’s used to women paying attention when he talks.
Reid catches my eye and leans in just a bit closer. “You know, Dakota, I could show you how refined I really am… if you’re willing to let me.”
I don’t respond right away, but I feel the shift. His words linger as a challenge, but I refuse to let him think I’m an easy target.
I raise an eyebrow, giving him a pointed look. “I’m sure you could. But I’ll take my chances, thanks.”
He shrugs dramatically, his smile never faltering. “Can’t blame a guy for trying. But hey, I’ve got all the time in the world. If you change your mind, you know where to find me.”
Just then, I feel Hank’s eyes on us, and I follow his gaze. His silent disapproval is like a punchline to a joke I didn’t even know was happening.
Reid notices my shift in attention and glances over at the sheriff. “Guess it’s not just the women who don’t believe in my newfound maturity, huh?” He grins and drifts back to his seat down the counter.
Violet, ever the rescue artist, drops two plates of pancakes in front of us, and Charlie practically inhales his, looking more content than he’s been in a while.
I smile at the distraction. “You okay, buddy?”
Charlie nods, unable to speak, too busy enjoying his breakfast.
Violet plops down next to me, fork in hand, diving into her own plate. “So, spill it. What’s been going on with you? I haven’t actually seen you in person since you left for New York. That’s wild.”
It is. Especially sitting here with her now, it’s like no time has passed at all. Even if we are completely different people.
“Yeah, phone calls aren’t quite the same, are they?” I chuckle. “It’s been…” Where do I even begin? “Up and down.”
“That’s putting it mildly, right?” Violet declares. “I was so worried when you lost the job you went there for. I nearly quit college to come join you.”
“That would have been amazing,” I admit. “But I would have felt horrible. I’d have felt so guilty every day. Anyway, me and Charlie did okay.”
“Oh yeah, look at you both,” Violet agrees. “You’re doing great.”
I smile gratefully. It hasn’t always been easy, but a compliment on my parenting, which is the most important thing in my life, feels good.
“Well, I appreciate that, but truth be told, it’s been a bit of a disaster. When I’m done here, we’re not going back.”
“You aren’t?” Violet’s eyes almost pop out of her head. “What’s the plan?”
I offer her a one-shouldered shrug. “I don’t know one hundred percent, but me and Charlie need a change. I can freelance from anywhere, so…”
“Somewhere more affordable?”
I know what she’s getting at, but I can’t agree to staying here. So I just nod.
“Well, you can’t go too far,” Violet says with a teasing smile, eyes twinkling. “I’m going to need to see you more often now. And once Mom sees you, she might not let you go!”
I feel my heart soften at the mention of Alice. Violet’s mom was always like a second mother to me. To this day, I still remember her laugh echoing in that cozy kitchen where we spent hours making cookies or listening to her tell stories about her youth.
I never really had that kind of relationship with my own mom. She’s always been distant, living in her own world. And, of course, I only met my dad a few times. I had my grandfather, but I needed someone else, too.
So, Alice filled that gap.
