Violet is hot in the face. “We’re colleagues and have always kept things professional.”
“You want to be more than friends. I can tell.”
With a sigh, Violet collapses back against the headboard. “Fine. Yes. He’s incredible. Killian is smart, funny, and kind. And oh my god, he’s handsome. But it’s complicated. Sacred Heart has a strict no-dating policy between staff. We’d lose our jobs.”
I don’t know much about Sacred Heart, other than they fired Ally due to the controversy of her relationship with Dan. It doesn’t surprise me the school has an issue with staff members dating.
“You could get a different job,” I suggest.
“I don’t want a different job. I like Sacred Heart.” Violet groans into a pillow.
Though the mood is still lighthearted, the laughter and squealing has stopped. Zara, who has been talking non-stop through the evening, is suddenly quiet. Up until now, she’s had questions about Ally’s love life, even mine, but hasn’t spoken a word since the topic of Violet and Killian began. Her head is down and she’s picking at her nails, removed from the conversation.
I toss a pillow at her. “You’re quiet over there. Stop ruining your nails.”
“What? Oh.” She blinks, flustered. “It’s weirdhearing my sister talk about her love life. Especially when the guy is my teacher.”
“Fair point. Are there any guys you’re crushing on?”
“Definitely not.”
Violet removes the pillow from her face and laughs. “No need to lie, sis. Zara is in love.”
Zara flashes red. “What?”
“Wait,” Ally gasps, instantly invested. “Zara, you never told me this. Who is it?”
“Violet doesn’t know what she’s talking about. I’mnotin love.”
“Oh, come on,” Violet teases. “You’ve been moody for months, then suddenly you’re all smiles and singing while you complete housework. There’s a guy. Admit it.”
“What, I’m not allowed to sing and smile?”
“I heard you sneak him into your bedroom one night.”
Zara’s eyes pop wide. Her jaw hangs open until finally she gives in, frustrated with her sister. “Fine. There’s a guy from school. That’s all I’m saying.”
Ally laughs. “I’ll get the details out of you when Violet isn’t around.”
“There aren’t any details. Can we get back to the important topic—you and Dan.”
“Agreed,” I say, helping Zara out of a topic she clearly wants to be free of. “Let’s run through the schedule for tomorrow one last time.”
The night continues with more laughter, nail polish, and food. Within the hour, the lights are off and the four of us are snuggled up in Ally’s bed, watching a movie. Violet is the first one to nod off,followed by Ally.
I drift to sleep holding my stomach, smiling and full of love, envisioning myself carrying Felix and Tyler’s child.
The same movie is still playing when I wake to the sound of something hitting the window. Something tiny and not overly loud, but enough to disturb me. I can’t have been asleep for long.
I rub my eyes, disoriented in the dark room. For a second, I think I imagined the sound until hearing it again. I glance around, finding Ally poking her head out the window.
“Dan?” she whisper-shouts. “What are you doing?”
From my spot in bed, I can just make out his hushed voice from the garden below. “Sneak out with me. Climb out the window.”
“We’re not supposed to see each other until the wedding.”
“When have we ever been traditional? Come on, baby, I need to be alone with you.”
