“She wasn’t sleeping when I left.” Violet turns now, her expression completely composed. “I told her I was going for a walk and not to wait up.”
Callie nods quickly. “She told me to go to bed. But I was worried about her being out so late at night by herself.”
It’s a reasonable explanation.
So why does something still feel... off?
Callie releases my hand. “I’ve heard so much about you,” she adds.
“Really?”
I glance at Violet.
She’s already focused on the kitten again, as if nothing happened.
Like this whole thing isn’t… weird.
“Oh my gosh,” Callie says, looking at the kitten. “Adorable. Yours?” Her violet eyes flick to mine.
I feel like I have whiplash and am not comprehending things well.
“Ours,” I blurt out.
Callie’s eyebrows raise before she beams at me. “How cute! You guys are parents now.”
I nearly choke on air. “We’re what?”
My gaze drops to the kitten, then back to Violet.
Parents.
I don't even know Violet’s middle name.
Violet just smiles. “You make a good kitten dad.”
Callie nods. “Incredible.” She claps her hands together, bouncing on her heels. “Make sure you include this sweet baby in your wedding.”
My eyes are wide.
I’ve gone insane.
Did she just say... wedding?
We haven’t even set up a second date.
“Of course we’d include Luna.” Violet studies my panicked face. The way my chest heaves as I struggle to breathe.
“But we’re not there.” She exchanges a look with Callie. “We just rescued the kitten tonight.”
Callie nods. “Makes sense.”
“Makes sense,” I parrot, still stuck on Callie calling us parents and marrying us in the span of two minutes after meeting her.
I have the strongest urge to flee. To sprint out the door, jump in my car, and slam my foot on the gas. Straight to the police station to ask how restraining orders work.
Violet meets my gaze. Calm. Steady.
She mouths,“Ignore Callie.”
