Page 102 of Come Back to Me

“So will you.” I grin.

Gravity pushes me closer to her, leaving a couple of inches of space between us. I think I lost my breath again because we haven’t been this physically close to each other in six years.

“Hi,” she says with pep in her voice.

“Hi.”

She takes a step back. “C’mon, we can order in something for dinner.”

“I could use some comfort food right about now. Do you think Coastal Shores would deliver forty-five minutes to an hour away?”

She gets this infectious case of the giggles. “I don’t know how good it would be sitting in a car for that long. We can find somewhere that’s open on campus while we’re on our way back to your place.”

“Sounds good to me.”

We walk over to Violet’s car, and she unlocks it.

When I get inside, I take it all in. The glove compartment, windshield, and A/C vents are in my direct vision. The interior is dark gray with black detailing. Everything is so clean.

“Are you good?” she asks, a concerned expression taking over her face.

“It’s weird to see you have a car. You didn’t have one when we were together.”

“Maybe because I was terrified to drive, but my mother insisted on me getting my license anyway. It’s probably one of the only things I’m glad she made me do. I never thought I’d say something positive about her.”

“That makes two of us.”

She backs out of the parking space and drags the gear shift into reverse. Once we make it onto the road, she lets out a loose breath. “I don’t know if I’ve asked you this, but how’s your mom?”

“She’s good. I don’t talk to her as much as I’d like to because the shelter has somewhat strict rules with contacting loved ones and friends. I think I talked to her last week. The next time I talk to her or see her, I’ll have to tell her we won the homecoming game.”

“Yeah, you do.”

“I want to get her out of there, but being a waitress, she barely makes enough to pay her monthly bills. I want to be able to buy her a house and set her up for retirement when I hopefully get drafted into the NBA. For now, I just want to be there for her. I’m all she has.”

“I know your mom loves you, and I’m sure she’s grateful for everything you do for her. She’s lucky to have you as her son.”

“She would’ve loved to hear you say that.”

“Does the shelter allow visitors?”

“Yes, but on a very limited basis.”

“If you and your mom are comfortable with it, I’d love to visit her sometime.”

“She’d love that. When I visited her a few years back, she asked me how you were doing and what you were up to. She forgot we weren’t in contact at that time, but she’s always cared about you.”

“I never knew your mom thought so highly of me.” Her tone screams innocence.

“How could she not? You’re sweet, caring, and talented. You did so much for me back in high school. You were there for me during the darkest days of my life, and I don’t know if saying thank you will ever be enough.”

Violet closes her mouth, speechlessness taking over her. Ican see a few tears threatening to come out of her eyes, but she wipes them away with her index finger.

I think I said too much.

She keeps her eyes on the road, which would be a huge problem if she didn’t. I gave her a case of information overload. I realize that now. It would’ve been much better if I caught it as I was saying all those things, but oh well.

We spend the rest of the drive to my apartment in silence. I’m surprised she didn’t put music on because she used to do that when it was too quiet in the car.