Page 121 of Come Back to Me

“Not yet. We still have semi-finals, and then finals. We still have a lot of work to do.”

“For once in your life, will you take a compliment from someone?” I ask.

“Fine. Thank you. I’m happy I have you both in my corner.”

“What are your plans for after you leave me?”

“Lunch, but we haven’t figured out where we’re going yet,” I confidently say.

“I have an idea.” Violet’s eyes widen.

“Alright, try me.”

“Coastal Shores.”

“Great minds think alike. I was going to suggest Coastal Shores.”

“It’s like no time has passed between you two. It’s amazing,” Dana points out.

Violet and I exchange awkward glances at each other. It’s as if we’re trying to read each other’s minds again or something.

Dana’s dark brown eyes drill a hole into my head. “How are things with you and your family?”

“Mom! Seriously?”

“It’s okay. I don’t mind telling her what’s going on.” I pause. “I haven’t talked to my parents and my brother for six years. I have no interest in talking to them or anything of that sort.”

“I’m so sorry,” she says softly.

“You have nothing to be sorry for. I’m the one who’s sorry. My brotheralmost…” I trail off, realizing what I was going to say.

Violet clears her throat. “Where’s your bathroom?” she asks Mom.

“Down the hall on your right,” Mom says to her.

I pay close attention to how Violet walks and her facial expressions. I know what can happen when she has a panic attack, and I want to make sure she’s okay.

“Why did you have to bring her family up? You out of all people know how hard it is to talk about what happened that night.”

All the color drains from Mom’s face. “I know. I didn’t mean for this to go in the direction it did.” She’s clearly holding back tears. “I had nightmares for months after your accident. I didn’t know what was going to happen to you. I was absolutely terrified.”

“Violet blames herself for what happened to me. She’s been dealing with this self-imposed guilt for six years. I try to ask her about it, but she shuts down.”

“She’ll tell you. You just need to give her time.”

“I don’t think I can handle another six years without knowing.”

“Honey, it’s not going to be that long. You can’t force the answer out of her. It’s a delicate situation, and you don’t want to make it worse. Okay?”

“Okay.”

Violet appears out of the bathroom and walks back over to us. Her face isn’t red or wet from crying.

That’s a good sign.

“I shouldn’t have asked you about your family, Violet. I’m sorry.” I can sense the regret in Mom’s tone.

“It’s okay. It’s really hard for me to talk about what happened at the mansion.”