Page 90 of Off the Wall

“I do.” She hands me a plate. “For more than a decade, actually,” she adds. “Which is why I feel like I have to be honest with you now.”

Something twinges in my abdomen. “I hope everything’s all right.” Is Violet sick? Are things rocky with Larry? Is there bad news about someone else at the shop?

Violet nods over at the head table. “Let’s have a seat.”

“You’re making me nervous.” Still, I follow her to the table and adjust a couple of the chairs so they’re facing each other. Then I drop into my original seat, and Violet takes the one Hayden was sitting in during dinner.

“So, what’s going on?” I lift my brows. “You know you can tell me anything.”

“I do know that, but this is really hard.” She folds her hands in her lap. “You see, Larry and I have been talking.”

“Well, that’s good.” I press out a shaky laugh. “Communication between couples is important.”

“Communication betweeneveryoneis important. And that’s why I wish you’d told me sooner about all these … these visions you’ve been having.”

“Visions?” I scrunch up my nose.

“What Hayden was talking about earlier. The things you’re seeing in the mirrors. With that boy.” Violet purses her lips. “Hayden says they’ve been happening for a month. How come you never told me?”

“Oh, that.” I wave the question away. “I didn’t say anything because there’s really nothing to tell.”

“Hallucinations aren’t nothing, Nori.” Violet twists her engagement ring. “And for a while now, youhavebeen trying extra hard to—I don’t know—prove something to everyone.” Her lips are a worried crescent. “You’ve put so muchpressure on yourself. It’s no wonder you’re seeing things, dear.”

“I don’t understand.” Hearing Violet express her doubts is making me feel slightly sick. “Are you disappointed in my work? Did my ideas to increase traffic at Serendipi-Tea upset you?”

“Of course not,” she says. “You’re a wonderful manager. But then you asked tobuythe business. So I feel partly to blame for all these visions you’ve been having.” She takes a beat. “Because I said yes.”

“And we’re almost there,” I say. “I’m so close to making everything work.”

“Are you, though?” Violet’s eyes soften at the corners. “The loan application is about to expire, and you still don’t have the money to make up the gap. That has to be a tremendous burden on you. In fact, I’m afraid it’s too much. So Larry and I talked things over—here tonight—and we’ve decided we’re going to?—”

“No way,” I interrupt. “I’m not taking money from you and Larry. You’re both so sweet, but I can’t let you—or anyone—make up the difference.” If there’s one thing in my life I’m not ambivalent about right now, it’s that I want to make this loan happen on my own. “I just need a little more time, Violet. I’ll figure everything out.”

Her brow collapses. “That’s just it, Nori. I don’t think figuring everything out is what’s best for you. In fact, I think the plan ishurtingyou. And these visions in the mirror are just more proof of that. I refuse to contribute to the deterioration of your mental health.”

“But … I don’t understand.” The twist in my abdomen wrenches tighter. “What exactly are you saying?”

“I’m saying”—Violet looks down at her lap—“Larry and I decided we’re going to go ahead and sell the business to Glen and his son.”

“No.” My whole body deflates. First my stomach, then my lungs, then my heart. “No!”

Violet’s gaze drifts back up to mine. “It’s time, Nori.”

“But you can’t!” My eyes flash. “Serendipi-Tea isn’t supposed to become some … some caffeine-fueled real estate office.”

“Maybe this is just the shop’s next act.” Violet reaches for my hand, and gives it a squeeze. “It’s for the best, dear. The best foryou.”

“But what about Yvette? Ben? All our employees?”

“I’ll inform the staff at closing on Monday,” she says, quietly. “And we won’t finalize the sale until after Labor Day. That’s a lot of notice. I’ll give everyone a little severance, too. Glen’s son already promised you a job, if you want it. You’ll have a steady paycheck and some stability—which it sounds like you need right now.”

“Violet, please,” I beg, my voice breaking. “Don’t do this. The shop is all I have.”

Her eyes well with tears too. “I’m so sorry, dear. But I love you too much to let you continue torturing yourself.”

Across the tent, the DJ’s voice explodes into the microphone. “Get ready, folks! It’s time to gather on the dance floor so the bride can toss her bouquet!”

“I’d better go.” I begin to stand, my eyes wet and glazed over.

---