Page 48 of Take Two

I grin at her and she giggles, but Violet grabs Terri by her free hand and tells her to come with her. Instead of going into one of the bedrooms, she pulls her only a few feet away to the other side of the room.

“It’s time for you to go. Where are your shoes?”

“Can you give me an hour alone? Sheesh! We’re sisters, for fuck’s sake.”

“This is not the time,” Violet says.

“Look, I don’t care if Charlie hears, so here goes. I’m sorry for everything. I know it’s years too late, but I’m sorry. I was a horrible sister. I know it. You know it, and now Charlie knows it too.”

“Fine. You’ve apologized. Fine. Whatever.”

Once the bacon is cooking, I turn to watch the argument taking place a few feet away.

“You forgive me?” Terri asks. I almost want to laugh at the scene in front of me, but instead, I run my hand over my face. She wants it so bad, she’s willing to act as if she doesn’t understand sarcasm.

“If that will get you the hell out of here, then sure. I forgive you. What the fuck ever.” Violet reaches for her hand again, but she pulls it away.

“You’re such a bitch, Violet,” Terri hisses.

“Don’t call her that,” I say, interrupting their fight. I’m not going to involve myself in this unless Violet asks my opinion, but calling her names is an absolute no.

“This is just a fight between sisters,” Terri says.

“All I’m saying is don’t call her names. She’s not a bitch, and you won’t disrespect her when I’m around.”

It’s so predictable. I remember how many times I went on the defensive when Colt didn’t give me the reaction I felt I deserved and resorted to name-calling. What Terri needs to understand is that name-calling will bring any discussion to an abrupt halt. People don’t have to listen to you when you resort to that.

“I’m the bitch? You pretended to believe your husband’s lies and made me the bad guy. You threw me out of your wedding party and pretty much uninvited me. You two bullied me—”

“Oh, please, Violet. No one bullied you. Like you would ever let that happen. Listen—”

“I don’t have to listen to a goddamn thing you have to say!” Violet yells. “Get out of my apartment!”

“No, I’m not leaving until I say what I fucking came here to say!” Terri yells back. “I left Spencer. My life’s a mess, Violet. I’m broke. He made bad investments with our money, and what he didn’t invest, he lost gambling. There’s been so many women that—”

“Just stop! Why areyou dumping this shit on me in front of my boyfriend?” Violet yells in Terri's face. “Now he thinks we’re all fucking crazy! And for the record, you knew he was a lying, cheating piece of shit before you got married. Did you think saying 'I do' was going to change that?”

“Well, you can’t hide the crazy from him,” Terri says with a laugh. “You don’t think there’s some crazy in his family?”

“You’re right, Terri. There’s no shortage of crazy in the Chastain family. And Violet, I don’t think you’re crazy, darlin’,” I say, approaching them both. I put my hands on Violet’s shoulders. She takes a step back and leans into me. “But let’s cool off for a bit, okay? Let’s eat.” I spin her to face me, take her hands, and kiss the backs of them. “Then I’ll walk you to work before I go home.” I pull her into my arms and hug her. “Terri, don’t yell at her. That’s not going to help thangs.” My eyes lock with hers above Violet’s head. Terri opens her mouth to argue, but I shake my head at her, and she shuts up.

“Fine,” Terri says. “I’ll get my shoes.”

When she goes back to the guest bedroom, Violet steps out of my arms and looks into my eyes. “This won’t be the last of it,” I warn her. “She feels guilty, and guilt will make people do crazy stuff. I’ve been there.”

“Maybe I should punch her in the jaw. If it’s broken, she won’t be able to talk,” she says.

“No, I don’t think that’s the answer.” I bend and plant a few soft kisses on her lips. “You know I’m here for you. Talk to me. Vent to me, but don’t hit anyone. That won’t make you feel any better.” I cup her cheeks. “I have some experience with complicated family relationships.”

“Stop being so amazing,” she sighs. “I promise I will unload on you tonight. Be prepared. Let’s go out and do something after work, so you won’t get bored of meventing.”

“I have to babysit tonight.” He puts his forehead on mine. “You should come over and stay with the boys with me.”

Chapter 25

Violet

It’s been a shit show of a day since I got to work. Who am I kidding? It was shitty before work too. Terri did not leave after finding her shoes. She sat her butt at my table and helped herself to breakfast and complained about my lack of mimosa-makingingredients.

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