Page 61 of Take Two

I got it from a street vendor in the park, and when I saw it, it reminded me of her. It’s a silver chain with a purple heart.

“It’s so pretty,” she says as she runs her hand along it. “I love it.”

“It’s pretty like you.” I turn her around. “I wish I could get you more expensive—”

She puts her finger to my lips. “You’re perfect the way you are. I don’t want you to be any other way.”

I rest my forehead on hers. “Okay then. Let’s go have dinner.”

We walk back to the living room with our hands intertwined. When we get there, Terri’s setting the table while her mother stands as far away from her father as possible.

“Dad,” Violet says, “this is a surprise.”

“A surprise? He told me you invited him,” Wanda says while giving her ex-husband the side-eye.

“You obviously didn’t hear me, Wanda. Not the first time. You should consider getting your hearing checked.” He gets up and kisses his daughter. He hands her a glass of red wine. Violet takes it and sets it down.

“I understand if you’ll need a drink tonight,” I whisper in her ear. She takes my hand and pulls me to a secluded corner in the living room.

“I’m not drinking. Ever,” she whispers.

It takes a few seconds for her words to sink in. When they do, I furrow my brows in confusion. “What do you mean ever?” I ask.

“As long as we’re a couple, I won’t drink. Whether we’re out together or not. I won’t do it. That’s what I mean.”

“Darlin’, I would never ask that of you. This is my problem, not yours. I’d never impose any restrictions on you.”

“I know. This is something I’ve decided, and I want to do it because I want you to be safe with me. You told me that you’re constantly looking for safe places, and I want to be one of them. Honestly, I’d much rather kiss you than drink. And I want you to feel comfortable with me. Drink from my glass without having to worry about it. Kiss me whenever you want.” She wiggles her brows. “That’s my favorite part and way better than any drink.”

“Oh, Lettie.” I pull her in my arms and a wave of emotion hits. “I feel like cryin’, but I think if I do, your dad will think I’m a wuss.” I laugh instead and kiss the top of her head. I pull away and cup her cheeks. “Thank you. I will accept this gift with all the love it was given. And that does make me feel safer.”

She grins at me and says, “Good. Now, let’s go avert a disaster.

Chapter 33

Violet

I scowl at my sister as she takes a big gulp of wine. She’s set my table, and she’s done a nice job. She looks at me and tilts her head in the direction of our parents. My mom gives my dad one last dirty look before she approaches me and Charlie.

“I brought some wine too,” she says. “And it smells so good in here.” Then she lowers her voice and says, “Your fathercan never let me have anything, can he? He’s such a snake,” she hisses. “I’ll pour the wine, and I’m only offering him a glass because I want him to choke on it. Charlie, what do you like? Red or white?”

“I don’t drink, ma’am,” he says.

“I think Charlie’s religious, Mom,” Terri says, and I glower at her.

“Terri, be quiet,” I say to my sister. “You don’t know a damn thing.”

“It’s not that,” Charlie says while he squeezes my hand a bit, so I stop glaring at my sister. “Since all of Lettie’s family is here, I guess now’s a good time for me to tell you that I’m a recovering alcoholic. I haven’t had a drink in three years, and I don’t plan on ever drinking again. Please, don’t make it awkward. It doesn’t bother me or make me uncomfortable when people drink, okay? I don’t want you to change anything for me. My sobriety is on me and is my responsibility.”

“Oh,” my mom says. “Well, a recovering alcoholic, you say?” The room becomes quiet. Charlie tenses while we wait. I’m ready to defend him if anyone says anything derogatory. “Well, congrats on three years. That’s a big accomplishment and certainly not easy.” She holds out her wine glass, then she must realize what she did because she blushes. “Sorry about that.”

“Your intention was good. Thank you,” Charlie says.

“And dinner smells wonderful. What did you make, Violet? She was always a good cook,” Mom says to Charlie.

“Charlie cooked,” I announce.

“Oh, my. Terri has been going on and on about how delicious dinner was the other night,” my mom says. My dad snorts, and my mom glowers at him. He lifts his wine glass to her. I’m grateful when he doesn’t say a word though.

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