Page 68 of Take Two

“Absolutely nothin’ to do with guns. I don’t want to see, touch, or shoot one. In fact, I don’t want to hear about one atall. Nothin’ outdoors unless there’s a beach or a farmer’s market involved. Or a hike. I’ll do a hike.”

“You wait until I fall in love with you to show your demanding and bossy side? For the record, I don’t want to do any of those things either, so we’re good.” He cups my naked butt and gives it a good squeeze. I squirm.

“That was my very diabolical plan, and it worked.” I lift my head from his chest and do an evil laugh.

“Your evil laugh is as bad as your southern drawl. Now, why don’t you tell me what you want to do when you come to Birmingham.”

“I want to see where you live, your restaurant, the house you just bought, and whatever else you want to show me.” I hold up my hand, and we intertwine our fingers together. “And I know you’ll be busy at work, so don’t worry about me. I can keep myself entertained,” I add.

“You’re only going to be there for two days. It’s going to be all about you.” I kiss the back of his hand, sigh, and rest my head on his chest. I fall asleep moments later.

Chapter 36

Charlie

Ilook at the same icy blue eyes from last night. There’s nothing remarkable about him. At least not by New York City standards. He’s just your average smug one-percenter. At least, that’s how I think he wants to be seen. I sigh and exit out of the screen. I get why Terri wants out of the marriage, but why is he mad at Violet about that? From what I know, Violet and Terri haven’t had a relationship in years, and this guyis partly to blame for that, but I know that sometimes it’s hard to look in the mirror and blame ourselves for the bad decisions we’ve made.

The door to the bedroom opens and Colt barges in. We’ve never been a family who knocks, so I can’t say I’m surprised.

“I’m picking up Queen Vee from the gym and taking her to lunch while the boys are out with their nannies. You want to come? You probably need some food after that beatdown I put on you in the gym.” He tries to box me, but I shove him away like he’s nothing but a nuisance. He didn’t put a beatdown on me. We were tied in the gym. In fact, he’s the one who wanted to end the workout whereas I could have kept going.

I peel my tee off my body and say, “Give me fifteen.” My phone dings before I can reach the bathroom door. It’s an alert about Spence.

“Who’s that?” Colt asks from behind me.

“Violet’s brother-in-law.” I toss the phone back on the bed, suddenly uneasy about this man. Especially now that I’m leaving in two weeks.

“Is he a problem?” Colt asks.

“I think so.” I tell him about the ugly scene from last night before I can think better of it. From the way his face contorts, I probably shouldn’t have said anything.

“What would have happened if you weren’t there?” he asks.

“That’s what’s been on my mind all day. Lettie’s tough but—”

“I’m sick of these women thinkin’ they’re tough enough to fight a man,” he whispers even though we’re the only two people in the entire apartment. “Vickie’s the same way, and she’s about as strong as a mosquito.”

“I know. She tried to fight me, remember? I guess I would have just stood there and taken it.” I shrug at that. “Violet has this bat named Arnold,” I say with an eye roll.

“At least she has that. Vickie had a little yellow umbrella.”

Fifteen minutes after I shower, I start the blender to mix the protein shake I made for Violet. Once Colt joins me, I pour it in her cup and the two of us take the short walk to the gym.

Colt only stopped twice for a picture which means we’re not slowed down too much. We’re let into the gym, and it’s full. Violet’s at the desk, wiping her face with a white towel.

“This is for you,” I say, placing the cup on the desk.

She smiles, grabs me by the collar, and plants a kiss on me. “Missed you,” she says against my mouth. “Mmhmm,” she says a few seconds later when she sips the protein shake. “Delicious.”

“Boys, I almost died,” my mom huffs. I eye her hot pink yoga pants and matching top and catch my brother’s eye. He makes a face at her outfit. “Violet’s body pump class is not for the faint of heart. Someone tell her she’s supposed to take it easy on her boyfriend’s mama.” She lets out a loud breath, and Violet hands her a towel. “But Vickie says my waist is gonna get snatched.” Mama puts both hands on her hips and swings them from side to side.

“Oh, God. Please, stop,” Colt says.

“And hair laid,” Violet says with a laugh.

“I don’t know that one,” Mama whispers while she looks toward Vickie.

“One thing at a time, Mama,” says Vickie. “Colt, did you bring me a drink too?” She gestures at the cup in Violet’s hand. It’s silver and decorated with bees. It has her name written in purple.

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