Page 76 of Take Two

“He did what?” I ask. I move aside to give her access, but he follows me, still using me to block him.

“I had some concerns,” he says. “I’d do it again if I had to.”

“What would you have done if she did have a drink?” I ask my brother.

“I would have thrown it away, that’s what,” he says without any shame or regret. “And I also told her not to drink around you.”

“Tell him how I caught you digging through my fridge and pantry looking for booze?” Violet says right before she cracks her knuckles. “You’re lucky I didn’t take out Arnold.”

“You’re such a fucking asshole, Colton,” I snap. “You have no fucking idea how much Lettie supports me, you stupid shithead.”

Colt crosses his arms and leans back. “So, you’re really cussin’ now, are you?” he asks as if he’s a parent and I’m a small child.

“Is that all you heard?” Violet asks as she takes a step forward. “Let me at him.” I intercept and put my hand on the back of her neck.

“As much as he deserves it, I can’t let you hit him. That won’t solve anythang, and as good as it will feel now, I don’t want you to feel bad about it tomorrow.”

“I’ll be fine,” she says. “Move.”

“Listen,” Colt says. “I’m sorry for what I said, Violet. I—”

“I’m not listening to you,” she says. “You’re—

“Fine. Don’t listen to me, but can we please go and have dinner?”

“No,” I tell him. “I know you’re here because Mama and Vickie are mad at you. Well, guess what? They’re going to continue to be mad because we ain’t goin’.” I smirk andtake Violet’s hand. “What did you decide on for dinner, Lettie?” I ask her as I pick up the menus.

“I promised my wife and mother I was bringing you two back, and that’s what I’m going to do.”

Chapter 40

Violet

“Why don’t you come over here and make me,” I say to Colt. I wish he would because that would give me the chance to deck his smug arrogant face at least once.

“You’re coming or I’m going to call Mama right now and tell her that Charlie was inhere cussin’.”

Charlie’s eyes widen at his brother’s words. “You wouldn’t,” he says almost as if what Colt said is unbelievable.

Colt pulls his phone out of his pocket and waves it around. “I would. And I’ll be sure to remind her that you’ve only started cussin’ recently.” He looks around and looks at me as if I’m to blame.

“You’re blaming me for a grown man saying a few curse words?”

“You’re the only change in his life,” he says.

“Fine, and I’ll deny it. Not only that, we’ll say that you’re the one who was cussing. Two against one. I bet even Vickie will believe us over you.” I cross my arms in victory, but the jerk gives me a smug look.

“Except he won’t lie.” He gets in Charlie’s face and says, “You won’t lie, will you, Charleston?” He taunts his brother. Then he faces me and crosses his arms just like me.

“Fine then. Tell her. I don’t care,” I say and look away from him. He chuckles as if he knows something I don’t. “What can she do to him?”

“Oh, Violet. You have so much to learn,” he chuckles and shakes his head sadly. “Other than be disappointed and ask where she went wrong in raising him that he would bring shame down on her by using foul language.” He mimics her voice and I notice that Charlie mouths the same words along with Colt. “After she does that, she’s going to come after himandyou with a bar of soap because clean mouths don’t say dirty words.” They both recite the last few words at the same time.

“Me?” I ask, horrified at the thought. No one in my family would do such a thing. In fact, everyone cusses and no one cares. My parents haven’t admonished me for using foul language since I was a teenager.

“Yes, you because she sees you as one of hers now. And one thing that Mary Leigh’s kids never ever do is cuss. What are you going to do, Violet, when all six feet one inch of her comes at you with that bar of soap? Are you going to punch Charlie’s mama? I know you think you’re tough, but are you Mary Leigh tough? She has that freakish mom strength, so good luck. She’ll have you pinned against the wall with the soap in your mouth before you can think of runnin’. And that’s not even the worst part. You know what is? When she makesyouapologize toherfor using the soap.”

“He’s not serious?” I ask Charlie.

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