Page 50 of Peach Blossom Hollow

“You liked the other limo, right? Did I pick up on the correct cues?”

“Yes, of course. Very thoughtful.” She placed a hand against his cheek before she got into the car. “Christine doesn’t know what she’s missing.”

Leo slid onto the seat beside her, thanking the driver as he shut the door.

It felt different being in the limo with the two of them dressed up. It wasn’t a lark, like the first time. Now it felt as though they were playing a part, and a current was zipping between them.

“You made me realize limo rides are fun,” he said, breaking the silence. “And I have enough money to rent one. So why not?”

Violet’s cheeks turned pink and her chin dipped down. “Thank you for the dress.”

“You bet.” He cleared his throat. He’d sent her into a store in the city to choose her outfit for tonight. It had felt odd, calling their staff to request she be able to put whatever she desired on his card. But he’d also felt proud of being able to return a helpful favor for a friend in a way that would make her feel special. “Goes with the limo, right?”

“And the limo is because we drive beaters and we’d be teased without mercy if we showed up at the gala driving them.”

He laughed. “No way. You just park around the block.”

“You do that?”

He shrugged again.

“Why don’t you just buy a new car? I’m sure there’s a dealership in the city that would love to have you as a customer. Maybe a Jag?”

“My dad would kill me.”

“Really?”

Leo shook off the image of his father’s disapproving face if he showed up in a car worth that much. He was pretty sure the man would come up with a long list of more important things his son could have bought instead of the status symbol.

But maybe it was time to pull a Violet and do something out of character just to see if he was playing out the habits of his upbringing. Like her and the fancy shoes. He’d buy a snazzy car and see if he liked it. And who knows? Maybe his dad would be proud.

Violet was smoothing her fingers along the soft fabric of her dress. He could see how much she loved it, and it made him happy that he’d thought to set her up with the shopping trip. He had a feeling her gown was like his first tailored suit—the kind of outfit that made you feel strong, confident and good-looking. The guys had razzed him about his off-the-rack suits until he’d relented and allowed Maverick’s tailor to set him up with a suit, as well as a tux for tonight. He’d nearly fainted when he got the bill.

“I appreciate the fancy ride and this lovely dress.”

“But?”

“You know you don’t need to overspend when it comes to me.”

“I needed a date. Tonight I woo Family Zone.”

“And Christine.”

“I’d like to be in a movie. Or on a billboard. Maybe a commercial or two… I’m not fussy.” He winked. “And you’re my wingman. ”

She let out a shuddery huff that almost sounded like a laugh. “A wingman who continually clams up. I’m going to be absolutely no help.”

“Knowing you have my back and are cheering me on is huge.” He clasped her hand and gave it a squeeze. “I appreciate you coming with me. Besides, you don’t really seem to clam up much any longer.”

“True.”

As they drove back through Sweetheart Creek to get to the highway, Violet shifted forward in her seat to peer at a group of people gathered on Main Street in front of an empty shop across from the diner. The windows were covered in newspaper, except for one where the yellowed paper had been removed.

“What’s Jackie up to now?” Violet muttered. “And Henry? Mrs. Fisher? And is that Hannah?”

Leo tapped on the glass divider separating them from the driver, and it lowered. “Slow down, please.”

Violet was still muttering under her breath about weird occurrences and the end of times.

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