Page 37 of Peach Blossom Hollow

And yet, the idea was nerve-wracking, too. To be in the same room with hockey stars and San Antonio’s wealthiest members during a black-tie affair, acting like she belonged there? It made her palms sweat. But it would be good for her, too—a giant push out of her cozy comfort zone.

“It’s always more fun if you have a date,” Leo said.

“Have you asked Christine?”

“I told her I have a spare ticket.”

Violet winced.

Leo chuckled. “I asked her nicely, I promise. I was casual. You know—played it cool. Said I had an extra ticket and would she like to come with me.”

“And?”

“She’s going with her sister.”

“Her sister?” Violet scrunched her face. “Ouch.”

“They’re close.”

“You mean she’s Christine’s shield to ward off wooing men?”

“Maybe.”

“So are you going?”

“Yeah. Alone, I guess. I need to rub elbows with some mucky-mucks. Win them over with my extreme modesty and good guy charm.”

“Why don’t you ask someone to go as your date? If you don’t want to go alone, that is.”

“I don’t want to go with a stranger and feel like I have to babysit her all night because she doesn’t know anyone. It’s easier going alone.”

“Don’t you worry about standing around by yourself?”

“There’ll be other guys from the team there. Do you want to come with me? You can be my shield annihilator!”

“I don’t have a dress.”

“And I have a solution for every problem. Are you in?”

“You’re going to find me adress?”

“Are you in?”

“Sure. Find me a gown and a pair of shoes and I’m in. A suitable ensemble.”

Leo grinned and Violet realized she had a date—a platonic one—with an NHL player to a black-tie event. And like a rags-to-riches, Cinderella kind of story, he was going to find her a dress.

Unsure what to say, Violet selected the next song from her playlist. Soon they were both bellowing the lyrics to “American Pie” with the windows down, the cab howling with the chilly November wind. Leo had a surprisingly good singing voice, a rich warm sound that seemed to wrap around her with every cord. She knew she was smiling like a crazy person, but couldn’t help it. This ride was one for the memory banks.

When Leo pulled down Violet’s driveway, a cat came running, its tail straight up.

“That your cat?” he asked.

“Yup.”

“What’s its name?”

“One.”

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