Page 62 of Love, Magic and Misfortune
“Hmm, straight sounds so boring. Can I be curvy?”
Simone laughed. “Yes, you can be curvy. Youarecurvy.”
Violet wiggled her hips, grinning. “I am.”
“Jasper sounds interesting, I wish I could meet him. He always gives very generous donations to the winter and summer festivals every year.” Simone took another quick pull from her glass before eyeing Violet once more. “So, make things plain for me…”
“Okay?”
“You always say he’s your friend, but do youlikehim? If he were open to it, would you be seeing him romantically?”
“I… Hmm. It isn’t that IlikeJasper. I love him. Fundamentally and as a person. Who he is and what he means to me are so deeply rooted in my heart that I will always feel for him, no matter what. Does that make sense?”
Simone blinked, staring. “Wow, that’s beautiful, Violet.”
“That’s just how it is.” Violet shrugged. “He was a sincere and kind friend to me at a time in my life when I needed that more than anything. Even if I met someone and started a relationship, married them or whatever, Jasper would still hold that unique place in my heart. It can’t be undone. I’ve tried to unravel it—to let him go. Multiple times. But it doesn’t budge, so he’s just part of me.”
“So the answer to the romance question is a resounding ‘yes,’ then?”
Violet laughed. “Notresounding, but… If I thought Jasper was open to me romantically, yes, I would walk that path with him and see where it takes us. I would be open to doing just about anything with him. He’s very different from most people. I just trust him.”
“Well, now Ireallywant to meet him. Can we set this up somehow?”
“I don’t know, he’s pretty introverted.” When Violet had suggested that Jasper start living his life with a little more enthusiasm, he hadn’t rejected the idea. They were planning to walk together tomorrow morning, which was promising. But adding someone new to the mix and so soon…
“His birthday is coming up on Christmas Eve.” Violet considered. “I was thinking about asking him over for dinner. Maybe you can join?”
“Ah!” Simone clapped. “I think that’s fantastic. Why not make it a little holiday party? Maybe the week before, since Christmas might be busy for others?”
“Um, Jasper gets worn out pretty easily—”
“How about a pre-birthday holiday brunch? I can bring sweets, of course, and if we invite a couple others, they can bring dishes? We’ll keep it short. An intimate little gathering.”
Violet bit her lip, absently twisting the stem of her wine glass between her fingers. “I’ll—Let me think about it.”
“We could decorate, too,” Simone went on, her brown eyes sparkling with excitement, “and make the cottage all bright and cozy. Gloria used to have this place decked out around the holidays… Speaking of, why haven’t you decorated in here yet? Where’s the Christmas tree? Some lights? I got the shop all lit up and the halls decked Saturday night last week, so I’m ready. You have to come back and see.”
Sighing, Violet nodded. “I will, and I—this is the first Christmas without Gram here. I haven’t been in the mood to decorate and do all that stuff alone.” Spending the holidays with Gram was always the best time, rivaled only by summers together in the greenhouse, or sitting on the porch drinking blueberry lemonade and listening to the echoes of cicadas buzzing through the forest canopy as the sun was setting. When the sky was ablaze with orange hues and the air was warm and sticky against Violet’s skin.
But now, without Gram… Without her strutting around and singing too loudly to lively holiday music, or the smell of lemon-glazed gingersnaps baking while they laughed in front of the fireplace, or the tree full of twinkling lights in the corner… What was the point? Why even bother with any of it?
Violet sat still, breathing slowly and feeling like she was a blank slate—an empty canvas drained of all color. She stared, not knowing how much time had passed when Simone’s voice registered softly in the silence.
“I have an idea,” Simone said, gently wrapping her fingers around Violet’s wrist. “I’ll have a tree delivered for you, and I’ll help you decorate before the birthday brunch party. What do you think? Lots of people, and you won’t be alone. You’re not alone, Vi.”
Pulling herself back to the present and away from the empty void that had taken hold of her (as it often did, unexpectedly), Violet considered Simone’s suggestion. A birthday brunch with spiced comfort foods and a house humming with people. The thought made her smile, just a little.
“Well?” Simone prompted, affectionately squeezing her wrist.
“I like the idea. Let me ask Jasper about it. He’s not used to parties so I don’t want to overwhelm him. Even if he doesn’t want to come, though… I want to do it. It would be nice to have something to look forward to.”
“Perfect. We’re definitely doing this. And if his feelings toward you are anything like yours are toward him, I think he’ll want to be there. Who would want to miss an opportunity to be in your lovely presence?”
“I could say the same about you.” Violet smiled wickedly. “I think I’ll invite René.”
“Oh shoot. Something’s suddenly come up. I don’t think I can make it.”
Violet smacked Simone’s shoulder as they broke into a satisfying fit of laughter.
