Page 74 of Love, Magic and Misfortune
“Anyway,” Jasper went on. “I bought the stuff you told me to get for the party tomorrow. And some fruit for myself.”
“Perfect. Are you nervous?”
“A little. I feel like a fraud. They have no idea what I really am.”
“What you really are is wonderful, Jas. The curse has no bearing on your personality and character.”
“But there’s a major part of my existence that’s gruesome. If people knew that… If they saw it, they wouldn’t want to be around me.”
The deep wound inside him was bleeding again, and it made Violet’s chest and throat tighten.
“I think they’ll be glad that you’re there.I’llbe happy. Simone is looking forward to meeting you, too.” She was thinking that Freddie would be happy, too. But she didn’t say it.
33
Now
Simone arrived at the cottage early Sunday morning to help prep. She was impressed with the work Violet and Jasper had already done in decorating the tree, but she strung more lights around the doorways and the kitchen counter, giving the atmosphere an extra bit of sparkle.
“I decided to do the tarts since you said he liked those when you were kids, and also my seasonal orange muffins because, well, they’re amazing?” Simone beamed, looking glamorous in a red jumpsuit with a plunging neckline. “I just need to stick them in the oven so they’re fresh for after we eat brunch.”
“That works for me,” Violet said, putting on her oven mitt to remove the quiche she had baking. She felt excited. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d hosted a gathering like this. The smell of warm food in the air, the twinkling lights and the soft Christmas music playing in the background swirled around her, making her heart light.
“You look exquisite in this dress. Violet on Violet—the color is so rich. It looks gorgeous against your pretty, toasty skin.”
“Tee-hee, thank you.” Violet scrunched her nose. She loved this dress and it fit her perfectly: cinched at her waist, then flowing out in a loose skirt to accentuate her hourglass figure.
When the doorbell rang, Simone squeaked with excitement. “Who do you think is first?”
“Probably Jasper since I asked him to bring some stuff?” Having removed the quiche, Violet set her oven mitt aside and walked to the front with Simone close on her heels. When she reached the door, she peeked through the hole to see Jasper, holding a large paper bag by its handle down at his side. She smiled, immediately noting the slight difference in his appearance. Violet opened the door and looked him over, her grin broadening. “Why, hello.”
“Good morning…”
He’d gotten his hair cut. Trimmed on the top and shorter on the sides. Jasper usually wore some kind of sweater that was full of fuzzy lint due to repeated washings (likely over the course of years). But today’s sweater was lint-free and fit him perfectly. His coat and slacks were clean and neat as well. He didn’t look fashionable, simply more like an active and productive member of society and less like a dusty writer who rarely left his house.
Once he was inside, she closed the door, turning to her guests. “Simone Bisset, this is Jasper Laurent. Jasper, Simone.”
“Bom dia! Como está?”
Both Jasper and Violet started, blinking at Simone. Jasper quickly recovered, clearing his throat. “Bem, obrigado. E você?”
“Também estou bem, obrigada. Muito prazer.”
“Prazer em conhecê-la.”
Simone breathed a little squeal and looked at Violet. “He’s too adorable. I already like him so much.”
Violet blinked. “I didn’t know you spoke Portuguese?”
“There are a lot of things you don’t know about me.” Simone lifted her shoulder and gave a wink before reaching down for Jasper’s bag. “I’ll take care of this. Can I get you a drink?”
“N-No thank you, but I appreciate it.”
“Sure thing.” She turned and made her way into the kitchen.
“Youspeak Portuguese?” Violet stared at Jasper.
“Apparently… once every fifteen years?”
