Page 83 of Love, Magic and Misfortune
“I think you’re very healthy for a mouse, Jasper. You’re like an upmarket, organic, locally sourced and non-GMO-eating mouse.”
He laughed, sitting down and urging Violet to settle beside him. “I told you, it’s better if I eat with the inner rat in mind. And lately I’m sleeping on your pillow and not running around all night anymore, so my metabolism is shifting.”
“Mm, I was thinking my forehead blanket was starting to feel a little thicker.”
Jasper dropped her hand and drew back, his face aghast. “I—”
“I’m just kidding.” Violet laughed, reaching up and pinching his cheek. “I’m not fat-shaming your mouse body, relax.”
He sat back, exhaling a huff and rubbing his forehead. “Why was I really offended?”
“Because you’re a silly man.” Violet reached over to pluck several grapes from the bunch. She popped one into her mouth and the burst of fresh, sweet juice made her sigh.
“I want to show you something.” Jasper stood from the couch, abrupt in walking over to his desk. “Have you looked at your profile on social media for Painted Poppies?”
“No? Simone only launched it Wednesday.”
He walked back with his laptop open in his hands and plopped down just beside her, shoulder-to-shoulder, warm and easy. “Look…” Turning the screen toward her, Jasper explained, “She posted the four pieces in your living room, and you already have three hundred followers. And there are so many positive comments.”
Violet almost choked on her grape. “What? How—so quickly?”
“You’re talented, Vi. You’ve been drawing and painting casually since we were little, and you think it’s no big deal. But you’re a natural at this—like a hidden gem.”
“Oh my goodness… This is crazy.”
“It’s real,” he grinned. “You can make this work, if you want. I’ll help you in any way I can.”
Violet leaned and bumped his shoulder. “You sitting for me helps a lot.”
“Yeah, that… when do I get to see it?”
“When it’s ready.”
“If you draw a big picture of a rat—”
“Jasper Oliver Laurent, I would never do that.”
He stared at her, narrowing his eyes. Violet laughed. “I wouldn’t. Not even to be funny. Itisa good set-up for a joke though—”
“See…”
Violet reached down and grabbed the small bag she’d brought with her. “Anyway—enough showering me with surprises onyourbirthday. I got this for you.”
“You didn’t need to buy me anything.” Setting his laptop aside, Jasper accepted the bag, examining. “Letting me get actual rest on your pillow is gift enough.”
Violet reached for another grape, chuckling. “Soak that up while you can. My future husband might not be too keen on that.”
“I don’t find that funny.” He pushed the thin paper aside, then pulled his gift out. His big eyes grew even wider as he read the label on the box. “Oh wow—it’s a Constantin…”
“I hope you don’t have them already? One is the Hidden Corridor and the other is—”
“The Flower Maze.” Jasper pulled the second box from the bag, turning it over in his hands. “It’s like the one my father gave to me when I was little.” He took a breath, his shoulders dropping. A distinct melancholy radiated from his posture as they sat in silence. Violet tensed. She hadn’t meant to make him sad.
“Jas, I—I just thought it would be a fun gift, you know? Something from when we were kids. I don’t mean to upset you.”
“No, I’m not upset.” He shook his head, turning and looking at her with a gentle smile. “I’m just… very grateful. For you. For this time together.” Jasper searched her face, his gray eyes sincere in the twinkling light. Violet’s heart pulsed, her body warming up again without her permission. She leaned forward to grab another grape.
“Well, that’s good,” she said, popping the fruit into her mouth and speaking around it. “Don’t be sad on your birthday. I won’t allow it.” Smiling, she looked at him once more. He was still watching her, focused, as if searching for something. Neither of them spoke and it made Violet look away and squirm. Usually their silence was comfortable, amicable. This felt different.
