Page 59 of Knot So Sweet
"Please," Violet says. "I write about food and hope people don't notice I burned toast this morning. These places were already amazing. I just convinced people to stop being lazy and drive up the mountain."
She steps aside just in time for Diego to wheel past with a cart of desserts.
Most people would've been bragging by now. Not her. She keeps shrugging it off like she's just the messenger.
It's attractive. Dangerous and smart.
"Modest and talented." Her scent warms at my words. "Hell of a combination."
Meredith clears her throat, her gaze sliding to Garrick. "I couldn't help but notice someone's been quieter than usual today."
"I'm fine." But his voice says otherwise.
"Dear, you've barely said two words to anyone all day. Even Frank Stern asked if you were feeling alright."
Garrick's hands clench at his sides. "Just tired."
"Or thinking," Meredith says gently. "About certain things changing."
Violet tilts her head, looking between them. "Is something wrong?"
"No," Garrick says quickly. Too quickly. "Everything's fine. Business is good. You've done great work."
But his scent tells a different story. Distress layered under the cinnamon.
"Then what's bothering you?" Violet asks, genuinely concerned.
He doesn't answer for a long moment. Just stares at her like he's trying to memorize something.
"Your car's fixed," he finally says. Quiet. Careful. "Liam mentioned it this morning. Tom called."
Violet blinks. "Oh. Yeah. He did."
"That's good." The words sound like they're being dragged out of him. "You've been waiting for that. Now you can..." He stops. Starts again. "Now you have options."
"Options?"
"You can go. To Texas. To wherever." His jaw clenches. "You're not stuck here anymore."
The kitchen goes quiet except for the background noise of cooking.
Violet's scent shifts. Confusion mixing with something that might be hurt. "Are you... are you asking me to leave?"
"No." The word comes out sharp. Desperate. "God, no. I'm just... I'm saying you can. If you want to. You should know that you can."
"I don't understand."
Garrick runs both hands through his hair, flour dusting down. "Your ex. He controlled everything, right? Kept you trapped. I won't do that. I won't make you feel like you have to stay because..." He gestures helplessly. "Because of anything. The apartment, the work, whatever. You're free to go if that's what you want."
Understanding dawns on Violet's face. Her scent softens. "Garrick..."
"It has to be your choice," he continues, voice rough. "Really your choice. Not because you feel obligated or because I... because any of us want you to stay. But because you want to."
Meredith is watching this exchange with knowing eyes. A small smile playing at her lips.
"And what if I don't know what I want yet?" Violet asks softly.
Garrick's face does something complicated. Hope and fear and longing all mixed together. "Then you take your time. Figure it out. No pressure. No strings. Just... whatever you decide, it's yours to decide."
