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“Ah.” I chuckled. “It’s not crazy to look out for someone you love.”
A hint of surprise flickered in her gaze, but it was gone within a moment as she turned to look out the car window. She seemed fine on the drive home, but as I pulled up to the house, I could tell she was nervous. Her hands had started fidgeting, and she kept checking her phone like she was hoping it would light up with a message that provided a reason for her to bail.
“We don’t have to do this if you don’t want,” I said as we approached the front door of my house. “I understand if it’s a bit much…”
The worry in Violet’s eyes faded as she looked at me, though I suspected she was just preparing for our performance, and she gave me a warm smile. “Reed Darling, are you nervous about introducing me to your family?"
“No, of course not.”
“Because you don’t have to worry. I’ll be the perfect fake girlfriend. By the end of the night, they’ll all think I’m madly in love with you.”
If only. Was it too much to hope that might actually happen?
“Well, to be honest, I’m more concerned my family will scare you off.”
She shook her head. “I’ve come this far with a Darling Devil. Pretty sure that means I don’t scare easy.”
“Hmm. I guess we’ll see,” I replied. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you…”
I pulled Violet inside the house before she could reconsider.
“Hey, we’re home,” I called out.
Cammie immediately barreled down the stairs. She screeched to a halt in front of Violet and tilted her head like she was inspecting her.
“Uh, hi,” Violet said, clearly a little uncomfortable with my sister’s strange greeting.
“Sorry.” Cammie quickly shook her head. “I was just trying to work out what’s wrong with you.”
“What?” Violet laughed nervously, glancing my way.
“You’re dating my brother. There has to be something wrong with you. I’m Cammie, by the way.” Cammie barely drew in a breath before she turned her attention to Reed. “She’s way too pretty for you, Reed. What did you do, pay her to be your girlfriend?”
Violet let out another uncomfortable laugh. “I could have been paid for all of this?”
Cammie grinned. “Well, there has to be some benefit to dating my brother.”
“Oh, there are some benefits,” Parker said, coming down the stairs. “She’s already gotten to meet me, after all.”
“You’re here!” My mom walked right up to Violet and gathered her in a hug.
I thought Violet might stiffen up but was surprised by how she relaxed into the embrace. I shouldn’t have been all that shocked. My mom did give the best hugs.
“It’s so nice to finally meet you, Violet,” she said.
“Mom,” I groaned. “You’ve known about her for less than a week.”
“Yes, and you made me wait all that time before introducing us. She was scolding me but barely took her eyes off Violet.
“It’s nice to meet you too, Mrs. Darling.”
“Call me Amy. Please.”
“Amy,” Violet repeated.
“Oh, and look how beautiful you are. Especially when you smile,” Mom continued.
Violet’s cheeks were growing pinker by the second. We’d barely made it through the front door, but she’d already been subjected to my family’s complete lack of filter. If I could convince Violet to date me for real after this experience, it would be a miracle. I should have known this was a bad idea.
