Andrew is here, and he’s walking straight towards us with Violet’s dad. My best friend, a guy who should be able to trust me. A guy who stood out in a snowstorm with me, getting a broken fence upright before the wind took it down completely. A guy who’s never once let me down.
Fuck.It’s all more real now, the damage I’ve done.
I land my hand on Violet’s back and take a deep breath as we step down into the noisy distillery. Truth be told, this is the busiest I’ve seen the place since we opened.
“Your dad’s book looks great,” my buddy says to me as he hugs his daughter hello. “Your idea to put it in a vintage case like that?”
I shake my head, and clear my voice, attempting to sound as normal as possible, like his daughter’s not dripping with my come right now as I say, “Nah. I’m pretty hands off with thisplace lately. Thinking about selling my share to stay home a little more.”
Violet snaps her gaze toward me, a smile on her face. “Really?”
“Yeah,” I nod. “It’s a lot dividing my attention between the distillery, the ranch, and the family. I reckon it’s time I focus on what’s important.”
I can feel her beaming, and I want to wrap her up and talk about the plans I have to build her a studio onto the house. A place where she can escape to when she needs time to herself, or when she wants space to work on her craft.
“This is why you need to take that job in Dallas,” her dad says, shaking his head. “Job stability is important these days.”
“How did you know about the job in Dallas?”
“You left your email logged in at the house.”
Violet rolls her eyes. “I really have to stop doing that everywhere! So, everyone knows about this job in Dallas?”
“I suppose,” he says as he shrugs and straightens his button-down. The man never dresses up. Tonight is a rare occasion. “Are you going to take it?”
“She’s not.” I answer for her instinctually, though I wish I could take it back immediately.
“Is that true?” Her dad narrows his heavy brows. “Honey, I don’t want you moving that far away, but Andrew said he doesn’t mind going out there with you for a while. I’ll miss him, but he has connections at the fire department, and they said they need the help out there.”
My face heats and my fists clench instinctively. “She’s not going.”
I know for sure I’m fucking up now.
Her father glares toward me with a long, burning stare. “I know she’s helping you, Cash, but you said yourself that you’retaking time off to be with the family more. She’s got to think about her career long-term.”
My jaw locks as I stare back at my best friend, unsure of how to take the conversation. I could tell him I’ve chosen his daughter, and she belongs to me now, though something tells me that won’t go over well.
We’re quiet again as rain mutes out the sound of violins from the live band playing in the corner. “How’s your shoulder, Violet?” Andrew asks, attempting to change the subject. “I tried texting and calling, but I haven’t heard back from you.”
She swipes her hand over the cut we rebandaged this morning. “It’s fine. I forgot it was even there.”
He nods one long, slow nod then pinches his lips together before he says, “That outfit looks familiar, Violet. Is it new?” Andrew pauses. “It’s a lot like the one Cash was buying today at the shop on Main.”
Heat tightens behind my ribs.This little prick thinks he’s going to start some shit.
“I bought her those clothes today.”
“You may not know this, but did you hear he was in the dressing room with someone?”
I scratch the side of my head, trying to be a classy fuck, considering the crowd.
“What Cash does on his own time is none of my business,” Violet says, her voice shaking.
“Okay.” My buddy inhales quickly as though the topic is getting too weird for him. He’s one of the most wholesome people I know. Church every Sunday, and prayers every morning before work. The man is on the poster for the all-American neighbor. “Well, good luck tonight.”
“Thanks.” I nod and exhale as he and Sherlock fucking Holmes turn away.
“Why does it feel like Andrew thinks he knows something?” Violet turns toward me, her eyes wide, the scent of lilacs on her skin.
