I know I should keep my mouth shut, since I hardly know this woman, but my own family meddling is still so fresh that I can’t help it. I don’t think that’s a good idea, I say, as gently as I can. He’ll figure it out. Besides, Finn doesn’t seem like the type who needs help in that department. I mean, look at him.
My cheeks flush, realizing I’ve said this to his mother of all people.
She clears her throat. Do ye go to church?
Oh, no, I say a little too quickly. Our family wasn’t religious at all growing up, more spiritual, I guess. My Nan is one of those people who believes God is synonymous with the universe. So, I guess we were taught to worship the earth and the trees more than— I trail off when I notice the horrified look she’s giving me.
Great, I can add heathen to my never-ending list of faults.
So ye’ve never been to church?
I am saved, thankfully, from replying to this—my answer of course being no.
Mum, away you go now. Albie’s asking for you outside. Finn’s standing in the doorway of the kitchen, his eyes roaming over my face. If I knew him better, I would think he was trying to see if I was okay.
I try not to notice his perfectly-lengthed pair of shorts, or his tan—that I’m sure deepened in the sun this morning and looks even better against his light-coloured shirt.
We were only talking about church, Finnie, Eileen says to her son, tight-lipped and a little defensive. Some part of me is relieved I’m not the only one with some family tension at the moment.
I can tell Finn wants to say something, but instead he ushers his mother back outside, offering to help me finish up the dishes instead. When she’s gone, he lets out a long sigh.
Finn turns to me and gives me a look. I don’t know what it means.
Why, Violet, was my mother asking you about church?
I shiver, though I try not to, at his low voice.
I don’t know how we even got on the subject, I say honestly. I’m sorry to say, but I don’t think she likes me very much. I try not to wince, instead laughing it off as I list on my fingers, First of all, I have no marriage prospects, and secondly, I’m a heathen. My third strike is looming.
He shrugs, like none of this surprises him, and is at the sink washing before he finally replies. I don’t care if she likes you or not Violet, because I like you.
Again, that thrill runs up my spine. Cool it, Violet. He only likes you as a friend—and as a fake girlfriend. The key word being fake.
We finish up in the kitchen, but before we head back outside Finn stops me by the door.
Are you sure you want to do this, Violet?
I’m still not sure if it’s his mother or brother or someone else entirely, a woman back home maybe, that Finn is trying to prove something to—but either way, I want to help. And selfishly, I want to get close enough to him to find out.
Before I can second-guess myself, I put my hand on his arm, here in this quiet house with no one to prove anything to, and tell him, I’m sure.
Chapter 12
FINN
VIOLET AND I MAKE OUR way back outside after her encounter with my mother. I know in my heart Mum means well and she isn’t trying to be hurtful, but Christ almighty, how many times have we had these conversations? Don’t ask people about their romantic lives, don’t ask newly married women why they haven’t had a baby yet—judge not, that you not be judged, or however the saying goes.
The look on Violet’s face when Mum asked her if she had a boyfriend could only be described as absolutely crushed. Maybe for some wanting of something she didn’t have, but I suspect mostly for the hurt caused by her family recently.
I try to shove aside the brewing anger for a group of people I’ve never met. Even if their intentions were good in theory, it seems like such an asshat thing to do to a person. Especially one as sweet as Violet.
I notice as we come back outside that Allie and Florence are setting up a volleyball net in the yard. I tilt my head towards them and ask Violet, Shall we? Fair warning: I have to win. Sport is the one thing I can best my brother at, and, unfortunately, I don’t have it in me to be charitable and play for fun.
I’ve never understood the concept.
Violet, however, almost shrinks away from me. I’m not very sporty, she says, almost embarrassed. Wouldn’t have guessed that from how toned her legs are, but okay. If you want to win you should team up with Alba.
I shake my head. I feel a weird surge of protectiveness towards Violet after the events in the kitchen with my mother. Besides, it’s good for our ruse if I’m near Violet as much as possible this afternoon.
