Uh oh.
That didn't sound good.
Giving Tolliver a look, I walked to the farthest part of the room, sitting and petting the golden labradoodle as I turned the camera back to me, decreasing the volume. It was a good thing I did because Viola was not quiet as she squealed, "Freya Kent!"
"What?" I asked.
"Okay, so you know I'm happily in a relationship with my boyfriend who I love dearly. So, you know that when I say what I do next, there's no ulterior motive."
"How is Dare? Feels like a long time since I've seen him," I said, trying to deflect, but she saw right through me.
"He's amazing, still the same sarcastic, slightly cocky but absolutely lovable guy I fell for, still killing it in soccer, but stop trying to distract me. Tolliver is gorgeous!"
"He's alright."
She scoffed. "Why is this the first time I'm hearing about him?"
"Well..."
"And what's with the maid thing?"
Before I could deflect again, Viola held up a hand.
"Tell me, or I'll be forced to make something up. My imagination can be a scary place."
So, I told her. It was a quick, condensed version, but Viola was gaping at the end.
Finally, she said, "And I thought you'd be depressed, crying in your room about the tour."
"Did that too," I said.
"I'm jealous. Your summer is so much more interesting than mine."
A shrug.
"Freya, be honest. You brought him to the shelter," she said. "You light up when you talk about him."
"I don't?—"
"Are you falling for Tolliver?"
Unable to lie to her, I groaned. "Not willingly."
Viola did a little happy dance. "Ooh, I can't wait to meet him."
"Don't think that'll happen," I mumbled.
She completely ignored me. "He sounds nice, and don't even try to lie. He looked good holding those dogs."
Glancing up, catching sight of Tolliver, smiling down at them while holding two very cute, very content dogs, I had to admit she was right.
"Tolliver's wonderful. But I refuse to fall for another jock, Vi," I said.
"Sounds like he's more than that."
"Still, whatever he is, I'm immune."
"Hmmm."
