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Violet chuckles. “I see you’re familiar with the art of distraction.”
We both move away from the door. “Parenting 101. When you don’t know what to say to make it better, bribery is best.”
“Seems like maybe you’ll teach me a few things while I’m here.”
My mind quickly goes to a dirty place. God, there’s so much I could teach this woman, but none of it has to do with parenting techniques.
Theo and I are cuddled on the couch and watchingHey, Arnoldwhen the doorbell rings. We finished the Lego set an hour ago and have been chilling since. Theo is still pretty glum because of Hannah leaving.
“I’ll get it,” Violet calls from the kitchen. She said she was going to make dinner. I’m not sure if she feels uncomfortable with me being home. It’s odd for me to have someone in the house when I’m here with Theo.
I don’t think much of her answering the door. Probably a package—until I remember my mom and dad said they were going to stop over to cheer up Theo.
I fly up from the couch. “I’ll be right back, okay?”
Theo nods absently, not diverting his attention from the TV. I could’ve told him I’m going to cut my heart out with a butter knife and his reaction would’ve been the same.
I’ve been dreading this moment. The moment Violet meets my parents.
Not because I’m embarrassed by my parents and not because I don’t think they’ll love Violet, but because I’m unsure whether my dad told my mom I slept with Violet.
I asked my dad not to mention it to my mom, but if I’ve learned anything over the years, it’s that they tell each other everything. There are no secrets between them, and I’ve always admired that until right this moment. And if my mom knows there’s something between Violet and me, she’s likely to bluntly comment on it or say something that makes Violet uncomfortable. I love her, but that’s how my mom is. She can be a lot if you don’t already know her.
Violet already has the door open, and my parents are inside before I make it to the foyer.
I try to act as nonchalant as I can, giving them hugs and kisses. “Hey, Mom and Dad.” Afterward, I step aside and wave my arm toward Violet. “I see you’ve met Violet.”
“We were about to before you interrupted,” my mom says. “Hi, Violet, I’m Brady’s mom, but you can call me Lennon.”
“Nice to meet you.” Violet smiles.
My mom sizes her up then looks at me with a sparkle in her eye. I let out a sigh of relief because she doesn’t know; otherwise she would have made a comment like “the sample being so good you couldn’t get enough” or “one taste and you just slid right in.”
“And I’m his dad, Jasper.” My dad holds out his hand, and she shakes it. “Nice to meet you, Violet.”
My mom rolls her eyes. “Always so formal. This isn’t a business deal, Jasper. This is the woman who’ll be caring for your grandson for the next few months.” She leans forward. “How did it go?” She cringes because we all know this won’t be an easy transition for Theo.
I shrug. “How you expected. He’s pretty bummed.” I nod toward the family room. “Television is our savior at the moment.”
My parents nod. My mom looks at Violet. “You look spry and young and flexible. You’ll be able to keep up with his energy. Be thankful for that.” She touches her hip. “I swear I need a hip replacement already. The other day I caught myself before falling down the stairs and I haven’t recovered.”
My dad smiles at her.
“What? I told you about it.”
“Yes, and you act like you’re eighty-five.” He kisses her lips. Great, PDA in front of the new nanny.
“I’ll take that as your promise to massage it tonight.”
“Only if—”
“Dad!”
They both laugh, and Mom’s eye sparkles with amusement as she says to Violet, “It’s so easy to get Brady all riled up. Now, where is my grandson?” She claps her hands together.
“In the family room. Ask him about his Lego creation.” I shove my hands in my pockets.
“Great. Come on, Violet, I’d like to get to know you better.” Rather than looking at Violet, Mom looks at me with wide eyes, trying to tell me something, but I have no idea what. She’ll make her intentions clear soon enough. She always does.
