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“I’m not going to do that. Please understand. We want what’s best for you.”
I huff. “How can this be the best for me?”
“Violet, you hide behind wigs and sunglasses that cover half your face. I see you so seldom without them, I’m afraid I’ll forget what you look like. And you’re wearing a hoodie and black jeans. It’s summer, honey.”
“I am not the dress type.”
“That was almost funny. Still, I remember you liking color.”
Black is my brand, my choice; it’s safe and plain. I don’t want to waste time trying to decide what to wear. I have better things to do.
My mother looks at me with nostalgia.
“What?” I ask.
“I remember when you were three. You already knew how to count to a hundred and spoke two languages. A childhood without illness would have made you into an adult who...”
“Who can function according to your social standards?”
“Violet, you are functional. I am proud of you. You are my daughter, and I have loved you since I first knew I was expecting you. What you went through doesn’t have to define your life.”
“I’m perfectly fine.”
“Is this truly how you want to live your life? Alone, holed up in a room, completely immersed in a virtual world while reality passes you by?”
“I have you.”
“You have dinners with us, but you never spend time with your sister.”
“You know why.”
“Serena loves you and looks up to you. That won’t change.”
“Tell me that after she finds out the truth.”
My mother expels heavily. “You might think you control your mind, but you can’t suppress bodily needs indefinitely.”
My brows furrow. “I don’t know where you’re going with this.”
“Hormones, honey.”
I burst into laughter. “The release of that chemical reaction in the body doesn’t last long. If that was your plan, I’m sorry, but you’re going to be disappointed.”
A secretive grin curls up the corners of her lips. “We’ll see about that.”
I dig into my breakfast, chewing on my omelet while my meeting with the governor looms ahead. I hate being blindsided. Few things are out of my control.
Kieran steps inside, arranging his cufflinks. “Ready?”
“Why are you here?”
“I’m going with you.”
This is going to get annoying if he feels he needs to keep me under his watch.
“I got this.”
He leans on the doorframe, folding his arms over his chest, his eyebrows drawing together in deep thought.
