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“Yeah.”
“Your dad?”
“Is an amazing man.”
“You’ve never met your mom?”
“Never. She used to send postcards from wherever she was in the world, but they stopped when I was in my mid-teens. Please don’t feel sorry for me. I had a brilliant childhood and my dad is an exceptional and selfless man. He’s the reason I’m here. Traveling.”
“Explain?” She leans forward again, resting her elbows on her knees.
I mirror her.
“Not much to tell, really. But my father and I work together.”
“In hospitality?”
“Yes. I have worked with him since I left university. He found love again and his entire outlook on life changed. He wanted me to find myself. Make sure working together was still what I wanted to do. But he thought if I saw the world, explored myself, and sought my own dreams, then I wouldn’t have any regrets. I actually think he was doing it for himself. Out of guilt. Working for the family business has always been a given. It’s what we do, but he had this crazy idea that I may live to regret it. So he sent me packing. Literally. He wanted me to experience my own life adventure. But I love my home, my family, and I can’t wait to go back to Scotland.”
Violet looks me dead in the eyes and frowns. “Why are you working? Why are you even here? I can’t figure you out.”
“I’m bored. I’ll become a pro-surfer at this rate and sunbathing really isn’t my thing. I enjoy working.” I smile. “A bit like you.”
“Cut from the same cloth.”
“We are. I get a buzz from it. I enjoy being busy. Making people happy. Motivating others. Traveling hasn’t changed my opinion, but if I don’t stay here for the lifetime of my visa, I’m pretty sure my father will send me back here. So I’m here for another six weeks.” My voice is low as I realize we seem to have moved closer to one another. Our noses are mere inches apart.
“You really love your father?” She whispers.
“I do. He’s one in a million. What's best for me is what he wants. He made sacrifices for me.”
“He was seventeen when he had you, too?”
“Yeah. Same age as my mom. They went to high school together. When his friends were out clubbing, he was reading me bedtime stories and getting early nights.”
“And she left?” She really can’t believe it.
“To chase her own dreams, yes. Divorced from my dad at eighteen years old.”
“And you’re okay?”
“I’m happy. Happier being here with you right now, though.”
“Really?” she squeaks.
“Yeah.” I’ve never wanted to kiss someone more than I do at this moment. Violet’s got me feeling things I haven’t before. My heart is banging harder in my chest than when I do a cardio workout.
She changes direction. “You’ve never been in love?”
“Married to my job.”
“Me too.”
“I know.”
“You don’t really know me.”
“I want to get to know you. All parts of you. Are we still playing the game?”
