65. Violet
VIOLET
Bramble & Bean smells the same. Like espresso, vanilla, and something sweet baking in the back.
It settles over me the second Drew and I walk in.
It’s familiar.
A full circle moment.
I glance at Drew.
No, not quite.
Because now we’re walking in together, our hands clasped.
And he’s watching me.
Not the menu.
Not the line.
Me.
“Remember the last time we were here?” he asks.
I grin. “Yes.”
“You planned it. Didn’t you?”
“What? Accidentally bumping into you here?” I deadpan. “Not at all.”
His mouth twitches slightly. “I knew it.”
I raise my brows. “If you did, you were in deep denial.”
He chuckles. “Not anymore.”
We order and move to the other end of the counter to pick up our coffee.
The barista calls our names from behind the counter.
Before either of us can move, a loud crash echoes from the back.
"I'm okay!" a woman calls. "Nobody panic! The muffins survived!"
Drew raises an eyebrow. "Does this happen often?"
The barista sighs. "More than you'd think."
Drew guides me to the same table we sat at the last time we were here.
He pulls out my chair before taking the seat across from me.
Just like last time.
Except everything is different now.
Drew leans back slightly, one hand around his cup, still watching me. “You’re quiet.”
My eyes don’t leave his. “Just admiring the view.”
He chuckles, his cheeks tinged pink. “You’re good at blowing up my ego.”
My smile widens. “Good. I’m doing my job.”
A tiny dachshund trots across the floor, carrying something that resembles a skeleton hand.
"Walter!" someone calls from the back.
The dog ignores them.
I laugh and shake my head.
The door opens, and the air in the room shifts.
Drew goes still, his eyes on the entrance.
I follow his gaze.
Julia.
She strolls inside, looking perfect. Not a hair out of place or a wrinkle in her clothing.
She spots Drew immediately.
Her eyes move to me, narrowing.
Her hips sway as she approaches, eyeing him like something she misplaced.
Drew starts to move, but I stop him, placing a firm hand over his.
“I’ll handle this,” I say quietly.
His eyes meet mine.
I see the tension. Then concern.
Then trust.
He nods.
Julia stops beside our table.
“Drew.” Her voice is cool and controlled.
“Julia.” He mimics her tone.
She finally looks at me.
“Wow. You’re still here?” Her eyes rake over me. “What’s your name again?”
“Violet,” I say, appearing outwardly cool.
Inwardly, I’ve already ripped every glossy mahogany strand of hair from her head.
She studies me like I’m something she can dismiss.
She’s wrong.
So, so wrong.
“You came by his house,” I say calmly.
“I did.”
“You said it was a mistake.”
She stares at me.
“You’re right,” I continue. “You made a mistake.”
For the first time, her composure cracks.
“And you made another mistake coming here.”
She blinks.
“You had him,” I say, my voice frigid. “You didn’t want him.”
Drew stills across from me.
“And now that he’s not available…” I tilt my head slightly. “You’ve reconsidered.”
“I never said that.”
“You didn’t have to.”
I stare her down. “You walked away.”
Her lips part.
“I didn’t.”
That lands.
She shifts, uncomfortable now.
“You don’t even know him,” she snaps.
I smile. “I know him better than you ever did.”
Her mouth drops open and a familiar hulking figure strolls in.
Drew pales, staring at Smoke.
I reach over and grab his hand, squeezing gently.
“Look,” I say lightly. “My cousin’s here.”
Drew chokes. “Smoke is your cousin?”
“Yes.”
Drew blinks. “I thought he was your ex.”
“Horrifying.”
Then I stand, stepping into Julia’s space.
She nearly trips over her heels as she backs up.
I grab Drew’s hand, pulling him up beside me. I slide my arm through his, claiming him.
“He’s mine,” I say to Julia, the threat in my eyes clear. “But if you’re looking for a man....”
I glance over at Smoke, who looks over at me.
“Julia,” I say pleasantly. “Meet Smoke.”
Julia turns and her entire face changes. She looks horrified as she stares at his tattoos.
“Oh my god,” she breathes.
Smoke gives her a slow, predatory grin. “Well,” he drawls, stepping closer, his eyes locked on her. “This is unexpected.”
Julia takes a step back.
Then another.
“Nope,” she says quickly. “Nope. Absolutely not.”
She turns—and bolts for the door.
I blink once.
Then I glance at Smoke.
He glances at Drew and me, his smile widening. “I like a challenge.”
And then, he strolls after her like he has all the time in the world.
Drew slowly turns his head to look at me. “…What just happened?”
I guide him back to his chair, calm and unbothered.
“Closure,” I say, sliding into mine.
He stares at me, then he starts laughing. Full on, head thrown back, unrestrained laughter.
I love seeing him so happy and free.
“You planned that,” he says, pointing at me.
Before I can answer, he holds up a hand. “Actually... don't answer that. Plausible deniability is healthier.”
“I didn't.” I lift my cup and take a sip. “I didn't need to.” I shrug. “Sometimes, an opportunity presents itself.”
He shakes his head, still smiling. “You’re unbelievable.”
“I’ve been told that.”
He watches me for a long moment.
His expression is soft. Eyes full of love.
He reaches across the table and takes my hand.
And this time, neither of us lets go.