Violet
‘I know, I know,’ he said, registering her shock and deflecting it in typical Marvin fashion. ‘You’re thinking, where do I know this handsome bastard from? Is it GQ magazine? Is he being lined up to play the next Bond? Is he Harry Styles’ more attractive brother?’
‘Oh, Marv,’ she said, dropping into the chair beside him, her expression sad despite the attempt at a smile. ‘You still look gorgeous to me.’
Marvin shook his head sadly. ‘I can’t recall much of it to be honest,’ he said.
‘Which is probably a blessing, otherwise I’d be scared to leave the house.
The police said some of it might come back to me.
They said shock can sometimes do that, make you blank things out.
I don’t know how much use I’m going to be though– in terms of making an arrest, let alone securing any conviction.
I’m hardly in a position to press charges even if they do catch the perpetrators. ’
‘Why not? They attacked you!’
‘I know, honey.’ Marvin patted her again.
He looked older suddenly– weary behind the bruises.
‘And I want justice as much as the next man– whether he’s dressed as a woman or not.
But the trouble is, I can’t very well stand up in court and say, yes, your honour, t’was I, Mr Marvin Gillespie, head of mathematics at the prestigious Kenton College, educator of privileged youth, walking through town at three in the morning wearing platform heels, a wig and a diamanté basque, having just performed a routine on stage that would horrify the pearl-clutching mothers of the boys I teach.
The head would have me out on gardening leave before you could say banish the deviant . He wouldn’t have any choice.’
‘But that’s not right.’
‘I know. Look, it doesn’t matter at the moment, because I can’t remember any details so I’m not exactly giving them substantive leads to chase up.’
‘Is that really because you can’t remember or because you’re scared of what might happen if the police do manage to make some arrests though?
’ Violet was bubbling with outrage on Marvin’s behalf, frustrated by his passive acceptance, but she could also see that he was exhausted.
‘I’m sorry,’ she said. ‘I didn’t come here to bully you. I wanted to see how you were feeling.’
He smiled forgivingly and then winced as the smile reached the corner of his steri-stripped left eye.
‘I’m okay as long as they keep the pain relief going,’ he said.
‘They think a couple of my ribs are bruised as opposed to fractured and my abdominal scar is going to looks pretty impressive.’ He gazed down his torso.
‘No crop-tops for a while,’ he said grimly.
‘They started off keyhole but had to open things up to see the full extent of the laceration. That’s what your Gus said anyway. ’
‘Gus,’ she said, her voice lifting. ‘Have you seen him? This evening, I mean? Have I missed him?’
‘Steady,’ said Marvin, amused. ‘No, I haven’t seen him so far, I don’t think.
I’m not sure I’d recognise him to be honest– my recollections of who I saw and what was said when I was in A&E are hazy to say the least and I’m told he was in the recovery room but I can’t remember a moment of that other than the fact I was very happy to be alive.
No, he spoke to Dev earlier today. Before you two went home.
Together. ’ He put a heavy emphasis on the last word and tried to raise his eyebrow but it was evidently too painful.
Violet smiled secretively.
‘Spill the beans, you naughty thing,’ said Marvin. ‘I can tell something happened– just look at you! Positively shagtastic!’
She giggled. ‘I don’t want to get you over-excited,’ she said. ‘Not in your condition.’
He groaned. ‘Oh honestly, Violet, give me something to think about other than the pain– it’s the least you can do.
Besides, I need to have something to talk to Dev about other than what I’ve eaten.
’ He gestured to his empty plate. ‘You know what he’s like– I’ll need a story of top-level romance. Can you provide?’
‘I think I can,’ she said, barely able to keep the glee out of her voice. ‘It’s amazing, Marv! I don’t even know how to say it– the way I feel– it’s like, it’s so right, he’s so, so right. He’s funny and kind and clever and handsome and just so bloody hot, and…’
‘Whoa!’ Marv looked as taken aback as is possible when half your face has swollen to the size of a watermelon. ‘You have got it bad!’
‘I really have,’ she said. ‘And I’m not even frightened of it – whatever it is– anymore.
You know how I’m always rational about these sorts of things?
You know how usually I weigh it all up, deliberate and consider different outcomes and avoid scenarios where I might be rejected or where I have to reject someone else? ’
‘Erm, ye-es,’ said Marv. ‘As per standard Violet Winters relationship damage limitation protocol.’
‘Well, I’m not bothered about any of that at the moment,’ she said happily. ‘I just, couldn’t care less. If it’s messy or complicated, or if I get hurt. I don’t care.’
Marvin had evidently been rendered speechless with shock, so she carried on.
‘And you know how, in the past men have got all sort of possessive and demanding and asked for more commitment than I can offer or wanted all sorts of public displays of affection that I find confusing and uncomfortable?’ she said.
Marv nodded, mute.
‘Well, I’m not even worried about that,’ she said. ‘I’d snog him in the street if he asked me to. In fact, I’d be perfectly happy to run away with him, get married and have his babies…’
‘Okay. Who is this and what have you done with my good friend Violet Winters?’ said Marvin, only half-joking. ‘Girl, you are hot to go - you’ve gone the full Chappell Roan.’
‘I know,’ she said, grinning from ear to ear. ‘I know ! ’
But Marvin was starting to look a little worried.
‘And is the ex-fiancée definitely off the scene?’ he said.
‘I don’t want to be a damp shower on your considerable ardour, but I do feel some responsibility to step into the breach, given that you’re too shag-happy to fulfil your usual role– someone needs to be the voice of logic and reason. ’
‘Well…’ Violet sighed. ‘I think so. She’s definitely gone, as in physically left the building. He’s not exactly reached the furious wounded ex-partner stage, but then he’s such a nice guy, I can’t see him ever getting like that about anyone, no matter how badly they wronged him.’
‘But, sweetheart, you’re talking about him as if you know him really well,’ said Marvin gently. ‘You only met him four nights ago. It’s a bit like a holiday romance, no?’
‘I know it all seems very sudden…’ She faltered slightly.
‘I’m not dismissing your feelings,’ Marvin said quickly.
‘I am honestly overjoyed to see you like this and I’m only sorry that Dev missed the wonderous sight of unfiltered Violet Winters in the first flush of love– but he needs his sleep, poor boy– I just want to make sure there isn’t a scary Mrs Rochester hiding in the attic. Is he properly over her?’
‘Gus says she’s definitely out of his life,’ said Violet firmly. ‘And why would he lie?’
‘But, my love, we’re not all as honest as you. You can’t take everyone at face value. And what is it you always say? Never?—’
‘Trust a charmer. I know that,’ she said, feeling a little deflated. ‘And I know I’d be saying the same if the situation was reversed. I do get it. You and Dev are only looking out for me.’
He smiled as much as he was able. ‘Dev will probably be furious that I’ve spoken to you like this.
He’ll accuse me of being horribly unromantic.
And he always says that you have far too many barriers up when it comes to men.
But personally, I think those barriers are there for a reason.
Dev tends to just embrace whoever and whatever comes into his life.
You and I, we’re a little more protective over our feelings– and there’s a good reason for that.
I am sure Gus is lovely and it’s a real joy to see you so happy, but it’s all very sudden and on the back of quite a traumatic night, not just for me, for all of you.
I just want you to look after yourself– your feelings are paramount, you understand? ’
‘Yeah, yeah– what-ever,’ said Violet in her best sulky teenager voice and Marvin managed a gentle laugh as she continued. ‘I do get what you’re saying, Marv, I promise, and I’m not running away just because you’ve shattered my dreams, but I’ve got to get and see some actual patients.’
‘I’m an actual patient,’ he said.
‘No, but you’re not one of mine. I’ve got a list of jobs as long as my arm.
But I’ll try and pop in before I head home, see if you’re awake.
Any idea what time Dev’s planning on visiting?
I don’t want to miss him completely– feels weird having such a big life-defining epiphany and not sharing it with him. ’
‘You and Dev,’ he said, laughing. ‘Is this Gus aware that he’s not just dating you, he’s dating your housemate and by extension, your housemate’s boyfriend as well?’
‘I’ll make sure he understands that it’s a polygamous relationship,’ said Violet. ‘But I’m not pimping him out. I’ve kissed a lot of frogs and now I’ve found one I really like I’m not sharing.’
‘I don’t want to know what you get up to with amphibians, darling,’ said Marvin, shuddering. ‘But do pop back in if you get a chance. I know you’re working but I do want regular updates on the Love Island situation.’
She smiled as she rose from her chair. ‘I’ll let you know if anything exciting happens,’ she said.
‘Although I can’t see how it can get much more exciting at the moment, not within the confines of the hospital at least.’ She leaned forward and kissed his forehead in the only available space that wasn’t bruised or bandaged.
‘Love you, Marv,’ she said, tears prickling suddenly at the back of her eyes. ‘I’m so glad you’re alright.’