Chapter 8: Chapter 8

Violet and Devlin stopped talking to each other completely. She now gets up later than usual when she knew Devlin already left the house, then go to her room early before Devlin arrived. It’s been like that for more than a week now. Rosa probably noticed but thankfully didn’t say anything.

Violet is getting bored. She has a lot of spare time in her hands now that she doesn’t go to work. She signed up for a couple of online courses – business management and stock investing. But they are yet to start in another few weeks.

So today, she decided to go to the bookstore to purchase the newly released books from her favorite authors. When she got to the store, however, she couldn’t stop herself from picking up everything that caught her interest. So now she could barely see where she’s walking with all the books piled up high in her arms.

She regretted her impulsiveness when she turned to go down the stairs and slammed hard into someone. Her books flew everywhere. She could see a few have landed on the floor below. Others have scattered on the steps.

“I’m so sorry, miss.”

Violet peered at the man she just knocked into. He had the greenest eyes she had ever seen, she thought. “No, it’s me who should be sorry. I couldn’t see where I was walking. I’m really sorry.” She bent down and picked up a book.

The man did the same. They silently gathered all the books littered on the steps and on the floor. After a few minutes, he approached her. “Here you go. I guess that’s all of it?”

Violet looked around. “Yeah, that’s it. Thank you so much for helping. And I’m really sorry for bumping into you,” she said shyly.

He smiled at her. “No problem.”

Her heart fluttered for a second. Damn.

She didn’t think she’d see him again. On her way home, she stopped by a café to buy her favorite milk tea drink.

When she stepped inside, he immediately spotted her. “Hey, it’s you again.” He looked at her hands, searching for something. “Where are your books? You didn’t buy them?”

“Oh, hi. I did. Dumped them in the car.”

He invited her to share his table as the place was packed to the brim.

“I’m Liam, by the way. What’s your name?”

“Violet.”

“Would you mind recommending me a list of books to read, Violet? You seem to be a reliable source.”

She raised an inquiring brow at him. “Are you sure you’re going to read them?”

“Of course. Why not? I might not look like it, but I love reading too.”

That got an approving look from her. And it got her talking enthusiastically when normally, she could barely utter a few words to a stranger.

“I never said anything about your looks.” Though she did think of it. He looks more like the outdoorsy type than a bookworm.

They talked about their favorite books and argued the merits of each. When Violet glanced at her phone, two hours already passed.

“I’m sorry I took up too much of your time.”

Violet looked up at Liam. “Oh no. It’s actually refreshing to finally meet someone who shares the same interest as me. It was great talking to you. But I have to go now. See you around!”

“Please take care on your way home. I’ll be sure to check out this list.” He waved the piece of paper I gave him. “Thanks for your time. Today was really fun.”

It’s 11 PM. Rosa must be asleep already. But someone just knocked on her bedroom door. “Just a second!” She walked out of the closet and went to open the door.

Devlin. She kept her face neutral. “What’s up?”

“Can I come in for a second?” he asked.

“Uh, sure.” She opened the door wider and let him in.

He looked around the room and went to stand by her bed. “Nana asked us to stay with her at her vacation house for a week. We’re going tomorrow afternoon. Pack up and be ready by 1 PM.”

“Okay. Anything else?”

He looked down at his feet for a second. “We might have to share one bedroom there. I don’t think Nana would let us sleep in separate rooms. I’m telling you now so you won’t be surprised tomorrow.”

“Okay,” she replied. But deep down, she’s screaming. They can’t handle being in the same house, let alone the same room. She’d go crazy.

He nodded and turned to go. Then he paused without looking at her, “One more thing. Act a little more friendly when we’re in front of Nana. I wouldn’t want her thinking we haven’t even tried to be civil towards each other.”

Violet pinched her arms hard. We were civil. Until you basically called me a liar and treated me like a petulant child. But she didn’t say the words out loud. She didn’t want to speak to him more than was necessary. He would soon realize she could be as petty and mean as that girl Summer.