something? Oh, my God! Am I like Rose? Are you going to suggest I find someplace else to stay?”
Throwing her head back, Katie laughed hysterically. “Trust me, you are not like Rose! And believe me, I love her, I just don’t want to live with her.”
“Which is kind of what I think you’re trying–nicely–to say about me!”
It took Katie a moment to stop laughing, but when she did, she smiled patiently at Violet. “Sweetie, you and I spent many years living together, and I have loved having you here. But I want you to have a social life too. You don’t need to be hovering over me all day, every day. And it’s so obvious you and Hunter are into each other and I was just encouraging you to be bold and tell him what you want!”
“You know I don’t have a problem with that,” she began hesitantly.
“Then what is it?”
Sighing, she shifted in her seat to get more comfortable. “Hunter’s…different.” She paused to figure out how to say what she wanted to say. “He’s the first guy I’ve ever dated–and I’m using the term loosely–who has a kid. You know I don’t ever get seriously involved with men, and he’s not looking to get serious with anyone right now either, but…”
“Maybe you’re feeling a little more than casual about him?”
Groaning, she nodded. “It’s stupid, right? I mean…it’s just like a lust fog. Or maybe because he’s slightly unattainable because of Eli and it’s making me want him more? You know, like we always want the thing we can’t have?”
No response.
“C’mon! You know what I’m talking about! It’s like forbidden fruit!”
“Hunter’s not forbidden, Vi. He’s just not readily available, that’s all. And I think you’re making up excuses rather than dealing with the fact that you might actually like him.”
“Of course I like him! He’s a great guy! But I don’t…you know…like him, like him. No, it’s the lust fog or sex fog or…lack of sex fog.” Groaning again, she straightened and looked at her friend's slightly amused face. “Once we have a real date…”
“You mean sleep together.”
“Tomato-tomahto,” she corrected. “Either way, once we have a real date, I’m sure my logical side will return.”
“I’m guessing it will be happening soon.”
Violet shrugged and then froze. “Wait…why do you say that? Do you know something? Did Hunter talk to you about this?” Her hands flew up to cover her face. “Oh, my God! I’m beyond mortified!”
Katie smacked her hands away and gave her a stern look. “Would you relax? Geez! You and I have talked about boys since the day we met! I know about every guy you’ve ever crushed on, kissed, and slept with so quit pulling the embarrassment card.”
“Fine, but why did you say it’ll be happening soon?”
“Because it just makes sense! We both know it’s something you’re both looking to do, and I can’t imagine this getting dragged out much longer. You’re both too old for those ridiculous make-out sessions in my yard. I was tempted to turn the hose on the two of you more than once.”
“Thank you for showing some self-control.”
“I can say the same to you.”
“Mommy!” Kira called out, and Katie slowly got to her feet. “It feels like nap time is getting shorter and shorter.”
“Need a hand?”
“No. I’m good. But they’ll be heading out here in a little while to flip around with you.” She winked. “And can I just say how much I appreciate you doing that? The kids have been loving it, and Kira gets so worn out that she’s sleeping better at night.”
“Glad I can help.”
Thirty minutes later, Violet had two wide-eyed kids staring at her, begging her to do her flips. Yesterday she had done a few back handsprings and then front ones, and they had been beyond amazed. Personally, she had been shocked she could still do them, and last night, her body had reminded her how she really shouldn’t do too many of them. So she had to think quickly about showing them something a little less…flippy.
“How about we work on headstands today?” she suggested, and even though the kids really had no idea what she was talking about, they jumped up and down excitedly.
Gotta love their enthusiasm…
So for an hour, Violet crouched down and helped Kira and Eli try to find their balance. Luckily, every time they fell over, they laughed about it, and all in all seemed to be having fun, but at the end of the hour, their attention span was gone because they both