on top of the table. “Go ahead and sit down, and I’ll order. What do you want?”
“I’ll have what you’re having.” Before working here, I’d never had a chai latte, but I’d found that I was rather fond of them.
“How about your friends? Do you know what they want?”
“I’m not sure.” Though they’d enjoyed the mochas I’d taken to our first meeting, I didn’t want to assume that would be their choice.
“That’s fine. I can get their orders when they arrive.”
I couldn’t help my smile. “You’re a rather convincing serving wench. Never would have guessed.”
“Ha. Ha.”
As soon as he walked up to the counter, Violet arrived and headed straight for me. She wore a deep blue cardigan the color of her eyes, and her hair was pulled back into a style that was half-braid and half-ponytail.
“I like your hair.”
She reached back to touch the braided part. “Thanks. I was trying something new, but I can’t decide if I like it.”
“Well, I think it looks great, if that helps.”
She smiled shyly. “Thanks. It does.” After glancing over her shoulder, she took one of the chairs next to mine. “I wanted to talk to you about something real quick before the others arrive.”
“Okay…” When it came to Violet and that kind of declaration, I was coming to expect the worst. Was she going to tell me that we couldn’t hang out anymore—again?
“I’m sorry for making you come here instead of meeting at your place.” She bit down on her lower lip. “After I came over on Thanksgiving, I got an earful from my mom about seeing you. She went to the casino that night, so I thought I was safe. But I found out that she’s been tracking my phone, so there’s almost no escaping.”
I blinked at her. She’d told me before that her mother was strict, but tracking her phone seemed a little out there. Then again, what did I know about strict moms? I’d certainly never had one.
“Are you…okay?” I asked.
“Okay?”
I mentally smacked my hand against my forehead. I had no idea how to subtly ask this question. So, I tried again, skipping the subtlety. “Look. I’m sorry if this is offensive, but I have to make sure.” I sucked in a deep breath and lowered my voice to a whisper. “If your mother is abusing you, please know that I am here to help in any way I can.”
Violet’s already-large eyes widened. “No,” she answered quickly. Maybe too quickly. “It’s not like that. She’s just…stern.”
I wasn’t entirely sure I believed her. Yet, I didn’t know that it was my place to pry any more than I already had. “Okay. Still, I’m here, if you ever need anything. Got it?”
She nodded. “Thank you.”
A mug and stack of cookies was set down on the table in front of me, and Violet jumped. “Oh, Tristin.” She laughed nervously as she peered up at him. “I didn’t know you were here.”
He shot her an almost-grin. “I’m Thea’s chauffeur and serving wench for the night.”
At that, Violet released a genuine laugh. “Wow.” She looked at me. “Your very own serving wench. Lucky girl.”
“Don’t I know it.” I took a sip of my latte. Delicious.
“Can I get you anything?” Tristin asked. “It’s on me.”
Her cheeks flushed. “Oh, um, sure. I’ll take a hot chocolate, please.”
“Coming right up.”
After he’d walked away again, she turned back to me. “He’s very attentive, isn’t he? If I didn’t know you were happy with Leo, I’d assume a few things about you two.”
My mouth twitched at the way she’d worded her observation. “Assume away.”
“What do you mean? Did you and Leo break up?”
“Nope,” I replied, popping the p.
Her brows drew together. “I don’t get it. You can’t be with Leo and Tristin at the same…” She trailed off, her eyes widening to saucers once more. “Oh my god. Are you saying you’re dating both of them?”
I nodded, feeling a little smug at the admission. Other than Petra, I hadn’t told anyone about my new relationship status. She hadn’t been surprised, of course, so this was kind of fun.
“Do they know about each other?”
I laughed. “Yes. I may not be a saint, but I’m not that bad.”
“Sorry. I didn’t mean anything by it. I’m just…” She shook her head in what looked like a combination of confusion and wonder. “I’m just trying to wrap my mind around the idea.”
“I get it. It’s very new, so I haven’t quite wrapped my mind around it either.”
She looked around us, as though she was