Page 118 of Already Home

“All my girls leave me. All right. I’ll survive. It’s the cycleof life and all that.”

Violet stared at her, unable to get past the first part of whatBeth had said. All my girls leave me. As if she werepart of the family.

“And when you start dating again, you’ll have to bring youryoung man around.”

“I don’t see a lot of dating in my future,” Violet toldher.

“I know it seems that way now, but you’ll heal and then you’llget interested in someone.”

Unlikely, Violet thought. She was tired of getting burned. “Ifthe impossible happens, I’ll be sure to do a background check.”

“That’s my girl.”

* * *

Violet was at her apartment by nine that morning. Shewanted to take back the few things Beth had collected for her, and to changeinto something suitable for work. As she stepped inside, she braced herself forthe memories.

They were there, lunging out at her without a hint of subtlety.She could see everything that had happened, but this time as if from an aerialcamera. Different perspective, she thought, willing herself not to flinch at thememory of Cliff’s fist slamming into her face.

She ignored the instant replay and crossed to the kitchen. Alltraces of the meal were gone, the dishes were washed and put away. She couldn’tsee a hint of blood on the floor. No doubt Beth’s doing, she thought, gratefulto the other woman for everything. Beth had taken Violet’s key, saying shewanted to get her some of her own clothing. Obviously, she’d done a lotmore.

After changing into black pants and a long-sleeved blouse, shechecked her makeup in the mirror. If the light was right and no one was looking,the bruise was fairly invisible. That was a plus.

Someone knocked on her front door.

Violet froze, then willed herself to relax. She couldn’t jumpat every sound. But just to be sure, she called out, asking who was there,before opening the door.

“Your neighbor,” a familiar voice answered.

She crossed the small living room and opened the door to findher elderly friend waiting in the hall.

“Mr. McAllister,” she said, smiling at him.

“Beth Stevens called to say you were coming back,” the old mansaid as he hobbled over her threshold. “I thought I’d welcome you personally andsee how you’re feeling.”

“Better,” she admitted. “I don’t know how to thank you. Yousaved my life.”

The old man shrugged. “You looked after Buster when I had to gointo the hospital last fall. It was a real load off my mind, knowing he wastaken care of. Besides, I still believe a man has a responsibility to protectthe women in his life. I only wish I were twenty years younger, so I could havebeaten the shit out of your young man.” He paused, then blushed a little.“Pardon my French.”

She smiled. “He’s not my young man anymore, Mr. McAllister. Iswear. You don’t have to worry. I’m not taking him back.”

Mr. McAllister hugged her. “You’re a good girl, Violet. You’llpick better next time.”

Why did everyone assume she would ever want to be with anotherman?

“I want to thank you,” she said. “May I make you dinner?”

“I’d like that.” His eyes brightened with humor. “As long asyou understand we’re just friends. I’ve started seeing Mrs. Brighten on thethird floor.”

She laughed, then pressed her hand to her jaw. “I promise Iwon’t hit on you.”

He grinned. “You can hit on me a little.”

“A little then.” She raised herself onto her toes and kissedhis cheek. “Thank you again.”

“You’re welcome, Violet. You take care.”

* * *

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