Page 27 of Might as Well

“So, Violet, let’s learn about you. I’m not happy my son went off and married a stranger, but I imagine your parents aren’t either.”

“Mom!” Zane exclaims.

It’s not her fault if she didn’t know. His mom looks completely confused. “My parents aren’t around; my grandma raised me, but she’s passed,” I explain. “But you’re right; she probably wouldn’t be happy either.”

“Oh, sweetie; I’m sorry.”

There’s an awkward pause until his father asks, “So what do you do for a living?”

When I explain what I do, his mom gasps.

“I have been cross-stitching for a few months! What’s the name of your shop?”

My cheeks flame. “Stitch and Bitch.”

“Oh my goodness! Hold still.” Ellen gets up from the table and disappears down the hallway. A moment later she reappears with a partially finished pattern and holds it up to me. “I love your work! I am so tickled! This is so cool. Do you think you can show me some tips sometime? I’ve been watching videos online, but some of those people aren’t very good instructors.”

“Mom, don’t ask her that. She’s busy and you will probably move on to another hobby in a few months.”

Ellen looks aghast at Zane’s remark. “I will not. Just because I’ve been experimenting with different things and giving up on them, doesn’t mean I will for this. I like this.” She focuses back on me. “Don’t feel like you have to say yes, but maybe that can be a new venture for your business.”

“Maybe,” I agree. “You can be a pattern tester for me if you’d like.” Upon seeing her confusion, I explain what it is and she excitedly agrees.

Conversation tilts back in Zane’s direction. His parents share stories of his childhood. Zane looks slightly embarrassed the entire time. It is clear they are close, love each other, and enjoy every moment together. All I can think about is the last Thanksgiving I spent with my grandma. We didn’t do anything crazy; something similar to the experience today.

A tsunami of emotions overwhelms me all of a sudden.

“Excuse me,” I squeak as tears threaten to spill over. As fast as I can, I escape to Zane’s bedroom. Deep breaths don’t seem all that helpful at the moment.

“Violet?” Zane turns me toward him and immediately wraps me in a hug. “What’s wrong?”

The moment I’m in his arms, the tears can’t be stopped. “I’m so sorry. I’m just overwhelmed and thinking about my grandma and all the holidays I’ve spent by myself and I just miss her.”

He holds me silently and lets me cry. I could honestly stand here forever. I always feel better in his arms. I didn’t know it was possible to truly relax and breathe easy. After all these years, I realize I’ve been tense, waiting for that other shoe to fall and somehow ruin my life further. Zane makes me forget about that at least for a little while.

“I’m sorry,” I apologize again as the tears slow. “I’ll be okay. I might head on home once I gather my wits about me again.”

His chin moves against the top of my head as he replies, “You don’t want to stay? I’d rather you did even if you hang out in here the rest of the night; my parents will understand. Stay, babe. Please.”

“Okay,” I find myself whispering. “Just give me a few minutes; I can go back out there.” After everything I’ve beenthrough, there has to be some strength hidden deep down somewhere so I can get through the rest of the day.

“Take your time; we’ll go out there whenever you’re ready.”

Part of me wants to argue that he should at least return to his parents, but I’m so thankful and don’t want him to leave. My arms tighten around him as I realize just how much I don’t want to lose Zane.

CHAPTER 8

ZANE

Mom and Violet talk cross-stitch in my living room while Dad and I put away the leftovers and work on tackling the dishes.

“I know they’re hitting it off in there, but Mom still has some reservations,” Dad says quietly.

“Like what?”

The look Dad gives me causes me to wonder if I missed something obvious. “Like how you’re not exactly a poor man.”

“She didn’t even know what I did for a living when we got married and she waspissedwhen she found out because I lied to her. She’s not after me for my money.” I’ve seen the signs enough to know, and Violet doesn’t give a rat’s ass about what I do or how much money I make.

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