Page 12 of Made for You

That fucker spends the next thirty seconds laughing before he can catch his breath enough to answer.

“I’m sorry, butyouare part of the planning committee for the Valentine’s Day dance? You know a night of love and happiness?”

“Shut up, ass—” Mom hits my arm, “We…uh…have a favor to ask.”

“What Liam is beating around the bush to ask is, the dance hall flooded, can we host at your brewery?” Violet leans over into my space to be closer to the phone when she speaks.

“Who is that?” Roman asks. I forgot he doesn’t know she’s back in town.

“Violet Turner. Hey Roman,” she answers before I can.

“Little Vi? Seriously?”

“Seriously. Can we use your space or not?” I grunt out.

“Only if you ask nicely,Lee.”

I growl at the phone, ready to throat punch him. But Violet takes it from me.

“Pretty please, oh sweet Valentine’s Day hall host, can we use your brewery? I’ll even help with the cooking.” She coos into the phone.

“Sure Little Vi. I’m sure we can worksomethingout.”

I narrow my eyes at his response. The fuck he will.

“Ok, that’s enough, the old biddies are present and I don’t want to hear you propositioning my granddaughter. Though I wouldn’t blame you. She’sbangin’as you kids would say.” Margaret smiles big at her comeback.

I slap my hand over my face, and Violet turns bright red.

“Ok, thanks Rome. I’ll be by after I finish work later to talk about it.” I hang up before he can say anything else to make this situation any more uncomfortable.

Esther closes the notebook she brought, “Well this is just wonderful. I’m so glad that worked out. When you two finalize things with Roman, let us know. Then we’ll have another meeting for planning decorations!” Esther, Margaret and Franklin get up to leave the room.

Violet turns to Mom, “It was so nice to see you Mrs. Keaton, I sure hope I can see you again soon.”

Mom hugs her, “You sure can. You and Margaret better be at my house on Sunday for dinner. I won’t hear any refusals.”

Violet looks at me over Mom’s shoulder and winks, “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Even though she’s talking to Mom, she never breaks eye contact with me and I know I’m fucked when it comes to Violet Turner.

The afternoon flew by after lunch with Mom. I was busy prepping the cabins and the four rooms for guests to come when my stomach grumbled reminding me that I actually need food to function. The time on my phone flashes seven o’clock and I still need to go talk to Roman. I fluff the last pillow, chopping it in the middle just like Emma showed me before heading out.

I get one of the last spots in the parking lot. Roman’s special tonight always packs the house. Braised short ribs over mashed potatoes. Clark, his chef, is nearing sixty, and the day he retires is going to be the saddest day in Balsam Cliffs.

My mouth is already watering at the prospect of my dinner.

When I walk in, I start toward the bar where I can usually find Roman. That is until I’m frozen in my spot at seeing Roman and Violet leaned in close together over the bar. She’s laughing at something he said, and his charm is full on. My fists ball at my side and a growl leaves my mouth involuntarily.

Roman points in my direction and Violet turns to see me, waving me over.

Great. Just what I wanted tonight. To see her and Roman all giddy in the corner over planning a dance for lovers.

I grunt and walk over to them, if I don’t, they’ll just come find me. Plopping down on the bar stool next to Violet I subtly scooch myself closer to her while staring Roman down.

He needs to back the fuck off.

“I was just telling Violet that we can move all these tables around the edge of the room. And create a dance floor in front of the stage. Do you guys know if you’re doing a DJ or live band?” Roman gestures wildly at the space in front of us.

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