Page 34 of Made for You

“Women don’t want me. They just use me to get to you all. Seems like Violet’s following suit now that she’s old enough. When they learn what I have to offer I’m good for a one night stand or to be with until they can get to you. It’s been happening for years. So I learned my lesson to stay in my lane.”

“That’s fucking bullshit and you know it.” He throws his stuff in the trash with a force that almost knocks over the trash can, “When you figure your shit out, you better hope it’s not too fucking late for Violet.”

He leaves me sitting at the table.

It’s already too late for Violet. She’s going to fall for Roman’s charm. I know it. Just add it to my tally of failures. The inn, the girl, all of it.

I toss my remaining bagel into the trash, and refill my coffee before heading out to the barn to work on some nightstands for the rooms we’re finishing. And to be in blissful quiet by myself.

I get maybe an hour of working to myself before my sister comes to find me. Sometimes I really miss the days that my siblings would pretend this place didn’t exist. But when Pops fell off the roof and broke his hip over the summer they finally took notice of me and how badly the inn was in disrepair. I finally ranked on their lists of importance. But as with everything, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.

“What can I do for you?” I mutter, not looking up at her while I carve an intricate design on the front of this drawer.

“You’re a fucking idiot.” She gives me a stony stare. I can see her foot tapping out of the corner of my eye.

“Please enlighten me oh wise one, why am I an idiot today in your eyes?” I ask her sarcastically.

“Stop it. You know exactly why I think you’re an idiot.” She steps closer to me.

“I can assure you I have many a reason, but none that will probably align with your thoughts.”

That earns me a slap across the back of my head.

I look up at Emma this time, “What the fuck was that for?”

“Being an idiot.

“Again, please tell me why you’re here abusing me for being an idiot.”

“You really think Violet and I would talk about you that way? Let alone the fact that you think I would let anyone talk to or about my own brother that way? I can slap you senseless, but I’ll be damned if I let anyone talk shit about my family. So. You’re an idiot.” Her foot taps faster, but at least her arms are crossed so my head is safe, for now. “You better figure your shit out. Because I’m keeping her, God knows this place needs more women. And she wants to keep you, so get your head out of your ass.” She hits me one more time across the back of the head when I turn back to my carving.

I get up and walk over to where we store the summer toys. I pull a helmet off the rack and place it on my head so I can work on my design without being hit again.

“What are you doing?” She stares at me hesitantly while I latch the clip under my chin.

“Protecting my damn head for the rest of this conversation.” I walk by her to go back to my carving.

“Whatever. Don’t take my advice. What do I know? I’m just a woman who was involved in the entire conversation and saw her burn a quiche this morning. Violet. Burnt. A. Quiche. Because of your dumb ass.”

“Is that all you came here for? Because if so, I’m busy finishing these up for the inn.”

I sit back down on my stool and bring the drawer back up and pick up my veiner to finish this floral design.

“No, I actually had business things to discuss with you. I just wanted to make my effort to get you to stop being a dumbass. But I failed so maybe I’ll have better luck with business.”

“Yup, you probably will.” One more slap to my head. “See? Prepared.”

“Okay well, I need your eyeballs first please. So can you spare a precious moment of your time please?”

I sigh, placing my tool back on the table. “Sure.”

She pulls out her phone and takes a seat on the stool next to me. “You know you can take that off now.” She flicks my helmet.

“Safety first.”

“Whatever, I took these of the pastries that Violet—” I growl at the mention of her but Emma ignores me, “—baked for the weekend of the dance. I’m going to post them today, so you’ll need to make sure you’re checking for the orders on our bookings for next weekend. I sent out an email to the people already booked with a link to add on. So you will need to tell Violet if I’m not here.”

“Okay.”

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