Page 52 of Everlasting Love

The little girl in my arms wipes her hand beneath her nose and smiles at me and it’s like the sun’s come out of hiding. “Can I get a chocolate milkshake?”

“Of course.” I smile at her, then turn to Violet, hoping I haven’t crossed another line. “What flavor will you have, Blue?”

Her relieved gaze lifts to mine. “Uh … maybe caramel if they have it.”

“Sounds good. Let’s go get milkshakes.”

Jasmine wriggles in my hold and I loosen my grip so she can climb down my body and get in the car. I ensure her seatbelt is secure, then close the door quietly. When I turn toward Violet, she’s smirking at me. “You wanted to pummel a five-year-old. I could see it all over your face.”

“Well, yeah. He hurt Jas.” I take her hand in mine and slip the car keys from her grip. Does she not realize I’d do anything to protect her and her daughter? Even from five-year-old bullies.

She shakes her head as her lips tip up. “Pretty sure that would be frowned upon.”

I shrug as I help her into the car, slide the seatbelt into place, and make my way to the driver’s seat. We make our way through light traffic to Pier 7 andDeclan’s Diner, arriving there in record time. Being a weekday afternoon, the parking lot is mostly empty. Vi climbs out of her car and retrieves Jasmine from the back seat just as she’s probably done a thousand times before. I trail behind them for a few steps, but I don’t like the distance so I bend down to scoop Jasmine up and place her on my shoulders enjoying her happy giggles and squeals of delight. Other people passing by grin at us, probably assuming we’re a family so I grip Violet’s hand in mine. She glances down at our joined hands, then up at me—her silent question clear.

I have no answer for her—the struggle to keep my hands to myself is exhausting—so I keep walking toward the diner without another word. We get to the diner and I duck so Jasmine doesn’t bang her head on the door frame, then lead the girls to an empty table in the far corner where I can watch people entering and leaving. Old habits die hard.

“Okay, what’s everyone having?”

Jasmine’s eyes light up, and if I hadn’t seen her tears for myself, I would never have believed she was so upset only thirty minutes ago. “Can I please have a chocolate milkshake and some fries?” She looks up at her mother for her approval, and Violet smiles.

“Of course. Shane, what do you want?”Is that a trick question? I want a lot of things, none of which I can have but it doesn’t stop me from wishing.Violet climbs to her feet, but I beat her to it.

“You sit, I’m getting this. What would you like?” I command.

Her eyes widen and she swallows thickly. “Uh, I’ll have a caramel milkshake and some fries too, please?”

I nod and then head toward the counter where I place our order and pay for it, ensuring I keep my eyes on the girls at all times, then return to the table.

“Mommy, I need to go to the bathroom.”

Vi stands—“Sure.”—and Jas slides out of the booth. “Won’t be long.”

“No worries.”

My phone rings, so I dig it out of my pocket. My landlord’s name lights the screen, I press the green button and answer, “Shane Sutton.”

“Hi, Shane. Roger here.” The tone of his voice as he says the simple greeting puts me on immediate alert. I straighten my spine and reply with a grunt. “I’m calling regarding the letter I sent you two months ago about the building renovations. Work will begin on Monday, and it’s been decided to start from the top floor and work down. That means I need you out for a month.”

“What the fuck. It’s Thursday. I need more notice to find somewhere to stay and move my stuff out.”

“Yeah, sorry about that. The contractors only let me know last week.”

“Last week!”

“Yeah.”

I rub my hand over the top of my head and clench my jaw. “So, you could have told me last week and given me more time to sort everything out.”

He sighs. “I guess. I’ve been busy.”

“Busy?” I feel like a damn parrot, repeating everything he says.

Jas and Vi slide back into the booth, giggling about something, but I just want to smash Roger’s head right now.

“Yeah. Make sure everything’s out. I’m not taking responsibility for any damages to your property during therenovation.” He pauses. “And when your lease renews, rent will increase twenty-five percent.”

“You can’t—” The call disconnects, and my words are left on the tip of my tongue.

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