Page 54 of Everlasting Love

“I’ll help.” I grab my keys and lock my door, then we head downstairs together.

“So, is the landlord gonna fix the stupid elevator while he’s renovating the building?”

“I hope so. He’s planning to increase the rent by a significant amount, so the elevator better be fixed.” It’s not like I have control over that. Maybe I should use this time to find somewhere else to live. Somewhere that charges more reasonable rent.

We make it to Vi’s car and I collect the rest of the boxes as she makes her way to the front passenger door. When she steps back, she holds up a paper bag. “I thought I’d bring you lunch.”

Not only did she think to bring me boxes to help with my move, but she also brought me lunch. “Thanks. You didn’t need to go to so much trouble. I’m sure you have plenty of other things to do.”

“Nope.” She closes her car door with a swing of her hips and steps closer to me. “I had planned to take photos this afternoon but I can stay and help you pack.”

My eyebrows shoot up. “Photos? Of what?”

As we climb the stairs back up to my apartment, she explains her photography to me. “I photograph different aspects of the park I work at and other parks around us. I started doing it after my marriage fell apart as a way to live in the moment instead of my thoughts spiraling out of control with a bunch ofwhat-ifs.” This is something I admire about Violet. She goes throughdifficult experiences but doesn’t let them drag her down. She picks herself up and pushes forward.

“I’d like to see your photos sometime.” We enter my apartment and I dump the boxes, then we both wash our hands. “You should go take photos. I can manage here.” We unwrap our subs and I take my first bite. “This is great. Thank you.”

“No problem.” She shakes her head. “I can stay and help until it’s time to pick up Jas from school. I like to pick her up on my days off. I always feel as though I neglect her on the days I work, so I like to make up for it on the days I don’t.” There’s a smidgeon of self-loathing in her voice that doesn’t belong there.

“You’re a good mom.”

She scoffs. “I wish I was. I’ve failed my daughter in the biggest way possible.”

I’m not sure how she can possibly think she’s failed Jas. “How so?”

“Last night she said something while we were coloring at the table. We’ve never spoken about what happened with Allen because I figured she was so young at the time and didn’t realize what was happening. But last night”—she swallows and rubs her palm over her heart—“I found out that she understood a lot more than I realized. She remembered that he called herugly.” Her eyes grow glassy and she steals her gaze from mine. “I need to work out a way to help her deal with it all so it doesn’t fester.”

Who the fuck calls their kid ugly? Fury bubbles up inside of me like lava but I do my best to extinguish it for now so I can comfort Vi. Instead of tracking down her deadbeat husband and teaching him a lesson, I wrap my arm around her shoulder and tug her into my side. How can I keep my distance when I can plainly see she’s in pain? I want to comfort her and take all of the bad shit from her shoulders. I want to protect her so nothing bad ever weighs her down again. “Do you think what happened at school yesterday triggered the memory?”

She shrugs. “Probably and I hate that she even has that memory. I was hoping she hadn’t heard my argument with Allen and that she’d been spared his hateful words.” She sighs like the weight of the world is resting on her shoulders. “I’m thankful she seemed okay when I took her to school this morning and she was fine when I left after my presentation to her class.”

“She seemed okay when I left you guys yesterday but I still wanted to pummel the kid who made her cry. And now, learning that her father called her that, I’m not gonna lie, I wanna smash something. Preferably his face.” Even thinking about how upset she was yesterday makes me see red all over again. “Why the fuck is he calling her ugly?”

“She has a port wine birthmark across her stomach. Allen always made comments about it but on that last day …”—she turns her face away from mine—“he actually referred to her as ugly.” Vi looks back at me, her sorrowful eyes appear to be barely holding back her tears. “I’m guessing yesterday when she was playing on the monkey bars, Jason probably saw it.” She tucks her hair behind her ear. “Most kids don’t understand what it is and even some adults can be assholes about it.” The derision that enters her voice when she talks about the adults—Allen—sends my hackles rising. I want to punch the asshole in the throat. The bastard.

I squeeze her shoulder. “Yeah well, she’s a beautiful girl all the way to her beautiful heart, and I know you’ll work things out. I’m happy to help in any way I can.” She looks up at me and sucks in a sharp breath. I’m not even trying to hide the affection I have for Jasmine. “I love your little girl,” I say softly. I’ve probably said more than is appropriate but anyone who meets Jas would fall in love with her. “I’d do anything for her because she only deserves happiness.” I leave off thatsheonly deserves happiness too but it’s true.

She smiles tremulously. “Thank you. She loves you too just in case you hadn’t noticed.” We both chuckle and she pauses, studying my face closely.

I furrow my brow and narrow my eyes. “What?”

She points to my face. “You smile and laugh more than you used to when we first met. I like it.”

My good mood threatens to vanish, but I grip onto it with both hands as I remind myself it’s okay to find joy and be happy. “Thanks. I’m trying.”

“Well, if I can help keep that smile on your face, just let me know.” I nod and we return to eating our subs.

“So how did your presentation to her class go this morning?”

She giggles. “They all want to be park rangers so they can save the trees and flowers and all the animals now. So I’m guessing it went okay.” My body fills with pride and I’m sure it’s shining in my eyes, the feeling is that powerful. “What?”

“I’m proud of you.”

It’s her turn to be confused as the crease appears between her brows. “Why?”

“You’re inspiring a whole new generation of kids who are gonna care about what happens to the environment. That’s a big deal, Vi.”

A rosy flush stains her cheeks and she drops her eyes from mine. “Thanks.” She screws up the paper from her finished sub. “Allen always thought my job was a waste of time,” she whispers as she glances up at me, then rises to her feet. The more I learn about her ex, the more I want to smash his face into a concrete pillar. “I need to get going if I’m going to be back in time for school pick-up.” I narrow my eyes at her sudden change. “Are you sure you can manage here?” she asks on her way to the front door, keeping her back to me.

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