Page 116 of American Beauty

Magnolia glares at her. “That’s not the point.”

“Itisthe point.”

I try to wrap my head around the madness unfolding in front of me. “Is this normal for you?”

Violet tilts her head like she’s considering it. “Only when it’s necessary.”

“And you decided this was necessary?”

Her gaze cuts into me. “My best friend’s heart shattered into a billion pieces. Guess who was there picking up those pieces? Me. So yeah, for me, it’s necessary.”

Magnolia groans and mutters something under her breath before turning to me, her expression caught somewhere between exasperation and apology. “I swear she means well.”

Violet grins, swirling her drink. “I do.”

I’m still debating whether I should laugh or just resign myself to my fate, but one thing is clear—this is going to be a long night.

“Can we at least try to have a normal conversation now?” Magnolia asks.

“Sure, but first––” Violet leans in, all faux seriousness. “What are your intentions with my best friend?”

I take a slow sip of my drink, leveling her with a look of my own. “You go for the jugular, don’t you?”

Violet nods. “Damn right I do.”

Magnolia groans. I just smirk.

Let the games begin.

“Okay, Vi. How about letting Alex breathe for a minute?”

She shrugs, feigning innocence. “I just need to make sure he’s the good guy I want him to be.”

I bite back a grin. “You could’ve just asked.”

“Where’s the fun in that?” She flashes a wicked grin and studies me. “But now that we’re here, tell me, Sebring—what are your long-term plans?”

Is Violet her best friend… or a mob boss vetting the guy dating his little girl? Hard to tell. All she’s missing is a baseball bat and a couple of goons named Tony and Vinny flanking her.

I glance at Magnolia, but she’s not helping me out of this. If anything, she’s watching with a mix of amusement and mild horror.

I shift my attention back to Violet. “You want the business proposal version or the emotionally vulnerable one?”

Her eyes light up. “Oh, I love a man with options. Let’s start with business and work our way up.”

Magnolia groans. “Oh my God.”

I smirk, leaning forward. “Fine. Business version? Magnolia is the smartest investment I could make—for my future, my happiness, and everything that comes next.”

Violet lets out a hum of approval, nodding. “Not bad. And the emotionally vulnerable version?”

My smirk fades into something more honest, more real. “I love her. Completely.”

The words come easy because they’re the truest thing I’ve ever said.

Violet’s teasing fades. A flicker of something unreadable crosses her face, something softer. “Good answer.”

Magnolia shifts beside me, her fingers tightening around mine under the table.

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