Page 153 of The First Time
"I don't want Denny's."
"How about the mall down the street? We can go to that coffee place you Strongs are always gushing about."
"Okay, I like coffee." And I like getting away from my brothers until I've had enough time for this to sink in.
"Good." She smiles as she jumps back. "You need shoes." She turns to my closet and nods to a pair of brown leather sandals. "Those will look cute."
"Are you caffeine deprived or something?"
"Terribly. We got to the airport at four A.M."
I slip into my sandals, slide my phone into my purse, and follow Violet down the stairs.
Mal and Ethan are whispering about something.
I give Ethan a hug hello. "Good flight?"
He shakes his head. "I'm heading straight to bed."
Violet smiles sweetly at her boyfriend. "Then you won't mind us going out? We're having a girl's day."
"Coffee then lunch," I add.
Mal chuckles. "You think that ends with pho or tacos?"
Ethan laughs. "I wouldn't bet against either of them."
Violet turns to me. "They're making fun of us."
"Rude." I fold my arms in mock outrage. "Clearly it's tacos. That fish taco place at the mall is amazing."
Violet squeezes me. "You'll make such a great sister in law."
Ethan smiles, not at all bothered by her mentions of commitment. He moves in to give Violet a hug goodbye.
Then they're making out.
Mal shoots me a knowing look. His voice is even. "Have fun."
"Yeah. I will." I hug him goodbye. "Thanks."
"For?" He whispers.
"Not freaking out." After our hug breaks, I pull Violet away from Ethan.
She waits until we're outside to throw her arms around me again. "I still can't believe it." She leads me towards the mall. "I can see you two together. For a long time. Maybe forever."
"Me too."
