Page 194 of Dangerous Encore

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3

Piper

Violet pulls me into a hug."Did you get it? Tell me yougotit."

My voice is meek. I can't seem to summon up any enthusiasm. "Idid."

She squeals and claps her hands together. "I'm so proud of you. Oh my God. We have to celebrate.Cupcakes?"

Mmmm.Sugar. "Okay."

"Coffeefirst?"

"Yes,please."

"You have a problem," sheteases.

I laugh. It's a full, hearty laugh. It makes me forget I'm here because something is fucked between meandKit.

I follow her inside the apartment. It's as beautiful as always. Sleek. Clean. All black and purple andcrimson.

Most of it is pure Violet. But there are touches of Ethan. The clock on the wall with guitars for numbers. The framed prints of musicians. The bookshelf overflowing witholdCDs.

Her voice is soft. That classic Violetare you okaytone. "You want fresh coffee or you okay with the half a pot that's been warming all day? Ethan always brewstoomuch."

"That's fine." There's no problem coffeecan'thelp.

Especially coffee this creamy and sweetandrich.

My mouth is alreadywatering.

Violet leads me into the kitchen. She fills an electric kettle with water and turnsiton.

I fix a cup of coffee with extra honey and lots ofalmondmilk

Ethan drinks his coffee black and Violet is all almond milk, allthetime.

They don't have any milk in thefridge.

But I'm usedtothat.

I'm used to them beingtogether.

They belong together. And they're both sure. They've both been sure for alongtime.

Why can't I… Whycan'twe…

"You're in the clouds today." Violet turns to me. Her expression is soft. Caring. "Areyouokay?"

I'm tempted to say yes. It's habit. If it was anyone else, Iwould.

But Violet is the one person Itrust.

"No. But coffee first." Okay, I do have a problem. But I needcomfort.

Violet laughs. "Always coffee first. I know youthatwell."

I can't help but smile. Even if she's making funofme.

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