Page 80 of Chips & Checks
The first time I’ve ever wanted to.
I told myself it was no big deal. That it’s just a stupid party with a stupid dress code. But now that I’m standing on her porch, holding this fragile glass dome like it’s carrying my whole heart, I realize how far outside my rulebook I’ve wandered. And I don’t know if I’m proud of that… or terrified.
I didn’t want to go with all-black, but Camden insisted on a shirt with red lining, and I couldn’t argue with his taste. The rolled sleeves pop, the collar pops. I clean up good. Violet seems to agree.
She’s gone the opposite route—soft and sweet in a pink-and-white dress, with one of those cute collar styles that probably has a name I’ll never learn. She’s even added little heart-shaped freckles to her cheeks with makeup.
“Well, now I feel silly.” She reaches up to touch her face but catches herself before she smudges the artistry.
“You don’t look silly. It’s cute.” I swallow hard and present the box. “Oh, and before I forget…” I hand it to her like I’ve never given someone a gift before. Because I haven’t. Not like this.
Inside the dome is a glass ornament hand-blown into a rose shape—Beauty and the Beast-style.
“I was going to get you flowers,” I murmur. “But I remembered that Briggs brought your mom a flower when they started dating, and… um, anyway.” My voice cracks, so I clear it. “I thought this would last longer than a bouquet.”
“Bowen, that’s so sweet.” She takes my gift and cradles it in her hands for a moment. “I’m going to put this inside, and then we can head out, okay?”
She darts out of view and returns a moment later with one white ballet flat on, and the other clutched in her hand. A pink clutch dangles from the other.
“You committed to the theme, huh?” I kneel to help her get the other shoe on.
“I like dressing up, but…” She wrinkles her nose. “I don’t get to do that at work, you know? It’s not practical, but on top of that, I spend my day around guys. If I showed up for work with super cutesy makeup, they might think… I don’t know. That they can’t take me seriously.”
I tuck her heel into her shoe and get back to my feet. “Sounds like I need to give you more excuses to dress up.”
Her smile turns wicked. “Funny. You’ve always seemed more interested in getting me undressed.”
On the drive to Coach Abbott’s place, I drum my fingers on the wheel. “You do realize this is our first couples party, right?”
Violet flips down the visor to check her makeup. “I am aware.”
“How are we doing this? Do we hold hands? Do we kiss? What are the—”
“Rules?” She flips the visor up with a snap. “I thought we were over the rules. Or are you a little freaked out because we’re celebrating a holiday together?”
“Not just any holiday. Let’s just say Valentine’s Day was a big deal in my house. Almost bigger than Christmas. My father’s love language is…” I pause to count my way through the list. “All of them.”
“I can see that.” Violet snuggles back against the seat and angles her body toward me. “My parents made bigger deals about anniversaries and birthdays, at least where we kids wereconcerned. Knowing Mom, though, I’d bet money she’s gone all-out for this party.”
It’s a good thing I don’t take that bet. The outside of Coach Abbott’s house is covered in paper streamers and cut-out hearts, but that’s nothing compared to the interior.
“It looks like a Cupid exploded in here,” I whisper to Violet as I try to take it all in. Balloons, streamers, heart-shaped lights, flowers, a cupcake display…
Violet gestures toward her makeup, which perfectly matches the decor. “Told you. Mom doesn’t do anything by halves when it comes to decorations. She’s been a professional party planner since I was little.”
Most of the other guests are older, from Coach Abbott and Briggs’s generation. I recognize Ranger, who introduces me to his wife, Delilah. Their adult daughter, Dot, is a few years younger than Violet and me. Camden’s hovering around her. I’ll ask him about that later. Molly, Coach Abbott’s wife, looks like a human cupcake in a layered princess dress. There’s a professorial-looking guy who I finally realize is Dr. Oliver Sutcliffe, another former player, along with his goth wife, Mona.
“Nice outfit,” she says, nodding to my black and red combo. “Black is always classy.”
I take in her lace and velvet dress. “I see you’re a fan of Morticia Addams.”
Mona cackles. Like, full-on, Wicked Witch-style. “Oh, my dear, sweet boy, you are not wrong.”
Violet introduces me to Coop and Toni. “Oh, yeah.” I grip Coop’s hand. “You own The Puck Drop, right? Good stuff. Big fan.Fantasticlimoncello.”
“It’s my grandmother’s recipe,” Toni informs me. “Next time you’re in, make sure to try the cannolis. They’re Coop’s specialty.”
“And this is my uncle, Latham.” Violet ushers me over to meet a man who could not looklessrelated. Both Violet and Layla are short and curvy, but Latham’s built like a tank. He’s roughly my height, with broad shoulders, and a gut that tells me he’s still getting used to retirement.
