Page 48 of The Night Shift
‘Steady,’ said Marvin, amused. ‘No, I haven’t seen him so far, I don’t think. I’m not sure I’d recognise him to be honest– my recollections of who I saw and what was said when I was in A&E are hazy to say the least and I’m told he was in the recovery room but I can’t remember a moment of that other than the fact I was very happy to be alive. No, he spoke to Dev earlier today. Before you two went home.Together.’ He put a heavy emphasis on the last word and tried to raise his eyebrow but it was evidently too painful.
Violet smiled secretively.
‘Spill the beans, you naughty thing,’ said Marvin. ‘I can tell something happened– just look at you! Positively shagtastic!’
She giggled. ‘I don’t want to get you over-excited,’ she said. ‘Not in your condition.’
He groaned. ‘Oh honestly, Violet, give me something to think about other than the pain– it’s the least you can do. Besides, I need to have something to talk to Dev about other than what I’ve eaten.’ He gestured to his empty plate. ‘You know what he’s like– I’ll need a story of top-level romance. Can you provide?’
‘I think I can,’ she said, barely able to keep the glee out of her voice. ‘It’s amazing, Marv! I don’t even know how to say it– the way I feel– it’s like, it’s so right,he’sso, so right. He’s funny and kind and clever and handsome and just so bloody hot, and…’
‘Whoa!’ Marv looked as taken aback as is possible when half your face has swollen to the size of a watermelon. ‘You have got it bad!’
‘I really have,’ she said. ‘And I’m not even frightened ofit– whateveritis– anymore. You know how I’m always rational about these sorts of things? You know how usually I weigh it all up, deliberate and consider different outcomes and avoid scenarios where I might be rejected or where I have to reject someone else?’
‘Erm, ye-es,’ said Marv. ‘As per standard Violet Winters relationship damage limitation protocol.’
‘Well, I’m not bothered about any of that at the moment,’ she said happily. ‘I just, couldn’t care less. If it’s messy or complicated, or if I get hurt. I don’t care.’
Marvin had evidently been rendered speechless with shock, so she carried on.
‘And you know how, in the past men have got all sort of possessive and demanding and asked for more commitment than I can offer or wanted all sorts of public displays of affection that I find confusing and uncomfortable?’ she said.
Marv nodded, mute.
‘Well, I’m not even worried about that,’ she said. ‘I’d snog him in the street if he asked me to. In fact, I’d be perfectly happy to run away with him, get married and have his babies…’
‘Okay. Who is this and what have you done with my good friend Violet Winters?’ said Marvin, only half-joking. ‘Girl, you arehot to go- you’ve gone the full Chappell Roan.’
‘I know,’ she said, grinning from ear to ear.‘I know!’
But Marvin was starting to look a little worried. ‘And is the ex-fiancée definitely off the scene?’ he said. ‘I don’t want to be a damp shower on your considerable ardour, but I do feel some responsibility to step into the breach, given that you’re too shag-happy to fulfil your usual role– someone needs to be the voice of logic and reason.’
‘Well…’ Violet sighed. ‘Ithinkso. She’s definitely gone, as in physically left the building. He’s not exactly reached the furious wounded ex-partner stage, but then he’s such a nice guy, I can’t see him ever getting like that about anyone, no matter how badly they wronged him.’
‘But, sweetheart, you’re talking about him as if you know him really well,’ said Marvin gently. ‘You only met him four nights ago. It’s a bit like a holiday romance, no?’
‘I know it all seems very sudden…’ She faltered slightly.
‘I’m not dismissing your feelings,’ Marvin said quickly. ‘I amhonestlyoverjoyed to see you like this and I’m only sorry that Dev missed the wonderous sight of unfiltered Violet Winters in the first flush of love– but he needs his sleep, poor boy– I just want to make sure there isn’t a scary Mrs Rochester hiding in the attic. Is he properly over her?’
‘Gus says she’s definitely out of his life,’ said Violet firmly. ‘And why would he lie?’
‘But, my love, we’re not all as honest as you. You can’t take everyone at face value. And what is it you always say? Never?—’
‘Trust a charmer. I know that,’ she said, feeling a little deflated. ‘And I know I’d be saying the same if the situation was reversed. I do get it. You and Dev are only looking out for me.’
He smiled as much as he was able. ‘Dev will probably be furious that I’ve spoken to you like this. He’ll accuse me of being horribly unromantic. And he always says that you have far too many barriers up when it comes to men. But personally, I think those barriers are there for a reason. Dev tends to just embrace whoever and whatever comes into his life. You and I, we’re a little more protective over our feelings– and there’s a good reason for that. I am sure Gus is lovely and it’s a real joy to see you so happy, but it’s all very sudden and on the back of quite a traumatic night, not just for me, for all of you. I just want you to look after yourself– your feelings are paramount, you understand?’
‘Yeah, yeah– what-ever,’ said Violet in her best sulky teenager voice and Marvin managed a gentle laugh as she continued. ‘I do get what you’re saying, Marv, I promise, and I’m not running away just because you’ve shattered my dreams, but I’ve got to get and see some actual patients.’
‘I’m an actual patient,’ he said.
‘No, but you’re not one of mine. I’ve got a list of jobs as long as my arm. But I’ll try and pop in before I head home, see if you’re awake. Any idea what time Dev’s planning on visiting? I don’t want to miss him completely– feels weird having such a big life-defining epiphany and not sharing it with him.’
‘You and Dev,’ he said, laughing. ‘Is this Gus aware that he’s not just dating you, he’s dating your housemate and by extension, your housemate’s boyfriend as well?’
‘I’ll make sure he understands that it’s a polygamous relationship,’ said Violet. ‘But I’m not pimping him out. I’ve kissed a lot of frogs and now I’ve found one I really like I’m not sharing.’
