Page 79 of Sweet Venom
Good night.
You can end the conversation, but you can’t escape me, Violet.
Haven’t been trying to. You’re the one who ran away.
I realize I’ve said too much even before his next text appears.
Miss me?
No, I’ve never been more at ease. If you don’t show up again, that would be great.
Liar. You’ve been looking over your shoulder, searching for me everywhere you go.
How do you know? Mario?
Not important.
Why do you even want to know all these things about me? Do I not creep you out?
Creep me out? I thought I was the creep.
Well, you are.
Wow. Thanks.
You’re welcome.
Very funny. Now, tell me. Why would you creep me out?
It’s nothing. Forget it.
Tell me.
No.
Then I’ll jump over your balcony and find out the answer in person.
You can’t. Mario said you’re busy training.
Bold of you to assume I won’t leave. Be there in an hour.
Fine. It’s about what I said aboutmy mom. Just forget it.
I wait and I wait, watching the dots appear and disappear. It feels like forever, but when his text appears, I have to hold on to the counter. Because he says the words no one has ever said to me.
It’s not your fault your mother was a deplorable human being who didn’t deserve to be a mother in the first place. She creeps me out, not you.
I’m still reading and rereading his words when my phone pings with another text. I think it’s from Jude, but it’s an unknown number.
Unknown
Hello, Violet. Your life is in danger. It has to do with Jude. Please text me back so we can discuss thisfurther.
17
JUDE
Another one bites the dust.
