Page 127 of Love & Other Disasters

Forty-Two

Violet kept her tears in check during the goodbye kisses, but once the shuttle pulled away from the curb, all bets were off. She cried the entire ride to the airport, while walking through the airport, the security line, and all the way on the plane. Most people didn’t notice her tears, others stared without a word. One woman asked if she was okay. She wasn’t okay, but, the response to strangers who cannot do anything to solve the problem was that she was fine.

This time, she boarded the plane early enough to get a window seat, and slumped down, staring at the asphalt. She needed to get a grip. It wasn’t the end of the world. J.P. would visit soon, and she’d talk to him on the phone, text, and video chat. This situation wouldn’t last forever. Soon they’d be back together. Was he considering asking her to get married? Would she say yes?

Back in Nashville, Violet’s world revolved around studying and working. Rinse and repeat. In the evenings, she talked with J.P. over video chat. They ate dinner together. Violet propped her phone up on the table, and even from miles away, they had conversation and a meal. He showed her the continued improvements he made on the house and talked about refinishing the hardwood floors after all the wall painting was completed.

“Did you ever think you’d turn into a handyman one day?” she asked one night over video dinner.

“I had basic skills, wood shop in high school kind of thing. But, no, I never thought I’d research refinishing hardwood floors and replacing ceiling fans.”

“When are you planning on starting the floors?”

“Probably, spring at this point.”

Violet’s heart sank at the prospect he’d still live there in the spring.

“It might be my last project on the house,” he continued.

Violet smiled. “How did the meeting with the client go?”

“It’s a challenge, but I love it. I’m going in next week to study how they do things and look for ways to improve their efficiency. Also putting together suggestions on how they can improve their business plan and where they’re leaving money on the table. The interesting thing is that it’s a little different than that first client they gave me. The client’s happy, Doug’s happy, and I’m off to another project.”

“And happy,” she said, before she could stop herself. Violet smiled, hoping that didn’t come across as fake. He was a bit too good at reading her sometimes.

“I know it’s not in Nashville, honey, but it’s good for me. I’m getting experience consulting and can turn it into an opportunity there later.”

Violet nodded. “I’m not meaning to be negative, I shouldn’t have said it.”

“You can say whatever you’re feeling to me. It’s okay. Being apart is difficult. And I miss you so much.”

“I miss you, too. And I’m glad that you’re happy with the consulting thing. That’s important.”

“Are you still happy at Pure Botanicals?”

“I’m working for Elle. She’s mean, but it’s fun.”

J.P. laughed and his smile lit up the phone screen. “Have you heard back on your application to take the CPA exam?”

“Not yet.”

“It’ll happen.”

“I know, but when they send me the letter, I have to actually take the CPA exam.”

“That’s what you’re studying for.”

“Maybe I was too hasty.”

“Violet.”

“Yeah, yeah… I got this. There, saved you the pep talk.”

“You’re amazing and smart. You’ll do great.”

Violet rolled her eyes for the camera and sipped her drink.

“Thanks,” she said. “I mean that. I have a tendency to deflect with humor, according to my therapist.”

---