Page 38 of Love & Other Disasters

“Not a problem,” J.P. said, ignoring the urge to break Geoff’s finger.

Geoff smiled like he’d won a contest that J.P. didn’t even know he was taking part in. He should let it all settle down, but J.P.’s mouth got the better of him.

“But you should pay more attention to her and not leave her upset like that… you never know what could happen then.”

Buddha boy hit him with a sloppy left. It took J.P. a moment to register the sting to his right cheek. His instincts kicked in, and he went into defensive posture ready to lay the little shit out in the hallway. But Geoff was bent over, cradling his hand, and whining in pain. Jill screamed, but there was also another sound. He shook his head and rubbed his jaw.

“Are you okay?” Violet asked, her hand on his chest. He stared for a beat until she came into focus.

“Yeah, dude hits like a marshmallow.” It’d been years since someone had hit him bare knuckle. He didn’t care for it. “You’re back. Are you okay?”

She shook her head, staring at him. “I’m fine. I needed some air. Let’s get you some ice,” she said, grabbing his hand. They walked around Geoff, still bent over, with Jill clutching him, crying.

Violet’s parents were also in the hallway, staring at the commotion.

J.P. stopped in front of them, bringing Violet to a halt. “I apologize for this,” he said, motioning behind him.

“You’re not the one that threw the punch, son,” her dad said.

“Are you all right?” her mom asked.

“I’m fine,” he reassured them.

“I think my hand is broken,” Geoff called.

“That’s why you don’t punch someone in the face,” J.P. said, he let go of Violet’s hand and returning to where Geoff remained bent over. “Here, let me see it.”

Geoff looked up, and after several beats, relented, and stood holding out his hand. J.P. inspected the knuckles and pressed around on the hand, Geoff winced, but didn’t act like he was in significant pain.

“I don’t think it’s broken. Put some ice on it. If it swells up a lot, you might need an x-ray.” There wasn’t anything wrong with Geoff’s hand. He’d never thrown a punch in his life, and the reality of hitting someone in the head stung. It’s not like the movies. There were very limited reason’s J.P. would resort to punching an opponent in the face without gloves. If attacked in real life, he’d pick far more efficient moves.

“Here,” Violet returned, handing him a sandwich bag filled with crushed ice. She thrust one in Geoff’s direction, too.

“It’s fine—” J.P. started.

“Put it on your face,” Violet snapped.

He complied and placed the frozen bag to his throbbing cheek, which made it hurt worse. It would, until the numbness set in. Violet Murphy was a force of nature, and she didn’t seem to realize it.

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