Page 50 of Kicking It with the Point Guard

“I came to give you one more chance,” I say, my voice frosty. “Apologize, right now for everything that you’ve done to Violet, and I’ll let this go.”

She gives me a saccharine smile.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, baby. I haven’t touched the girl.”

Her entourage snickers, and she saunters closer to me.

“Come on, Cameron. She’s not worth your time. Come back to me.”

“You’re right. She isn’t worth my time. She’s worth so much more.”

Allyson rolls her eyes, but this has been a long time coming, and I can’t stop myself.

“I’m done with you. Don’t talk to me, don’t look at me, and don’t you dare approach Violet in any way, shape, or form.”

She runs her hand up my arm, and I slap it away. The guy in the chair behind her stands, but I wave him away.

“I’m serious, Allyson. If you ever step one more toe out of line where Violet is concerned, I’m not afraid to go over your head. The police might be interested to know about your activities. Current… and past.”

She pales, stepping back into the guy behind her. He wraps his arm around her and glares at me.

“I’m leaving now. Just know this,” I say, turning away from them. “I’m done putting up with the bullshit. You’ve been formally warned.”

I leave the diner, then call Oscar to check in on Violet.

I let him know that I’m on my way. I have to take a deep breath after I end the call, clenching my phone in my hand and resisting the urge to chuck it into oncoming traffic.

I pass a flower stand on my way to the hospital and stop.

I’ve never bought flowers before, but I do today. It’s the day of new things.

Of standing up to Allyson, of buying the flowers, of being free.

It takes me about ten minutes to walk to the hospital from the flower shop. Oscar and Mia are outside, and they fill me in on everything that happened between Violet leaving the gym up until they just left the room.

I’m relieved that she’s relatively okay. She’s got some injuries but nothing that shouldn’t heal with rest.

Oscar gives me the room number and then snorts.

“Hey, just so you know… her parents are still here.” He gives Mia a knowing look, and they share a secretive smile. “Just… prepare yourself.”

He claps me on the shoulder before escorting Mia away. Both of them promise to come back and visit soon.

I’m nervous as I find my way to Violet’s room. I have only had one horrible experience at meeting a girl’s parents, and no experience at meeting the parents of the girl I love.

* * *

Violet’s parents leave, and I let the tension out of my shoulders. Oscar told me to prepare myself, but I wasn’t prepared for an older, slightly taller version of my Bumblebee girl.

I let out a long sigh, finally allowing myself to really take Violet in, and my fists clench. Her right wrist and ankle are both in casts. The skin around her eyes is bruised and swollen, and someone cut her hair.

“Is this the extent of your injuries?” I say through gritted teeth.

She grimaces.

“I have a few broken ribs and a mild concussion, too,” she says.

The air whooshes out of me. I plop down on the bed next to her good ankle, careful not to jostle her too much.

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