Page 105 of Live To Tell

“And?”

“What happened, Leif, is everything changed.” He pauses. “Take that answer however you want.”

There is something about Rowan today. Not the better mood, which there’s a clear explanation for, but the edge to him. I’ve sensed this build around Rowan in the past, usually before the magic simmering beneath his calm exterior erupts. He isn’t pissed with Violet anymore, so that isn’t the reason. If they did sleep together in more than a ‘sleep together’ way, has Rowan absorbed more Blackwood darkness?

“And you?” Rowan asks. “Are you meeting with Ethan today, as planned?”

I swallow. “Nice swerve, Rowan. Yeah. Ethan wants to speak to Mum.”

“You didn’t want to see her,” Rowan says cautiously.

“There’s a lot I don’t want, Rowan. But I do need answers.” I rub a hand down my face. “Even if I don’t want to hear them.”

Rowan’s stiff attitude softens. “Sorry, Leif.” I shrug. “We’ve all got your back, you know that?”

I smile. “Yeah. Since I’m a member of the consort club.”

Rowan steals my last fry. “But not a full member.”

We both know exactly what that means. He fights a smile at my stunned look—one which immediately slides from his face as he looks behind me.

“Rowan. I hope you are not discussing last night’s events with Leif.”

That’s what wiped his smirk away. I tip my head back to look at Violet. “Afternoon, Violet.”

“No, we’re discussing Leif’s upcoming visit to his Mum with Ethan,” replies Rowan hastily.

“Did you hear from Annabelle again yet?” Violet crosses her arms, eyes darting between us in suspicion.

“Meeting arranged. Tomorrow. Will you be back by then, Leif?” asks Rowan.

“Probably not.”

“Violet Blackwood!” Holly’s voice carries across the room as the curly-haired, flushed girl marches up to Violet, lips pursed.

“Ugh. Not again.” Rowan stands. “I need a coffee. Violet?”

But she’s not listening, instead Violet is in an odd eyeballing standoff with Holly. Holly breaks the gaze to watch Rowan walk to the long counter and join the queueing students. “I had no idea where you were last night, and I worried.” She meets Violet’s eyes again.

“I was with Rowan. Building furniture. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like my coffee.”

Huh? Doing what, now?

What’s odder—her response to Holly or that she takes hold of Rowan’s hand and doesn’t respond negatively when he kisses the top of her head.

“Violet’s changed,” says Holly, half to herself.

“Yeah. Everything’s changed.” I crack open my can and take a long drink. “Everything.”

Chapter 36

VIOLET

Everything’s changed, but no longer broken.

The world remains a confusing place, as do people, but the four I’ve met and allowed myself to trust do help. Rowan, Grayson, Leif, and Holly—infinitely patient and good people. They’re helping me decipher the code that is this world—pause and think before speaking, attempt empathy when appropriate. Think of others ‘feelings’. Although, I can not drop my opinion that if people can’t communicate how they feel in a direct, verbal way, they can’t blame me for responding inappropriately.

Therefore, I continue to say the wrong thing, especially to strangers, and unless I become a mute that’s unlikely to change. Social cues escape me too, and I will never understand why people speak in riddles or expect me to read nuances.

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