Page 86 of Live To Tell

“Pub, probably.” She smiles. “Officially, we’re not supposed to, but we’re eighteen. It’s legal.”

“To drink? But Leif wanted to talk to Rowan. I don’t think alcohol will help the situation at all.” I purse my lips.

“Are you upset because you wanted to go?”

I tense but ignore her question. “And this is common behavior for Leif and Rowan should one of them need emotional support?” I ask.

“Drinking?” She shrugs. “Ever heard the phrase ‘drowning your sorrows’?”

“Drowning?” A sudden image of Rowan holding Leif under water floods across my mind. “Please tell me that’s not a literal solution to life’s problems because it would be permanent.”

Holly laughs. “No, Violet. So, what were you thinking about?”

I place down my phone and look at the violets again. “Gifts.”

“Huh?”

“From me to Leif. I’ve decided to reciprocate his gift giving.”

“Oh. I did wonder if that’s his love language,” she says and gestures between the flowers and toy dog.

“His what now?” I frown.

“Love language? Like, everybody’s different in what makes them feel extra special. Gifts. Touch. Acts of service.”

I snap my head back. “What is this ridiculousness? Isn’t love a complicated abstract already before adding in more layers?”

“I’m guessing yours isn’t touch.” She smiles wryly. “Acts of service, hands down.”

“You’re making little sense, Holly. Do you have a gift suggestion or not?”

“I don’t know Leif well.” She pauses. “What about a magic talisman?”

“He has one, remember?”

“I don’t know then. Something special.”

“Maybe I could win him something. I shall take him to the arcade. Although I’m unsure I’d share his expertise at working the claw machine.”

I take hold of the dog and stroke a fluffy ear. I genuinely did not understand Leif’s actions in presenting this to me. Everything that occurred at the bowling alley confused and overwhelmed me, and I’d never found myself in a situation where someone would randomly gift me an item. I didn’t not like the gesture, but as usual my confusion came across as ingratitude because my focus lay elsewhere.

“Maybe give him your time?” suggests Holly.

“I don’t possess a watch.”

She chuckles. “No. Spend time with him. Alone.”

I purse my lips. Leif most certainly didn’t want to spend time alone with me today—or even time with me and Rowan. But this is similar to Rowan’s suggestion. Perhaps if Leif forgives me, we can still take that walk to the possible crime scene. “And that would be enough?”

“Well…” She smirks and I ignore what I know she’s hinting at.

“Thank you for the assistance.”

Holly continues to chew her candy, the sound setting my teeth on edge. “Have you stopped your investigations into the tiara?”

“Why?”

“Or have you met to discuss things without me?” She pulls the licorice between her teeth until it snaps, her look challenging me.

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