“Violet stopped by your place this morning.”
“Yup. We had a breakfast meeting. Business stuff.”
“She’s been at your place a lot.”
“We’re working on a project.”
“Yeah, I know.” He rubs a bar of soap over his almost hair-free chest. “How’s that going, anyway?”
“It’s good. I think it will be successful.” Now would be a good time to get him involved. Except he beats me to it.
“You know, if you need extra players, I’d be happy to join.”
“Sure. Yeah.” I cut the water. “That’d be cool. There’s a couple spaces left. Vi’ll fill you in on the details.”
“Great. Good. I think what you’re doing is commendable.”
“Thanks.”
There’s an awkward pause and then he asks, “Vi seem all right to you?”
“She’s been fine with me. Why? Is something going on?”
“Skye and my mom want to plan an engagement party. I’m not sure Vi’s too thrilled about it.”
“She mentioned that.”
That gets his attention. He stops washing his hair to focus on me. “She say something?”
“You know how she is about being the center of attention. You can always tell how stressed Vi is by how much ice cream she eats.”
“Two nights ago she ate a whole pint of Ben and Jerry’s and had to sleep on the bathroom floor.” He’s not laughing about it the way I usually do.
I consider the conversation Vi and I had about ice cream being punishment. I can’t imagine why she would feel the need to punish herself over being stressed about their engagement party. “Sometimes I replace the ice cream with frozen yogurt. The aftermath isn’t as bad. If you can get her to eat sorbet instead, you’ll avoid the whole issue.” This is a weird-ass conversation to be having in the shower.
“Thanks for the tip. Did she say anything else to you?”
He’s legit worried about her. I don’t mind putting him on the edge. “What Vi and I talk about is in confidence. I’ve already said more than I should.” I grab my towel.
Waters is quick about rinsing off as I collect my shampoo and soap. “Come on, Butterson.”
“Just talk to her. I’m sure she’ll tell you what’s what.” Both Waters and I know that’s not true. Vi can sit on a problem for weeks before she finally says something about it. It’s her personality. She’s a marinater.
“I know you two are close. If you know something important, it’d be great if you told me, Miller.”
I don’t think Waters has ever used anything apart from my last name to address me. I wrap the towel around my waist and face him. This is the opportunity I’ve been looking for. It’s perfect. He’s stressed over Violet’s stress. I’m happy about that. It means he cares.
“Vi left my place today with hives because I asked her about the wedding. They popped up out of nowhere. She’s stressed. If I were you, I’d take good care of her right now. Make sure she’s okay with what’s going on. You don’t want to end up swimming in shits creek with me. I remember what you were like the last time she dumped your ass. It wasn’t pretty.”
I expect some assholey reply, because that’s usually what I get, but I’m met with silence. I turn to walk away.
“Miller.”
“What?”
“Do you think she’s okay? I mean after this shit—” He motions between us. “Should I . . .”
“Be worried?” I finish for him. “Yeah, man. She may not be my blood, but she’s my family, and me and Vi, we’re tight. Right now you’re fucking things up.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
PUCK WATERS AND HIS TIMING
Late the next night I get a phone call from a number I don’t recognize. I’m apprehensive about answering. If it’s a bunny, I don’t want to deal—I’ve had more calls than usual since I got home, or maybe I’m noticing them more now that Sunny and I aren’t talking every day. It’s late for a business call. Still, I don’t want to miss something important. I’ve been fielding a lot of calls for Project Sunshine this week.
“Hello?”