Page 135

Turns out,Leo was a very moanable name.

* * *

“I can’t believeI missed it” Violet whined as she shifted back into her seat.

“It was awesome!” Signe’s eyes were shimmering after showing Violet the video she took the day I danced at Leo’s rugby practice. It was a good thing Signe recorded the experience because I sure as hell wasn’t doing that again.

…Unless Leo wanted me to.

Then I’d consider it.

It was about a week later, and the women of the office all went out to dinner at a Korean barbeque restaurant. We were each sharing space on the grill built into the table, searing our preferred meats.

Violet had been working from home, so this was the first she had been able to see my dance.

“You two are so cute together,” Violet smiled before using chopsticks to flip her steak, “I’m glad that ended up happening.”

“Thanks,” I grinned, scooping some rice with my pork.

“So you have a start date, yeah?” Signe asked, turning to Violet.

“I do,” Violet smiled, but it quickly dimmed, “I’m so nervous about moving.”

“Why?” Jamie asked. She reached over to snag some of the side salad Mary had ordered, grinning when Mary pretended to glare at her for stealing off of her plate. Jamie shimmied happily after taking that bite, before turning back to Violet.

“Change is always hard when you feel safest with a routine,” she lifted a hand to tuck her electric blue braid behind her shoulder, “I’ll have help. But I’m still anxious over it.”

“It’s just temporary though, right?” Mary asked, “You and your daughter will be back within a year or so?”

“Yeah, but it would almost be better to just move there and stay put for a few years.” Violet met our gaze, before lifting her shoulder, “I’ve managed to stay in the same apartment since she was two. Moving was kind of a trauma for Gracie. Thankfully, my dad is going with us. So she’ll have two familiar adults in the new house.”

“The house looks cute,” I chimed in, “Brandon was showing us pictures of the guest lodging.”

“That, I’m grateful for,” Violet grinned, “I think Gracie will like the quiet, once she adjusts to the change. Actually,” Violet sat taller, “Taylor recently met up with us at a park and gave me some pro-tips on what might help Gracie regulate at this stage of her development.”

“I love Taylor,” Signe grinned, “I’ve met them a couple of times now. They’re so chill.”

“They are very fun,” I added. Mary and Jamie also mentioned how well they got along with the Occupational Therapist after my performance. I guess they both helped get the speaker back in Taylor’s car, and then went out for drinks.

Nicole, sitting next to me, stayed quiet.

She shifted her chopsticks side to side, pushing food around on her plate as we all talked about our admiration for Taylor Desmond.

“Anyway, I told Zaid I wanted to drive up and visit you while you’re there, because Northern California is so pretty and green,” Signe shifted the conversation, “Maybe we could all spend a weekend with you and your daughter or something—if she’d be okay with houseguests.”

Violet giggled, “She is very much not okay with house guests, but I’m sure we could figure out something so you all could visit.”

Jamie frowned, “How does that work with dating? You just never bring people home?”

Violet shook her head, “I don’t date, period.”

Mary nodded, “Ah. Makes sense.”

Signe gaped, “Ever?”

Violet shook her head once more as a humorous grin tugged on her full lips, “I’m okay, I know how to work a vibrator.”

Signe snorted, I lifted my hand to cover my mouth and laugh.