Page 47 of Charming Violet

“What? No!”

“Seriously Landon, it was just fun. I get that.”

“What the fuck? No! How could you think that?”

He’s interrupted by a knock at the door, and we quickly take a step away from each other.

“Sweetheart?”

Argh. Talk about timing.

“Yeah Mum.”

She opens the door and Xavier is standing with her. I look over to Landon who has wiped his face of any and all emotion. Mum quickly looks at us.

“Since when do you and Landon get along?”

“He was just doing as you asked.” I snap back. I shouldn’t have, but he can do no wrong in her eyes. Makes no sense to me.

“Violet, that is no way to speak to your mother.” Xavier steps forward, which has Landon moving closer to me. Which doesn’t go unnoticed.

“I wanted to talk to you about this moving out business.”

“It’s happening,” is all I say. I can feel Landon’s gaze bore into the side of my head, but I don’t dare look at him.

“Yes, yes so you’ve said.”

“Ok, well if that’s all, I’d like to start packing.”

“No” she points her finger at me like she’s telling off a three year old or worse a dog.

“Excuse me?”

“Where are you moving to?”

“I’m moving in with Landon and the guys.”

“You’re what!”

“I am moving in with Landon and the guys.” Purposely saying it slowly.

Landon moves closer again. Mum and Xavier’s eyes are tracking him. I can see the hundreds of questions they want to ask.

“Are, are you two together?” it comes out accusatory.

We don’t answer, which is an answer in itself.

“He is your brother.”

Eww. “Stepbrother!”

“Still, what will people say?”

“Who cares?” Landon sounds scary calm, how?

“We have an image to uphold.”

Fucking images and small towns.