Page 33 of Petals of Blue, Part One (Wilted Duet #1)

Twenty-Eight

BLUE

After a few weeks of soul searching, I've decided some grovel encouragement couldn't hurt. There's been some light stalker tendencies from the guys lately, and I hate to say it, but it feels endearing.

Some part of me feels bad that I've been dodging them and only exchanging pleasantries when necessary, but I really needed time to think. Their flowers, discounted lattes, and packed meals for me at work have broken down some of the shaky walls around my heart.

I've spent all my free time when I'm not working studying for the security test next week and training with Levi. The girls and I have met up for a few brunches, but I've avoided my usual cycling classes. It's weird knowing my instructor is Jared's sister.

The front door slams.

Skipping into the kitchen with a furrowed brow, my cousin prepares to lay into me. "Ma," Violet scolds, crossing her arms over her chest, "you've been avoiding me."

Drumming my fingers on our kitchen table, I tuck my legs beneath me. Hmm, have I? If I'm honest with myself, then yes, I have been avoiding V when she's around.

But also. "Violet, you've been on a road trip for a week and a half. Then you spent two nights with your friends. I haven't had much of a chance to avoid you." The apartment has been quiet with her off on another adventure, which usually makes me feel lonely, but I used that time to think.

She jabs a finger at my cup and stomps her foot. Ignoring my statement, she questions, "Whose number is on your coffee?!"

I could have hidden Declan's attempts to get my attention, but I knew I'd have to tell Violet about them at some point. Especially now that I've decided to pursue a friendship with them. I've chosen to attempt peace. Attempt being the key word because I'm not sure how well it's going to go.

We live in the same city, though. They're neighbors of one of my best friends.

Declan owns my favorite coffee place, Felix is my boss, and Roman's stalking me.

As for Jared...whenever he sees me, he likes to update me on his parents.

Asking about his mom and dad once, opened the door for more communication.

I'm not mad about it, actually. I loved his parents, and hearing that his dad, Derrick, got into an accident makes me sad.

"Declan, an old friend of mine, asked his employees to put his cell number on my cups whenever I go in." Goddamn it, my heart warms a little saying it out loud.

I've rolled my eyes every time I see his phone number because it's the same as his old one. All he needs to do is text me. Miranda, one of my favorite baristas, says Declan is trying to woo me the old-fashioned way.

I'm not sure what that really means considering I've never been wooed before. Yet even when I roll my eyes at Declan's phone number, I smile too.

"Blue, there's more. I know it." She's upset. This isn't about wanting gossip about my life, though. V struggles with abandonment issues, and with how close we have always been, my not letting her in on this part of my life must be heightening her anxiety.

Raising her for more than a decade created a bond between us. One that toes the line between parent and kid, and best friends. Our roles in each other’s lives are a mix of the two, but we make it work.

She's my kid. I'm her Mama. We shoot the shit on Mondays over coffee, and I scold her on weekends for not texting me to let me know she's safe. I love Violet with my whole fucking heart. I gave her my slivers of sunshine so she could grow.

I sigh, feeling guilty for keeping her on the outside when we've been family for eleven years.

"Any chance I can get away with just sharing the gist?

" She raises a brow, and I take a shuddering breath.

"V, I really don't know how I feel about telling you everything, but I'll share as much as I am comfortable with, okay? "

Her eyes soften, and she takes a seat beside me at the table. Her long, wavy blonde hair is styled to perfection. I wonder if she did a hair tutorial video today.

"Okay," Violet agrees softly and takes my healing hand in hers. It's still a little yellow from that jackass at the club, but it's on the mend at least.

Shit. "Okay, so you know my parents died when I was six. You also already know I moved in with your mom and grew up in her care from then on. It wasn't great..."

Violet snorts an angry sound. "No shit. If it was anything like after I moved in..."

"I—" Gosh, I don't want to make her feel bad, but she's an adult now. "It was worse. I didn't have anyone looking out for me at home. I spent as much time as I could at school and with my friends."

"Those friends...are those the guys?" Violet guesses.

I nod because it's mostly true. "They were my best friends in high school. Roman and Declan moved from another county. Felix hung around Roman outside of school, and Jared had always been in classes with me." Now I'm smiling. "We were inseparable."

"Erica! What the hell, girl?!" Felix shouts, running full speed at me. A squeal bursts from my lips as he swoops me into a big hug, spinning us around. "Seriously, where have you been?"

Goodness, his senior year muscles are becoming a distraction for me. I bite my lip when he sets me down. "I saw you four days ago, Felix."

He frowns and ruffles my hair a little, reminding me I'm just a junior in his eyes. "That's too long, sweetheart. Why didn't you come this weekend?"

"You mean on your boys’ camping trip where you probably reeked like dirt and ass? No thanks." More like Aunt Linda forced me to stay home and clean up after her recent bender.

"Brat!" he growls, and tosses me over his shoulder.

I push on his ass, beat his backside with my fists, all while laughing and trying to get away from my friend. "Put me down!"

"Mama?"

I startle, my soft smile slipping. "Sorry, what?" Violet gives me a sad smile and tells me I zoned out for a minute. "So, Felix and Roman were a grade ahead of me, Jared, and Declan. Declan and Roman are brothers."

Violet nods, soaking in the information.

"I introduced Declan to Jared because the three of us shared a class. They became best friends because they were like two crazy peas in a pod. Declan introduced me to Roman, and Roman introduced me to Felix. Jared was there too, of course, because we were all attached at the hip."

"Hi, I'm Erica," I greet, waving a little. My toes bounce me up and down, the only outward show of anxiety. I'm outgoing these days—I can't be nervous to meet new people.

"Hi, Erica," the boy rumbles, making goosebumps rise on my arms. "I'm Roman."

"Like the Roman Empire?" I tease. Jared snorts behind me, and I smile. "Can I call you Rome?"

Roman smirks and leans against his locker like all hot guys do. "Only if I can call you, Petal."

I feel my nose scrunch. "Why Petal?"

"Because you have a few in your hair," he says, reaching forward and pulling, I shit you not, a blue freaking flower petal from my hair.

"Oh my god," I groan. "This is so embarrassing." So much for not being nervous. "I hit my head on one of those stupid hanging flowerpots by the side entrance."

Jared and Declan laugh but don't seem all that surprised. I'm easily distracted, or incredibly focused, however you want to look at it.

"Shut up, I was running late." I huff and brush my hands through my ashy blonde waves.

Roman fingers the soft blue petal and melts my heart. "Petal suits you."

"You're doing it again..."

I cringe. "Sorry. Where was I?"