Page 47 of Petals of Blue, Part One (Wilted Duet #1)

Forty-Two

DECLAN

“Please help me," I beg my big brother as I rush into the kitchen. "I feel like I'm getting sick. Like I could throw up, and my hands are shaking."

Roman continues chopping a head of lettuce, but he glances at me and my trembling fingers with a furrowed brow. "When did this start?"

Thinking through the timeline of today proves to be a little harder than I thought.

"I don't know. Right when we invited Blue and Violet over for dinner, maybe.

Shit, do you think I'm contagious? Son of a bitch, after Blue's slight meltdown yesterday at my coffee shop, this could be her final straw if she gets sick.

"She's already so stressed out, and with her starting in security next week, I could fuck it all up with my nausea. Fuck, what if Blue throws up all over the monitors at work and ruins them?!"

I'm pacing now, thinking of every scenario in which I could fuck something up. Our presence in her life is meant to make things the opposite of worse. We want to prove to Blue that we're better, yes, but we also want to help her and bring her happiness.

I can't make life harder for Blue Bennett. I won't.

"You're anxious, man," Roman informs me with a slap on the back. His words and rough touch snap me out of my wayward thoughts.

"What?" I huff and cross my arms. "No. I don't get anxious. I'm cool, calm, and collected."

Roman snorts and brushes by me with a large bowl of salad. "No. That's Felix. You're chaotic and a little unhinged sometimes."

I open my mouth to retort, but the doorbell rings, and Jared comes flying by with a big grin aimed at me. "Roman's right!"

"Fuck off," I shout even as my friend disappears from view to greet Violet and Blue.

"Hey," my brother murmurs, coming over to me after setting the table, "What's bothering you?"

I slump, feeling defeated and slightly lightheaded. "I don't want to mess this up with either of them. Violet is Blue's other half. We have to make her like us, Rome."

Roman's thoughtful look turns into a bright smile as someone comes skipping into the room. "I think she already does," Roman whispers just as Violet comes into my view.

"What's up, bitches?!"

Maybe Roman's right. The blonde firecracker might actually enjoy our presence.

Conversation has been pretty light and surface level since the girls got here an hour ago. Not that I mind, especially considering I'm no longer in a slight state of panic.

We learned Violet doesn't plan on going to college any time soon, if ever, because she really loves being a content creator. We all just nodded our heads except for Jared who was incredibly interested in the statistics of success for that kind of work.

Blue watched Violet with so much warmth in her gaze that my love for her doubled in size. She's like a soft weight on my heart which Felix protects with something sharper, fiercer.

Violet was more than thrilled to tell us all about her most recent hikes across the US, and we enjoyed listening. Blue jumped in to add more detail and story since she joins Violet a few times a year as well.

I'm completely enthralled. Not only by Blue's slightly loose jeans and tight black T-shirt, but by the connection she has built with her cousin. Her kid, as they say.

Her blue hair also has a tussled curls vibe, and her makeup is subtle, giving off domesticated vibes. I yearn to tug her close and hold her to my chest.

Felix's hand flexes on my thigh when Blue tips her head back and laughs. I sigh reflexively in response to her joy and the length of her creamy skin. Now I’m eager to cuddle up next to her and leave a trail of kisses from her ear to her collarbone.

"So!" Violet claps, bouncing in her chair. I can't help but study the young girl for any signs of distress. She hasn't shown any of the behavior Blue has been worried about, but maybe Violet's just concealing her struggles really well.

After all, we're still kind of strangers to her.

Much to my amusement, Violet points her breadstick at me then circles it to encompass all of us. "What are you guys doing for Halloween?"

I frown. Hmm. I can feel Felix waiting for me to answer, and when I check to see if Jared or Roman have any ideas, they’re scratching their chins. Normally we do something like decorate our place, get candy for the trick or treaters and go out for some drinks or see some live music.

"We haven't talked about it, actually. We've been a little..." I catch Blue's gaze and fucking relish in the widening of her eyes when I say, "distracted."

Violet hums and taps her fork on her mostly empty plate of potpie. "Ma and I go see scary movies at the theater together every Halloween. You all should come!"

Blue breaks our stare down to frown at her cousin. "Do I get a say, V?"

"Nope!" I interject, ready to play my chaotic role to get us even more embedded in Blue's life. "Violet invited us. No takebacksies."

Felix pinches my leg a little, making me gasp and glare at him. He's not looking at me but at Violet with a soft expression. "We would love to come. Thank you, sunshine."

"Great!" Violet shouts and jumps from the table. "I don't mean to eat and run, but my friends are going on a hike, and I told them I'd join."

"What time will you be home?" Blue asks, looking nervous.

"Not sure," Violet admits and kisses the top of Blue's head. "You stay. I have someone waiting outside. Love you! Bye guys, thanks for dinner."

Just like that, Violet's gone in a whirlwind of blonde hair and enthusiasm. "Does she always have so much energy?" Roman wonders out loud.

Blue sighs and takes a small sip of her wine suddenly looking exhausted. "Yes. I don't remember the last time I slept in while she was home."

Roman nods like he understands and pulls her chair away from the table. He lifts Blue by the elbow and starts pulling her toward the couch. I'm shocked she doesn't fight him or say a word as he wraps a blanket around her.

"You stay here. Brownies will be done shortly. We'll clean up and come join you in a few minutes," Roman explains, pinning her with an intense stare.

I can see the side of her face as her expression pinches. Just as she's about to protest, Roman rubs his thumb across her cheek and begs, "Let us take care of you. Please."

She deflates, and as I load the dishwasher, I hope like hell we will have a lifetime of taking care of Blue.