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Charlie shrugged. “I thought it was the best it got. We knew each other for our whole lives.”
“It’s got to be better than that," Violet said, shaking her head. “There’s no way that’s what relationships are like.”
“Maybe. Maybe not. It’s not like either of us know though.”
“I think Liv and Lewis are a good example.”
Charlie paused, his face pensive. Violet almost asked what he was thinking, but she didn’t because she didn’t have a reason to know. But she wanted to.
“Maybe they are," Charlie said, quietly. “Either way, I think I need a break from it all. I don’t know if I’m ever going to date again after that fiasco.”
“I felt like that after Elijah left. Liv keeps telling me I’ll change my mind, but I haven’t yet.”
“Hm. Maybe I should resign myself to a life alone," Charlie said, leaning back in his chair.
“Oh, alone, huh? Do I need to leave?” Violet asked, raising her eyebrow.
“No," Charlie said, laughing. “You can stay. You’re not half bad.”
It wasn’t praise, not really, but it warmed her cheeks regardless.
Yeah, even though it still sort of hurt to admit it, Charlie was right. Talking like this was much easier than fighting.
~
Charlie
Charlie was mid-way through his workday when he got an IM from the front desk that he had a visitor. For a short, stupid moment, he hoped it was Violet. Then, he feared it was Lauren.
He got up quickly, wondering what could await him. But when he rounded the corner to the front desk, he let out a sigh of relief when it was his mother.
It seemed like ages ago when they had talked about her coming to his work for a lunch, but he was grateful that she had. It had been over four weeks since they had seen each other. Charlie had been busy trying to keep the peace at his house ever since Violet moved in, and his mother had been on her work trip during the wedding.
“Hi, Charlie," his mom said, smiling. “Have you had lunch?”
“No, I haven’t. Were you selling a place on this side of town?”
“I was in the neighborhood for something else, but I figured now was as good a time as any.”
“Something else? Since when do you do anything not work related on this side of town?”
For a moment, his mother looked conflicted, as if she didn’t know what to say. Charlie frowned at her. What was she doing over here that she couldn’t tell him?
“Oh, I wanted to go shopping," she said, waving passively. “Do you want to get something to eat?”
“Sure. Is everything okay?”
“Yes, of course," his mother answered. “Let’s go get food. Then we can talk more.”
The grocery store near him had a food bar he always enjoyed, and a small sitting area to eat in.
“How was the wedding?” His mom asked when they sat down.
“It was busy. I wished you were there though. I can’t believe they sent you on a work trip right around Christmas," Charlie said.
The holiday was half the reason Lewis and Liv held their wedding. Usually, people were already off work at that time.
“Oh, it was nothing. I enjoyed it. Plus, I’m sure you had a great time.”
