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“And in that tiny apartment too.”
“It’s so small, and the bedroom has the only bathroom. What if I had to pee and they’re in there for hours doing newlywed things? I’d have to pee in a bush!”
“I don’t know what bush you’re thinking of because their apartment building is all concrete.”
“Yes,” she said. “It’s so sad. I like visiting, but the charm would wear off in days. Plus, they’re perfect together. Looking at them is like looking at the sun. It hurts after a while.”
Charlie blinked. What did that mean? Was she hinting she was lonely? Or did she somehow have feelings for either of them?
“Don’t look so weirded out,” she explained after a moment. “I don’t like either of them, but I want what they have. With someone else, of course. I know you don’t believe in love, but I do.”
“Right,” he said, his chest loosening. “Yeah, staying with them wouldn’t be good for you then.”
“Yeah. I love them, don’t get me wrong, but Lewis can’t load a dishwasher to save his life, and Liv doesn’t ever take out the trash. I think I’d wind up cleaning everything out of frustration.”
“You do like to clean. I finally have a roommate I get along with.”
The food came, and Charlie said thank you to the waitress. When he turned, Violet was looking at him.
“What?” He asked.
“You said roommates,” she said softly. “And I … I feel bad we are. We’re twenty-eight. We should be way past having roommates.”
“There are lots of people who are twenty-eight with roommates.”
“Maybe, but you own your house. You shouldn’t have to deal with a roommate.”
“It’s not a roommate. It’s you, and you’re not a problem to live with.”
“Yet.” It was muttered, and he almost missed it.
“You say that like you’re sure something will happen.”
“Something always happens. I’m showing you my best side. You’ll see the bad eventually.”
Charlie laughed. “Violet, I have seen the bad. This is me, remember? We’ve insulted each other until both of us were kicked out of places.”
“Well, yeah but that’s-“
“It’s not different. I’ve seen you. All of you, and I’m still here. It doesn’t matter how long we’re stuck together; I’ve already seen it.”
Violet stared, as if realizing it for herself. Charlie wondered if she was going to run or try to walk back what he said. She always wanted to do that when the conversation got real.
“You should eat your waffle,” he said, instead of pushing her further. “You’re too introspective when you’re hungry.”
Violet slowly nodded and took a bite. Their serious conversation was interrupted by her excitement over food.
“Holy shit, it’s as good as I remember,” she said, with her mouth full of food. “Thank God it’s back on the menu.”
Charlie laughed, happy to see her so excited over where he decided to bring her.
“Some people like fancy food but I like waffles,” she continued. “The chemicals do something to me.”
“See why I brought you here?”
“Ugh, fine. You were right. I needed food, but I still feel bad about you paying.”
“I’m still going to do it.”
