“Why do I know the name Kurt Dawson?” The twin named Alex looked at his brother, Ben.
“I don’t know, but it’s familiar.” Ben looked up as if he was trying to remember something.
“I’m the fuck kid.” I just decided to blurt it out because I knew they would figure it out eventually.
“Wait a second.” Miguel looked at me with a strange stare. “Oh shit, you are the fuck kid!”
“What the fuck is a fuck kid?” Boyd looked around confused.
“Stop it.” Ethan walked out of the house and pulled the door closed. “Kurt didn’t come here to be ridiculed.”
“It’s fine.” I looked at Ethan and shrugged. “I knew if I used my real name, someone would figure it out. I’ve been running from that shit for two years. If Violet is supposed to be my soulmate, she should know the truth from the start.”
“That’s admirable.” Ethan walked over and took a seat at the table. “Violet will like that about you.”
“So yeah, about Violet.” Miguel leaned forward. “What happens after she meets all of us and we get our money? I mean, if we’re her soulmates, where do we go from here?”
“I’ve been wondering that myself.” Boyd nodded. “I mean, I had a lot of fun, but is this just some sex thing where you’re paying us to fuck your girl?”
“No.” Ethan shook his head back and forth. “It isn’t that at all. I truly believe that Violet’s algorithm is correct and we are all her soulmates. I also think we might need each other in a way.”
“Need each other?” I raised my eyebrows.
“Boyd and Miguel can tell those of you that haven’t spent time with Violet yet that she’s a very special woman. I’ve known it since she hacked my security system, although I never saw it becoming more than a business relationship back then.” Ethan looked around the table. “I love her to death, but I’ll never be able to be the perfect boyfriend or husband. My work keeps me busy. It’s my passion, but it doesn’t change how much I love Violet.”
“Well I don’t mind keeping her warm while you work late.” Boyd chuckled and nodded. “If that’s what you’re saying.”
“That’s precisely it, Boyd. Let me ask you two something.” Ethan waved his finger between Miguel and Boyd. “Do either of you feel jealous about Violet being with one of the other guys at this table, or Gary?”
“You know, I don’t.” Boyd tilted his head. “And I’m a very jealous man normally.”
“Preci
sely my point.” Ethan nodded.
“Yeah, I mean...” Miguel twisted his lip as if he was lost in contemplation. “If you told me she was inside with some other dude, I’d probably lose my shit, but no—I don’t really feel that about any of you.”
“See, that’s it. That’s why I believe the algorithm is right and we really are her soulmates. I’ve never believed in a higher power. I actually thought the app was going to prove love was nothing more than a complex math equation, but I’m starting to question that.” Ethan drummed his fingers on the table. “I don’t know if we’ve fully figured it all out yet, but I think each of us has a place in Violet’s life.”
“Yeah, but how does that work?” Ben leaned forward against the table. “I mean, none of us live here in New York except you and Kurt. Are we just supposed to visit when we’re horny? I’m lost here...”
“Would any of you have a problem moving to New York?” Ethan looked around the table. “I mean, I know it isn’t something that happens overnight, but I own this mansion. I bought it specifically for the purpose of bringing us all together. If you want to stay here, you can.”
“Ya know.” Miguel shrugged. “There ain’t nothing left for me in Nevada except booze and strippers—I doubt they’ll miss me.”
“My shop has been struggling for a while. I mean, I get by, but I’m sure I could find something else to do.” Boyd nodded and stared at the table.
“My brother and I are hoping we get drafted to the NFL, but we could definitely live here in the off-season.” Alex looked at his brother and they both nodded. “It wouldn’t be impossible, if we decide that we want to do that after we spend some time with Violet.”
“I’m sure as fuck not going anywhere.” I shrugged my shoulders. “This place is certainly better than my shitty apartment.”
“Then I think we’ve just solved our first problem—as a family.” Ethan smiled and nodded to the group.
Chapter 14: Violet
Everyone seemed rather chummy when Gary and I got back. They were laughing and talking in the living room like old friends. It also appeared that they were enjoying the free booze Ethan was providing. Even the pale, dark haired guy, who had been mostly silent up to that point, seemed to be enjoying himself. Seeing them together like that and happy made me smile. The strangest part of all was seeing Ethan in the middle of the group. I rarely saw him smile when we weren’t together. As far as I knew, he didn’t really have many friends. Most of his social contacts were business associates.
“Violet, you’re back!” Ethan waved when he saw me and put down his drink.