“I love you, too,” he said.
“Squeaker, you can’t just—”
“You’re clear,” he said.
“Yeah, Iknow,” she snapped, facing me, and sidling up to the breakfast bar. “Hi, honey.”
“Hey,” I said, sliding a stack of cleaned menus in the rack. “The grill’s off, but I can get you a coke.”
“I’m good,” she said. “I’m just here to talk.”
“If it’s about Scooby, I’m really not interested. I don’t mean to be rude, but we’re done. He made that perfectly clear.”
“Yeah, well, he’s an asshat.”
“Doesn’t change anything, Violet. What’s done is done.” I took a deep, shaky breath. “Look, I need to lock up. I have to pick Lord up early tomorrow—”
“Where’s Lord?” she asked.
“He had some training this week.”
She frowned. “Oh my god, you’ve been all by yourself? Does Scooby know you haven’t had Lord with you?”
“I’ve had my jailors.”
“Hey,” Squeaker protested. “Man, that ain’t even cool.”
“Just speaking the truth, Squeaker,” I said. “If you don’t want to be part of the problem, don’t participate in it.”
He shook his head with a scowl and focused back on his phone.
“The fact you’re still being protected proves Scooby cares about you, Rowan,” Violet said. “Although, if he knew your dog wasn’t here, I think some things would have been a little different.”
I closed my eyes briefly, then set my palms flat on the counter. “Please, Violet. I need you to hear my words. None of this is any of your business. I know you’re just trying to help, but, honestly, honey, you’re making it worse. Please, go home and leave this alone.”
“Would you consider a girls’ night out?”
“Not yet,” I said.
Her mouth dropped open. “Why not?”
“I’m just not up to being reminded of everything I’ve lost just yet. Can you understand that?” I sighed. “So, for now, can you just go home? I’ll call when I’m feeling up to it, okay?”
Before she could comment or move, the bell over the door sounded, and all our heads turned in its direction.
Scooby walked in, his face grim, stalling when he caught sight of Violet. “Everybody out.”
Squeaker rose from his chair immediately and made his way to the door, Violet, however stayed put.
“Letti,” Scooby warned.
“Yeah, Scoob?” she sassed.
“Get the fuck out,” he ordered.
“No,” she said, studying her nails.
“Come on, sweetheart, I’ll drive you home,” Squeaker said.