It was odd for her, pulling into Jay’s driveway that morning, the same way she had countless times before. She saw the door open, but instead of Jay, his mom poked her head out the door and waved enthusiastically at Violet. Jay pushed past his mom, who was smiling conspiratorially at Violet and practically ignoring her own son.
Violet waved back, feeling sheepish. She knows, Violet thought. Jay’s mom knows.
Jay had no intention of letting her keep it a secret.
The low hum of butterflies she’d been feeling all morning became a violent flutter.
Jay slid in, as casual as ever, and kicked his backpack out of the way at his feet. He stretched back in the seat and grinned at her. “Ready?” he asked, as if sensing her hesitation and teasing her about it.
She slumped down a little in defeat and put the car in reverse. “Do I have a choice?” She tried not to, but she knew she was pouting.
He chuckled and cupped her chin in his hand affectionately, stroking her jaw with his thumb. And then he flashed his dazzling smile at her.
“Not if I have any say about it,” he answered, laughing.

Author: Kimberly Derting