Brazen Bachelor

“Violet.” One of the receptionists sitting at the double-wide desk calls to me when I make my way onto our floor. “Something arrived for you about fifteen minutes ago. I put it on your desk.”

“Thanks, Caroline.” I smile at her. She’s one of the full-time receptionists that has been working here for as long as I have. When I get to my desk, there’s a bouquet of flowers waiting for me just like she promised.

Beside the dozen pink roses is a Venti Macchiato from Starbucks and a chocolate muffin. Thankfully, the coffee is still hot, and I take a tentative sip, sighing when the java flavors hit my tongue.

I have no time to check the card on the bouquet before my phone starts ringing. Expecting to see Clarissa’s name, I'm surprised when it’s not. Instead, I see the name I’ve been dreading since I moved to New York to get away from her and my family.

“Hello, Victoria,” I say into the speaker, plastering on a fake smile. I know it’s my fault she’s calling because I messaged her to tell her I have a date. I only did it because I needed to make her see that her previous message, telling me she’s engaged, will ensure I’ll be able to have a plus one at the wedding.

Perhaps it was me foreseeing a future with Colton, or at least, hoping for a future, but right now, I want the ground to swallow me whole. Speaking to my sister is not something I enjoy.

“Violet,” she greets in a clipped tone. “I wanted to let you know that the wedding has been moved up. We’ve decided to get it out of the way to ensure there aren’t any rumors as to when I got pregnant.” Her words slam right into my gut. My chest tightens painfully at the thought of my sister bearing a child before me. It might sound stupid, and yes, jealousy is raging inside me, but I recall her conversation with me when I told her how much I wanted a family one day.

Her admission from that day hits me in the chest. "Kids are nothing but anchors pulling you down. A career, a man, and a life come first." Those exact words had poured ice in my veins, and I realized my sister would never want a life like I did. A happy family, a husband who actually loves you, and a home filled with joy.

“Oh,” is all I can muster as shock has probably painted my expression.

“So, I’ll be sending out the invites today. I just needed to know if you’d come. If not, I won’t bother with your invite.” I should say no. I should tell her that this is something that she’s never wanted. Instead, my sister wanted to be the best lawyer in the state. She focused on being cold and callous. She hated any family gatherings, she was appalled by shows of affection, and now, she’s building a family.

“Sure. Yes.” My stuttered words make her sigh on the other end of the line, which once again makes me feel like an idiot. Life around Victoria had been difficult. Always trying to live up to her expectations was a chore, but even though she was always a raging bitch, she is my sister.

“Great. And don’t worry about any dress fittings and such. I have Kara standing in as a maid of honor, and I don’t have any bridesmaids. I’m sure that you’d rather enjoy your time as a guest anyway.” Her icy tone makes me slump in my chair, and all the excitement of the morning dissipates along with my happiness at the flowers Colton had delivered. I know it was him because no other person in my life would do something sweet like this.

“Sure.” Once again, I’m a one-worded, mumbling idiot.

“Have a good day.” Her farewell comes in her fake happy tone before hanging up, and I sit there, gob-smacked at her for too long. My phone buzzes moments later, and I lift it, expecting an email from her telling me to come alone to the wedding, so I don’t outshine her, but it’s a message from Colton.

I open it with a heavy heart, but I don’t see what I expect him to say.

Colton: I’m taking you out tonight. Be ready at seven, and you can’t refuse. It’s already been booked and paid for.

Even though it’s a message I’d been waiting for since I opened my eyes this morning, I can’t find the joy in it. Not right now, anyway. He’s bad for me because I can see him breaking down my walls and finding the girl hiding underneath.

Moving the bouquet to the side of my desk, I open my laptop and log in. As the screen loads, I think of responding to Colton. But instead of typing out a message, I open my browser and head to the one person I trust, even though I’ve never met her.