Simon’s eyes widened. “Wyndham Towers?”
Tiraz smiled. “How did you guess?”
“Only rich people live there and you have a rich person’s car. Plus, those are the tallest buildings in the city. If you have a great view, then you must live there.”
Some of the light dimmed in Tiraz’s eyes and his gaze swung her way. Her
hands fidgeted in her lap as she wilted a little under that intense stare. What did he see when he looked at her? Some poor charity case? A woman who didn’t deserve a little boy as awesome as Simon?
“Order whatever you want. Both of you and that includes dessert. I’ll take you home and we can discuss your situation further. Perhaps Simon would like to play on my Xbox while we talk?” He looked at Simon again, her little boy nodding eagerly.
He’d always wanted a game system, but it just hadn’t been possible.
When a waiter came over, Tiraz placed their order to go, also requesting
appetizers of fried ravioli, mozzarella sticks, and three salads. Violet wasn’t sure where she was supposed to put all the food he’d ordered, because it certainly wasn’t going to fit into her stomach. But she had a feeling the mozzarella sticks would be gobbled up by Simon. She’d bought the frozen kind a few times and he’d loved them, so she could only imagine how much he’d adore the ones at this restaurant.
Their food was brought to the table in two large paper bags and Tiraz scooped it up before escorting them back out to his car. Once everyone, and the food, was secured, he pulled out of the parking space and headed toward Wyndham Towers. When they reached the large glass buildings, Tiraz pulled up to the double doors and handed his key to the valet. After getting the food out of the backseat, he ushered them through the door, which a fancy doorman opened, and to the elevators across the lobby.
Violet barely had a chance to check out the lobby, with its leather furniture, glossy reception desk, and stern looking security guards. The elevator ride felt like it took forever and her heart was racing by the time the doors opened. When they stepped into the hall, Violet realized there was only one door. When he’d said he lived on the top floor, she hadn’t realized he meant the penthouse. She hadn’t even realized there was a penthouse.
Her hand clutched Simon’s as they stepped inside the most beautiful entry she’d ever seen, with large columns and shiny marble flooring. She was almost afraid to walk on the floor it was so pretty, but she followed Tiraz through his penthouse to the kitchen, where he placed the sacks on granite countertops and gave her a toe curling smile.
“If you want to have Simon pick a seat at the table by the window, I’ll just get our stuff onto plates and then I’ll bring the food over.”
She led Simon over to the dining table that was in front of the wall of windows spanning the length of the penthouse. It was a gorgeous view and she knew Simon would want to sit where he could see it. She placed him at the seat next to the head of the table and thought she’d claim the one across from him. The three of them dining together was almost like having a family meal, something Simon had never experienced before.
Tiraz brought the salads first, and a bowl of breadsticks she hadn’t realized the restaurant had included. Then he brought the appetizers and small plates for each of them. Simon craned his neck toward the kitchen, probably wondering where his spaghetti was and Violet hid a smile.
“Let’s dig into these salads and other goodies, and then I’ll get the main course,”
Tiraz said with a wink in Simon’s direction.
“I’ve never had salad before,” Simon admitted, making Violet flush with
embarrassment. What kind of mother was she that her little boy had never tried salad before?
Tiraz glanced her way before looking at Simon once more. “If you don’t like it, you don’t have to eat it. But I have a feeling you’ll find it rather tasty.”
Simon took a tentative bite and wrinkled his nose, making Tiraz laugh.
“Let’s add some salad dressing first,” the alien said, pouring a little Caesar over the greens and some croutons. “One minute. I think I have just the thing to add.”
Tiraz went back to the kitchen and returned a moment later with a cheese grater and a hunk of what Violet assumed was parmesan. He grated cheese over Simon’s salad, then hers, and finally his own. After returning the cheese and grater to the kitchen, he reclaimed his seat.
Simon dug in with gusto, making happy noises as he ate, and Violet finally
relaxed and took a bite of her own food. She had to admit it was really good. It had been a while since she’d had something healthy to eat. Typically, they ate a lot of hot dogs, macaroni, and those dollar pot pies. Violet felt like a failure as a mother, but she was doing the best she could with what she had...which wasn’t much. Her employer has ensured she wouldn’t get unemployment and the last of her savings had been spent.
Tiraz split the appetizers three ways, and by the time she was finished with those and her salad, she was almost too full to eat her meal. Simon seemed to love the abundance of food though and cleaned his plate, then eagerly looked toward the kitchen for his spaghetti. Despite how much he was eating, she knew before bed he would say he was hungry again. He seemed to always be hungry and it hurt her heart to know she had to tell him no sometimes.
“You suddenly look very sad,” Tiraz said. “Is there something wrong with the meal?”
“No, it’s really good.”
“Then what’s wrong?”
She glanced at Simon and back at him. Tiraz nodded, understanding her
unspoken statement. He retrieved their dinners and Simon dug in, eating so fast Violet was worried he’d make himself sick. He held a giant meatball up in front of his eyes, his smile wide and his eyes bright as he took a huge bite and munched happily.
Tiraz smiled at him. “Told you they had big meatballs.”
Simon nodded eagerly before taking another bite.
“You mentioned you have brothers,” Violet said. “Do they live around here?”
“Gryf lives in a large home on Beechim Hill. Soryn lives in the mountains in a small town. Both are looking for brides, but…” Tiraz looked at Simon.
“I understand.”
He nodded and smiled. “They don’t know what they’re missing though. He
seems great.”
Violet smiled widely. “He is. I can only hope someone else will feel that way and take a chance on us. We’re something of a charity case and not just anyone will want to take us on. I understand that; I really do. But if this doesn’t work…”
Simon finished his food, burped loudly, then asked to be excused.
Tiraz set his fork down. “Let me show you were the Xbox is and which games
you’re allowed to play. Then I’m going to finish my dinner and speak with your mother.”
Simon nodded and followed Tiraz into the living room. It didn’t take him long to get Simon set up, and then he was sliding back into his chair next to her. Violet could hear the sounds of a game, but the volume wasn’t overly loud.
“Why don’t you tell me exactly what your situation is?” Tiraz asked.
“My rent is paid through the next three weeks, but I just spent the last of my money on groceries that may or may not last a week. And when the rent runs out, so do the utilities.”
“And you don’t have a car? At least, you haven’t mentioned one.”
“It was repossessed. A school bus picks up Simon in the mornings, but I have to pick him up at noon. I take the city buses as far as I can and then I walk the rest of the way. It’s a tiring trip for him to get home from school and he usually takes a nap when we get in the door. Then he wakes up ravenous so I make him lunch, and two hours later he’s hungry again.”
Tiraz tipped his head toward Simon’s empty plates. “Does he always eat like
this?”
“No, but he would if he could. I just can’t afford to feed him, not as much as he could eat.” Tears gathered in her eyes.
“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sent him to bed hungry, or had to send him to school with only a piece of toast for breakfast.”
Tiraz drummed his fingers on the table. “I know we just met, but I want you to know that you can trust me. Do you believe me?”
“You’ve been incredibly kind to us today.”
“I have a proposition for you. I’m something of a…I believe you would call me a neat freak, so my house is always clean. However, I hate to cook and I’m rather terrible at it. I’d like to hire you to cook three meals a day, do the shopping and make sure there are adequate snacks on hand, and in exchange, Simon and you will live here.”
Her mouth opened and shut a few times, but words failed her.
“Just until you find your match,” he clarified. “If the agency won’t help you, then I’ll see what I can do to find you a suitable mate. Obviously, they would have to accept Simon as their own, and I don’t know too many males who would be willing to do that.”
“But it’s not impossible?” she asked.
“No. As a matter of fact, I know just the male to ask first.” He smiled. “His name is Zarin and he’s a Kilion.”
Her brow furrowed. “So he’s…”
“Green. I know he contacted the agency about finding him a mate, but so far
they’ve been unsuccessful. He’s been on a handful of dates, but never makes it to a second date with the same woman. He’s a rather agreeable sort, and I think he’d like Simon. Zarin is something of a gamer so Simon and he will have that in common.”
“Simon’s actually never played a video game before.”
Tiraz looked toward the living room, surprise etched on his features. “Never?
He’s already on level three of the game I set up for him.”
“Gaming systems are a luxury I’ve never been able to afford, even when I was working. My job paid enough to cover the bills and a small treat once or twice a month, but that’s all. I always put ten dollars a month aside for Christmas, but those gaming systems run hundreds of dollars and that was just out of my price range.”
“Well, as long as you’re here, he can use mine whenever he wants. Although
Xbox doesn’t have many games that are child appropriate. Don’t worry. I’ll come up with something for him. If I’m going to uproot him from his home, he might as well get something out of it.”
She gestured toward the gorgeous penthouse. “I think he’d be getting plenty.
This is far nicer than our apartment, and it’s all he’s ever known. We’ve never had new furniture and yours looks like it just came off the showroom floor. Trust me, Simon will think he’s in heaven just getting to stay here.”
“Here’s what’s going to happen, if you agree of course. We’re going to finish our meal, and then I’m going to drive the two of you home. I’ll have boxes delivered to your home in the morning, and once your things are packed, I’ll have the essential everyday things delivered here, and the things like your pots and pans can go into my storage unit downstairs. It should be large enough to accommodate even your furniture, and if it isn’t, I’ll request a second unit.”
Violet was trying to think of a reason she shouldn’t go along with his plan, but she had to admit he was like an angel to her. Tiraz had come into her life when she needed him most, and while he was offering her a place to stay in exchange for making his meals, she thought she was getting the better deal.
“And Violet, when I said I wanted you to cook for me, I meant for Simon and
you as well. We’ll eat together, just like we did today. And whenever you have a date, I’ll be happy to watch Simon. We can play a game or something while you’re gone, or I can rent a movie for him. I’ve discovered the wonderful world of Amazon videos.”
She smiled a little at his enthusiasm.
Chapter Two
Tiraz looked in his rearview mirror and watched as Simon slept. He smiled,
thinking the little boy really was rather spectacular. He’d never seen himself with kids before, even though the thought of getting married someday flitted through his mind every now and then. The woman next to him confused him. From what he’d seen of her so far, she was soft spoken and very concerned about her son. He seemed to be her entire world, and yet, from what Tiraz had gathered during their meal, they had done without on many occasions. Why had she waited so long to find a mate?
Violet was quiet beside him as she looked out the window. She’d given him
directions and he knew he was going to the poor side of town, not an area he was overly familiar with. As his car prowled down the streets, he wondered what he was going to do with Violet and Simon. It had been impulsive asking them to live with him, but he didn’t regret it. If he could help them, he would.
He really needed to know a little more about her before he tried to match her with anyone, but he still felt Zarin would be an ideal choice. The male was friendly and liked small children, and Tiraz was fairly certain he would welcome a human child, if it meant he’d have a mate. He hadn’t lied to Violet. Zarin had been on quite a few dates, but he never made it past the first date with any of them. Tiraz wasn’t certain what Zarin was looking for, but maybe he’d find it with Violet.
Not that it would be a hardship to have a woman around the place, cooking and giving him someone to talk to. And he could always play video games with Simon.
Maybe this would be good practice for when he finally had a family of his own, not that he was in a rush. He hadn’t lacked for female attention since moving to Earth, but it had been meaningless sex. He’d felt guilty at first, until he realized they were using him just as much as he’d been using them. Once he’d figured that out, he’d stopped sleeping with random women. Hell, he hadn’t slept with a woman in over six months, and now that there would be a small child in the house, he had a feeling he wouldn’t be sleeping with one anytime soon.
When he pulled up in front of Violet’s apartment complex, he hoped he’d hid his wince. The building was run down and most of the windows were covered with sheets instead of curtains. Simon seemed reluctant to get out of the car, but Violet held out her hand to the little boy and he climbed out. Tiraz made sure to set the alarm on the car as he followed them up the broken walkway. They passed a rundown playground before stopping in front of a door with chipped paint. He noticed there were actual curtains at the window.
“This one is yours?” he asked.
Violet nodded as her cheeks flushed. He ran a hand down her back, letting it settle at her waist when he realized she was embarrassed over where she lived. She tensed a moment before relaxing into his touch, and he wondered how long it had been since a man had held her. She’d obviously had sex before, since she was a mother, but had she been with anyone since Simon was born? She’d never mentioned boyfriends.
Simon hadn’t said much about his mother looking for someone to marry. If it had just been the two of them all these years, how would he feel about sharing his mother’s attention with someone else? Had she talked to him about the situation, or had she just forged ahead without talking about it?
She unlocked the door and pushed it open. There was a slightly stale smell that billowed out of the door and he braced himself for what he might find inside. Simon trudged through the door, and a moment later, he heard a door slam. Violet motioned for Tiraz to follow her inside and she closed the door behind him. He looked around, taking in the worn couch and scarred coffee table. There was a small formica topped table with two metal chairs near the tiny kitchen. A door to his left opened to a bathroom, and from what he could see there was only one other door. The one Simon had slammed shut.
“You can have a seat,” she said, waving a hand toward the sofa. “I just need to check on Simon.”
Tiraz watched as she slipped inside the room with the closed door and he had a sinking suspicion that was the only bedroom. While Violet was out of the room, he took a moment to look at his surroundings again. There was a small dresser against one wall
with a tiny television on top of it with an even older looking DVD player hooked up to it. A laundry basket on the floor held a blanket and pillow. It hit him like a punch to the gut. Violet didn’t share the bedroom with Simon. She slept on the couch.
What the hell had this little family been through? No matter what it took, he was going to make sure he changed their lives for the better. They deserved some happiness, and Violet deserved a soft bed to sleep in. He’d have to contact Zarin sooner than he thought. Not that he minded the little family staying with him, but Simon needed someplace permanent. A kid didn’t need their lives to be up in the air like this.
Violet returned a moment later with a sullen Simon trailing her. The little boy rubbed the toe of his shoe against the worn out carpet and fidgeted in front of Tiraz.
“I’m sorry for running off and slamming the door,” he muttered. “It was rude of me.”
Tiraz reached out and took Simon’s hand. “Sometimes, you just have to let off a little steam, and if slamming a door is the worst thing you’ve done, then I think we’re okay.”
A small smile ghosted the child’s lips and he gave a nod.
“You need to take a bath soon and get ready for bed. You have school in the
morning,” Violet said.
“But I’m hungry,” the little boy whined.
He saw the hesitance in Violet’s eyes and knew she was trying to ration the food.
Now that he saw where they lived, he understood a little better. She was doing the best she could, but she needed help. The apartment was clean, or as clean as she could probably get it, and she clearly loved her son above all else. But sometimes it was okay to admit that you couldn’t handle everything on your own, and Violet had reached that point.
“I have a better idea,” Tiraz said. “I was going to have some boxes delivered here tomorrow so your mom could pack while you’re in school, but what if the two of you pack a bag and stay with me tonight? I can still bring your mom here tomorrow to pack.”
Violet And Her Alien Matchmaker Page 2