"Leave?" Dad's face fell. "We still have a long time before that happens. Where is this coming from?"
I shrugged. "I just know how much Hermione means to me. And how all of the animals bring so much joy. I don't want you suffering through empty nest syndrome when I'm gone."
"We'll think about it," Mom said, and Dad gave her a look.
"But your allergies," he said again.
Mom patted his hand. "Go on, Viola. We can talk when you get back. Love you."
"Love you," Dad said to me.
"You two are my favorite muggles ever," I said back which earned a smile from Mom and caused Dad's frown to soften. I went to the shelter where I tried to clear my mind. But a set of brilliant blue eyes kept intruding, making that impossible.
Mom hadn't been joking.
When I got home a few hours later, she was waiting for me in the living room. She patted the space beside her, and I sat. Then, without my permission, my eyes traveled right to the spot where Dare had kissed me. I would never look at that wall the same way again.
"That good, huh?" Mom said, and I startled.
"Sorry," I said and ran a hand over my face. "I didn't mean to zone out like that."
Her smile was small, but it was there. "Please, don't apologize. That kiss made me blush. Was it as good as it looked?"
"Yeah." I sighed in response.
"A good kiss can be very distracting." Mom cocked her head. "Was that the first time or…?"
"Mom." I shot her a look.
She held her hands up in surrender and laughed. "Alright, I'll back off. I just want you to know that you can talk to me."
My voice was soft when I said, "I do know that."
"About anything," she added. "Boys, the shelter, tampons, how to write a killer college essay, which Harry Potter book is the best."
"Seven," we both said at the same time, which resulted in shared laughter, hers and mine.
Mom smiled at me. "You might need to ask your Aunt Lillian for makeup tips. But I can help with some things. And I love hearing about your life. I love how open our relationship is, Vi."
"Me, too, Mom."
"Dare seems like a nice boy from what I hear—and believe me, I've heard plenty from you father. He never stops talking about that kid."
I nodded. "It's all true, Mom. Dare is crazy talented."
"I just hope you know what you're doing," she said.
I sighed again, but this one was out of exhaustion.
"I have no idea," I admitted. "It started out so simple. Just taking Dare to school, but now… Gah, Mom, I don't know. It wasn't supposed to be like this, to feel this way."
"Feel what way?" she asked.
I licked my lips. "Dare says we're just having fun. That it's not serious."
"Just like a man." Mom shook her head. "And you? What do you think?"
"Well, I know he's right. I do." I couldn't quite bring myself to tell her about the fake boyfriend thing. She probably wouldn't even believe me if I tried. I mean, who does that? "It's just confusing sometimes. My heart can't decide whether what we have is real or if it's all in my head."
She shrugged. "Only you can figure that out, Vi."
I knew that, but part of me had wanted her to tell me something else.
"But from where I stood, it looked pretty real," she finished.
I could feel the hope rising in my chest.
"It did?" I asked, and she nodded. "Just on my end or his, too?"
Mom smiled. "He looked even more smitten if I'm being honest."
"Oh?"
"Yeah," she said. "Can I tell you something that is purely meant to be helpful and in no way telling you what to do?"
"Sure," I said.
"Your dad and I loved each other basically from the moment we met."
"Ew," I pretended to gag but was smiling. I loved hearing how much my parents loved one another.
Mom shrugged. "It's true. We were soulmates."
"And you lived happily-ever-after with your one amazing daughter and a wonderful dog," I added.
She bit back a smile. "I told you we'd think on it, Vi. Not that we were getting one."
"I know, I know. Go on," I prompted. "You and Dad fell in love, and…"
"It took longer than it needed to for us to get together," she said.
My smile slipped a little. "Oh yeah? Why?"
"That's what I wanted to tell you," she said and made sure I was looking her in the eyes. "We were best friends who could talk about anything and everything—except how we really felt about each other."
I nodded for her to go on.
"Our friendship came first. Always. We were afraid of losing that, and that fear kept us from talking, telling the full truth. It's a tale as old as time."
"Who said I love you first?" I asked.
"I did." She smiled, and her gaze was faraway. "Though, of course, I didn't believe it when he said it back. He went through quite the romantic gesture to convince me—as if I could've said no to him a second time. The first time nearly killed me."
"But you and Dad were made for each other."
"Exactly," Mom said. "But our romantic relationship didn't start until our final year of high school, and we had a very unconventional beginning."
I opened my mouth to ask, but she laughed and shook her head.
"That's a story for another day."
"It sounds like a good one," I said.
She nodded. "The thing I'm trying to say is…just make sure you're being honest. With Dare and most of all with yourself. Telling the truth can be hard, but it can also set you free."
I swallowed. "Okay, Mom. I'll try."
She gave me a big hug, and I held on extra tight.
"May the Force be with you, baby," she said.
"And may the odds be ever in your favor," I replied.
#
Monday was a school holiday. So, I knew already that I'd be spending most of my time at the shelter. What I didn't know was that Dare would be there, too.
"Hey," he said when I walked in. He'd been cleaning out a few of the cages, but when I entered, he stood. "How's it going, flower?"
"Good," I said, trying to keep the surprise out of my voice. "I didn't think I'd see you. Had actually started to think you might be avoiding me."
Dare laughed, but it sounded off. "Why would you think that?"
"Because we haven't spoken or texted since Saturday and the kiss."
"Ooh, good band name," he said. "Saturday and the Kiss. I like it."
"Dare," I said.
But he had a point. That would be a killer band name.
"I came because I like it here. And I thought you might come in," he added.
"Oh yeah?" I forced a scoff, though inside I was doing cartwheels of happiness. "I'm shocked. Didn't you get enough of me this weekend?"
"I could take that so many ways, flower," he said, his grin growing as I blushed. "But I won't because it's too easy." Dare gestured to my cello. "You're playing today?"
I looked at the instrument over my shoulder then back to him.
"Yeah, looks like it," I said.
"Great," he said. "I'll go ask Paris if she has any popcorn."
Her voice came from the front.
"I do," she called back. "I'll make some for all of us, D."
"Thanks, P, much appreciated," he said back.
I raised a brow. "P? You've given each other nicknames."
"It's always nice to be on good terms with the boss. Now, give me this." Dare took my cello from my shoulder. "And tell me what happened with Coach and your mom."
"In a second." I held up a finger, looking over to Hermione. "I need to go see my girl first."
She let out a happy bark as I reached in to pet her, even rolled over to get belly rubs.
"Hey Hermione," I cooed. "Did you miss me? I missed you so much."
She thumped her tail in response.
"Let me pet Professor Snape and the others, and I'll come back to you in a minute."
I did just that, noticing how Snape gave an exasperated sigh but let me pet him anyway. When Dare came over a second later, though, he got up and went to him.
"That's a good boy," Dare said, running his hand along the dog's back. I swear grumpy Snape actually sighed. "Did you like flower petting you? You pretended not to, but I know you did."
I rolled my eyes and went to say hi to all of the other animals. Making my way back to Hermione, I leaned down. "Any requests?" I asked.
She chuffed, and I nodded.
"Something upbeat," I said. "Got it."
"Do you think she understands what you're saying?" Dare asked.
I shook my head. "No, I know she does."
He nodded, leaned down and put his ear next to Snape.
Dare looked up a second later. "He says he wants a Drake song."
"That's very specific," I said. "Usually the Professor isn't so picky."
A shrug. "That's what he said."
I bit back a smile. "I'll see what I can do."
"So, were they mad? About the whole kissing thing?"
"You mean, the kiss where you had me pressed against the wall across from my parents bedroom?" I asked, watching in fascination as heat rose to his cheeks. "Oh no, they were thrilled."
"Viola, I—"
"Did somebody say something about a kiss?" Paris's smile was wide as she joined us. "Now, this I have to hear."
"Actually," I said, gesturing to all of the fur babies, "my adoring crowd wants a song. I can't keep them waiting."
"Okay, okay," Paris said, "but you'll tell me about it later."
I might, I thought. But I also might not. True, I loved telling Paris things and getting her input. But that kiss had felt special for some reason, something for just me and Dare.
Oh yes, and my mom who'd walked in on us.
Gah.
As I got ready to play and took a seat, Paris and Dare were standing across the room. The animals were waiting, too. But Dare's face was what got to me. There was this challenge in his eyes as if he doubted I'd be able to meet his request to play any of Drake's music. Well, I'd show him.
I quickly looked up what I needed on my phone then set it on the floor and pushed play.
Then I did my thing.
The instrumental backbeat was perfect. My cello taking the lead.
Take Care by Drake and Rhianna.
It was a piece I knew by heart, and I hoped it didn't reveal too much of my feelings. But I made that cello sing. I didn't look up until the end, wanting to make sure I played everything just right. Some parts I had to improv because they'd typically be on violin. But it was fun, and I think it turned out well. When I finished and looked up, the animals were excited, a few barks and meows followed. Paris looked proud as punch. And Dare…he was gaping at me.
"Where did that come from?" he asked.
I lifted a shoulder. "My cousins and I play together sometimes. Scarlett does most of the arrangements. Freya is lead violin, and my other cousin, Aurora, loves Drake so…yeah."
"That was incredible."
"Not really," I said.
But Dare nodded. "Yes, it was. Flower, you're so talented."
"He's right, you know," Paris said. "Viola, you and that cello have been making these animals and myself very happy for a long time now."
I waved that off, and she turned to Dare.
"I've been telling her this forever," she said. "The fact that she won't accept how awesome she is can be so frustrating."
"I know, P," he said. "Trust me, I know."
I help up a hand. "Still here, you guys."
"Work on that for me will you, D?" He gave her a nod, and she added, "Why don't you and Viola take a couple of these guys out for a walk? It's such a nice, sunny day."
I shot her a frown for the wink she added at the end.
Once Hermione and Professor Snape were all set up, we headed out. Typically, Paris didn't let us walk outside of the yard behind the shelter, but when Dare asked and gave her puppy dog eyes, she gave us permission to take them around the block.
"I can see why you like him," she'd whispered to me right before we left. "He's nice with just a hint of naughty. And who can say no to those eyes?"
As we walked the dogs, our two charges marching at our sides, I glanced at Dare out of the corner of my eye.
I'd thought I was being discreet, but a moment later Dare grinned.
"What's up, flower?" he said.
"Nothing," I said, averting my gaze quickly, but it was too late.
"Uh uh." Dare stopped and gently turned me to look at him. This caused both Hermione and Snape to stop as well. They walked around our feet a bit in the shade of the tree we'd paused under. "What's on your mind?"
You are, I thought. It's you all the time now, and I can't seem to stop thinking of you.
"It's nothing," I said.
Dare's face filled with concern. "Did something happen with your parents? Do you want me to go and explain things to them?"
I cocked my head. "Would you do that?"
"Of course," he said. "For you, of course."
Did he even realize how the things he said affected me?
"No, that's okay." I smiled. "Mom was basically cool—though I feel bad for scarring her with the image of us having such a passionate kiss."
"Passionate, huh?" Dare said.
I quickly moved on. "And my dad hasn't spoken to me about it yet."
"You think we got through to him this time?"
"Oh yeah," I said, remembering his face as he and Mom had been discussing what happened when they thought I wasn't there. "The message was definitely received."
Dare nodded. "Great. So, where do we go from here?"
The truth was I didn't know. The point of this whole thing was to show Dad we were a couple, that his plan had backfired, and we'd done that—with Mom's help, of course.
"Not sure," I said.
"I think we should keep going at least a little longer," Dare said. "Until we're sure Coach is convinced."
I nodded, lost in his eyes. "Sounds like a good idea."
Suddenly, Hermione barked and started sprinting across the street. I was so caught off guard that my normally docile dog had made a run for it that I didn't react quickly enough to grab her leash. A moment later, I was bounding after her.
"Hermione!" I yelled desperately. "Please girl! Stop!"
I realized her goal within seconds. There was a community pool on the other side of the road that I hadn't noticed before. Though it was closed to the public at this time, it looked like the gate was wide open.
Oh my God.
"Hermione, no!"
"Viola, slow down," Dare said from behind me. "She'll be okay."
"No, she won't," I said back. "Don't you see that pool? She's going to jump in!"
"So?" he laughed. "It's hot. Maybe she needs to cool off."
I shook my head and kept running.
"Hermione! Please girl, come back!"
Dare just didn't get it. We didn't give the dogs at the shelter swimming lessons. This could all end in tragedy. There was too much of that already in the world. I refused to let my girl be one of the fallen.
Hermione rounded the gate and was inside before I could stop her. With a bounding leap, she jumped into the pool.
"No!"
In the next second, I'd jumped in after her.
There was only one problem with my plan, I realized as my body hit the water.
After flailing and gasping, I began to sink like a stone. In my haste to save Hermione, I'd forgotten a very important fact.
I didn't know how to swim either.
Oh no, I thought as my head went under the water, cutting off my air. I tried to kick up or use my arms, but nothing seemed to help. Dark spots started circling above me, but I kept struggling, thoughts of my wonderful girl running through my head. Oh poor, Hermione.
A pair of strong arms banded around my waist.
The next thing I knew my head b
roke the water's surface, and I could breathe again.
"What were you thinking?" Dare yelled as he tugged both of us to the side of the pool.
"Don't worry about me," I sputtered. "Save Hermione!"
I could feel him shaking his head. "She's fine," he said as he brought me to the edge where I could hold on.
"But she can't swim," I gasped, still trying to gain my breath back.
"No, that's you." Dare tilted his head. "Turns out Hermione's an excellent swimmer."
I looked to the side and saw Hermione happily dog paddling, going round and round. It was her I'd seen as I went under, I thought. The little black spots—or spot. It had been Hermione living her best doggie life.
"Oh," I said with relief. "I'm so glad she's okay."
"And what about you?"
I looked at Dare's angry face, and realized I'd never actually seen him upset before.
"How could you jump in if you didn't know how to swim?"
"I was just thinking about saving her," I said.
"Flower," he said and held my face between his hands. His eyes hadn't left mine once since he'd saved me. "You could've drowned. Are you getting that?"
Actually I was. The reality began to sink in as my teeth started chattering, and I gripped the edge of the pool tight.
Dare nodded. "Okay, that's it. You're coming to my house."
"But—"
"No arguments," he said. "We have a pool, and I'm going to teach you."
"I'm not sure my parents will let me do that," I said. "After what happened."
Dare leaned forward. "I'm not asking, flower."
"Okay," I said quietly.
At her bark, we both looked over to see Hermione, her mouth open in what seemed to be a grin as she looked at something behind us. And there was Professor Snape, sitting beside the pool, looking at all of us like we were ridiculous.
"He seems unimpressed," Dare remarked. "I had to jog with him in my arms to try and catch you."
"You're such a good boy, Professor Snape," I said. "Good boy for staying out of the pool."
In response, Snape let out a big yawn.
CHAPTER 16
"So, how'd you get them to let you come?" Dare asked.
"Just told the truth," I said.
"And that would be…?"
"I said I was going to a friend's house."
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