Violet was relieved Jeremy didn't press further. Only her parents and Noah knew that she had become a professional ballerina instead of pursuing it as a hobby. She had been praised for her intelligence since childhood; she could have pursued any career. Her high school teachers were surprised when, during career consultations, she announced her intention to become a ballerina. Her exceptional science and math grades led them to expect an academic pursuit.

While she possessed her mother's aptitude for academics, those subjects didn't interest her. She preferred the emotional release of dancing. Not every intelligent person becomes a scientist.

Unfortunately, people expected more from Violet, the daughter of two intellectual powerhouses. Even Kaleb, whom she thought would understand his own aspirations to become a baseball player, teased her, fueled by jealousy over her grades.

"You got into an Ivy League school; why would you waste it on dancing?" he'd asked incredulously.

That hurt deeply. She had to restrain Noah from confronting her twin brother.

Kaleb, in Violet's view, seemed to believe his college acceptance was solely due to his baseball skills. He studied history only because he had to choose a major; his true goal was to be drafted by a major league team. He felt someone as academically gifted as his sister should leverage her intelligence.

Understanding his logic didn't lessen the sting. Violet hated being belittled by the few people she truly liked.

Jeremy's lack of a similar negative reaction was a point in his favor. Her parents, unsurprisingly supportive, hadn't cared about her career choice.

Noah was the only other person who immediately supported her. When she questioned his lack of skepticism, he shrugged and said something she'd never forgotten: "You love it and you're really good at it. Why not?"

His simple reasoning became her shield against those who questioned her decision. She'd meet their gaze and repeat his words. No one ever had a counter-argument.

Not needing that explanation with Jeremy was refreshing. He'd also been highly complimentary of her dancing. Her feelings toward him were softening.

"I need to go," Violet said ruefully, checking the time. "But I enjoyed myself today."

Jeremy signaled the waiter for the check before replying, "I did too. Would you like to get together again next week?"

Her heart leaped. A third date!

"I'd love to. Our schedules might be tricky, but I'll text you, and we can work something out," Violet replied warmly. She couldn't wait.

Noah sighed, reading his best friend's latest message. She'd already gone out with Jeremy Ward six times in two weeks.

The man was sly. Looking back, Noah suspected Jeremy had planned to insert himself into Violet's life from the start—first by taking her out to "make things up to her" after she helped him, then attending her performance with roses, securing another date by expressing his desire to discuss the show. It escalated from there.

Lately, whenever Noah suggested spending time together, Violet already had plans with Jeremy. It was maddening.

They hadn't even watched their usual Halloween horror movies because Jeremy had suggested a downtown Halloween party and asked her first. Violet felt terrible about breaking tradition and promised to make it up to Noah.

However, Noah felt nothing could compensate for being sidelined. She hadn't acted this way with previous boyfriends. In college, she'd always made time for him, regardless of her relationship status.

Noah hadn't seen her for a week. It was unsettling. Violet's constant presence in his life made her absence keenly felt. She still texted, but it wasn't the same.

"You alright, Noah?" his downstairs neighbor, Kristen McKinney, asked concernedly. He was leaning against a pillar in their building's parking garage, looking foolish.

"Not really," he admitted, sighing.

She smiled sympathetically, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "You need a pick-me-up. Come on, I'll buy you hot chocolate."

He couldn't refuse. He needed to vent, and she was the only one offering.

Once they were seated at a nearby café, Kristen looked at him expectantly. Noah poured out his heart: his love for Violet, her obliviousness, his distrust of Jeremy, and the feeling of losing her despite her continued texting.

Verbalizing his feelings eased the knot in his chest. He felt better.

"This is the girl who's always at your place, right? I've seen her in the elevator," Kristen said.

Noah nodded. She pursed her lips thoughtfully, and he waited while she sipped her drink. Finally, hesitantly, she spoke: "Have you considered this might be different because this guy is 'the one'?"

Jeremy Ward, "the one"? No way. Such a man couldn't make Violet happy. Noah knew his best friend; Jeremy's calculating nature wouldn't provide anything beyond superficial romance.

He'd watched many romantic comedies with her; her reactions indicated a preference for warm, fuzzy romances—something Jeremy couldn't offer.

He wasn't even sure why she was dating him. What emotional fulfillment was he providing? Violet lost interest quickly; he'd seen it happen many times. He wanted to believe the same would occur here, but something about Jeremy set his teeth on edge unlike any of her previous boyfriends.

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