Noah did his best to keep busy until Sunday, but it was difficult; reminders of Violet were everywhere, especially at work. More than one student innocently asked about her whereabouts. He explained that she was busy, but not all the students accepted this easily. They adored her.

"But it's been more than a month!" one said sullenly. "She always visits for a few weeks at a time"

The student was right. Violet usually dropped by daily during her shows, since rehearsals started later. Her absence during Cinderella puzzled him.

He couldn't visit her while Jeremy was at work; her father wouldn't allow it. Unless she used visiting her father as an excuse…

Ugh, he didn't understand. What was so great about Jeremy? Was she so desperate for love that she'd settle for anyone? The thought pained him; it meant he wasn't even considered, despite his obvious feelings.

That week, he spent time with Kristen and her boyfriend, having nothing better to do. They were nice, and their casual relationship didn't make him feel like a third wheel.

His mother, Jennica, noticed something was wrong. He was gloomier than usual when he came home—a stark contrast to his demeanor when he was with Violet.

"Noah, sweetie? Are you alright?" she asked kindly.

He shook his head, unable to articulate his feelings. Jennica wrapped her arms around him. Though tall for a woman, she was shorter than him, her head resting on his shoulder.

He held her close, burying his face in her neck, needing comfort. His voice broke as he spoke.

"Why aren't I good enough, Mom?"

Jennica pulled back, gently caressing his cheek. "Now, what idiot told you that?"

Her fierce tone contradicted her gentle actions, eliciting a small laugh. She was always protective of those she loved. He was lucky to have her.

"Nobody said it," he admitted. "But if I were good enough, Violet wouldn't be dating someone else. Again."

She sighed, ruffling his hair. "Sweetie, you can't think like that. People can't control their feelings. Whether someone likes you isn't your problem. If Violet can't see how wonderful you are, it's her loss."

That didn't help. It felt like his loss.

Maybe he should avoid her until things calmed down. But not seeing her at all was worse than seeing her with someone else—a lesson learned in college. He was unsure what to do.

On Sunday, Noah met Violet at a nearby arcade. They had refurbished old video game machines alongside newer VR ones. Many enjoyed the retro games for nostalgia.

Despite his misery all week, he was happiest around her. Being in love with someone who didn't return his feelings was truly awful.

He loved watching her concentrate on the games and the exhilarated look on her face when she won. It was easier to ignore Jeremy and pretend it was a normal day.

That plan ended abruptly when Violet mentioned her Thanksgiving plans.

"You invited him? Seriously? Isn't that a little soon?" Noah asked skeptically.

"I couldn't let someone be alone on a holiday," she replied defensively. "Besides, he's not a stranger. My dad knows him well. And you know my mom likes taking in people who have nowhere to go on Thanksgiving."

That was true, but did it have to be Jeremy? It felt like boyfriend territory, not "taking-in-a-stray" territory. Things were more serious than he thought.

Upset, he accidentally knocked the air hockey puck into his own goal three times, letting Violet win. She laughed; she usually couldn't beat him.

"So, what are you doing for Thanksgiving?" she asked, starting a new game.

"Going to the Virginia naval base to spend it with my Uncle Brian's family," he replied dully.

"Why so upset? I thought you liked your cousins."

"I do. It's something else," he said curtly, refusing further details. Telling her would be a confession.

Violet frowned, stopping the puck and scrutinizing him. "You don't look good. What is it?"

Noah sighed. How could she see through him about most things yet be oblivious to his love? She'd always been like this—astute about everyone except herself.

"You wouldn't believe me."

"Try me."

"It's not a big deal, Vi," he lied.

As long as she liked someone else, he didn't want her to know his feelings. He knew he had no chance, and it would only make things awkward. He wouldn't sacrifice their easy relationship for anything.

(The final paragraph with the website information has been removed as it is promotional content.)