The Partner Plot (The Greene Sisters, #2)

by Kristina Forest

Her parents, who owned a florist shop and nursery, were staples in the community, and Violet and her sisters had been involved in almost every club since they were toddlers. She was amazed to see the effect Xavier had on her classmates so quickly.

“I’m gonna be a celebrity wardrobe stylist.

brought you to Martin’s party because I wanted everyone to see me with you,” he whispered.

And so began their journey of first love.

They were even voted Cutest Couple for the senior superlatives.

“I love you like Mr. Bishop loves his pool.” Violet laughed. This was a game they played. “I love you like Mrs. Franklin loves writing late passes.” “I love you like LeBron loves Spalding.” “And I love you like the House of Chanel loves pearls.”

“I’m gonna marry you one day.”

Violet shook her head, fighting off the elation she felt. “We’d drive each other nuts.” “Some people would call that love, baby.”

“I’m not saying it will be easy, but we’ll be able to overcome whatever life throws at us. Because that’s what love is. I love you and you love me. I think it’s pretty simple, actually. I know we’re young and everything, but there’s no one else I want to do life with, Vi.”

He was the love of her life. Nothing was going to keep them apart. She was young and naive enough to believe that was true.

Valentine’s Day was nothing but a capitalist scam, and the world would be a much better place if everyone accepted this simple truth about this senseless holiday.

Thanks for bacon my Valentine’s Day eggs-traordinary!

Love was a joke.

“You’re just so young. You’re not married. You live alone. You could pick up and decide to move at any time.

Xavier was a bachelor. He was unmarried. Unencumbered. Unattached. All the “uns.”

Then, sophomore year, shortly before winter break, Xavier tore his Achilles tendon at practice and returned home to Willow Ridge to recuperate after surgery.

can’t bear the thought of losing you again.”

It is my biggest regret, full stop. Even more than leaving Kentucky.”

know the importance of what we have, and what we can be. Maybe at first glance we’re different.”

“Please don’t make a promise to me that you can’t keep.”

“I love you,” he said quietly. “I never stopped.”

together and played beautifully for months on end. Your talent and drive, and your bond, have blown me away. I might be your coach, but you’ve taught me just as much as I’ve taught you. You inspire me, honestly.”

there. Regardless of whether or not we have a trophy, you’re winners in my eyes. I couldn’t be prouder.”

But sometimes things didn’t go to plan and life turned out okay anyway.

“You and Violet always knew how to keep things exciting. I’ll give you that.”

“Sometimes you fall in love with a person, and regardless of where life takes you, your heart refuses to let go,”

Their love was enough to stand the test of time through almost a decade spent apart. Their love was more than enough. Their relationship wasn’t perfect, but it was real.