Violet And Her Alien Matchmaker (2 page)

Violet buckled Simon into the backseat before getting herself situated up front.

Once Tiraz slid behind the wheel, the car seemed much smaller, with his broad shoulders and tall frame. He turned toward her and gave her an easy smile, one that made her stomach flutter in response.

“What kind of food does Simon like? Seafood? I’ve found I’m rather partial to it.”

“Can I have spaghetti?” Simon asked softly, almost as if he were afraid to make a request.

Violet felt a pang in her chest. How many times had he asked to get something out to eat and she’d had to explain they couldn’t afford it? How many times had he asked if she could make a specific meal for them at home, and she hadn’t been able to afford the ingredients? She felt like a horrible mother. She loved him more than life itself, and fought fiercely to keep him with her, but had she done him a disservice?

Would he have been better off if she’d taken him to the Winterhaven Home for Boys and let some kindly couple take care of him?

Tiraz gazed at her intently before smiling at Simon. “You can have whatever you want. It’s my treat, and I know just the place to go.”

Violet stared out of the window at the passing scenery as Tiraz drove them to the restaurant. She didn’t know where he was going, and she didn’t much care. As long as Simon got to eat, that was all that mattered. It might very well be his last meal today, even though it was still early for dinner. She’d restocked his snack drawer in the kitchen at home with peanut butter crackers and a box of gummies, but she knew they wouldn’t last.

When they pulled up in front of Little Italy, one of the nicest Italian restaurants in town, Violet fought the urge to request a different restaurant. She’d never had the money to eat at a place like this, and she knew they weren’t dressed appropriately. Did they even let small children eat here?

Simon’s eyes were wide as he got out of the car and clutched her hand tightly.

Violet led him toward the door and felt the light touch of Tiraz’s hand at her waist as he fell into step beside her. When they reached the glass door with the pretty etchings, a man in a black suit held the door open for them, and another man dressed the same as the first stood by a podium, smiling at them.

“Mr. Tiraz, it’s pleasure to have you with us again. And I see you brought

guests.”

Was it Violet’s imagination or did he sneer the word “guests?” She glanced

down at her clothes and realized they were well-worn and not as fancy as the other people seated in the dining room, but they were clean and the best she owned. Simon’s hand tightened on hers and she could feel his anxiety coming off him in waves.

They were escorted to a table near the window and Violet seated Simon before claiming her own chair. Tiraz didn’t sit until they were both seated, then he smiled at them as if this had been the best idea he’d ever had. Couldn’t he tell they didn’t belong in a place like this? That her child was terrified?

Tiraz leaned across the table toward Simon. “This place has the best spaghetti in the entire city. Possibly in the entire state. And it comes with huge meatballs!”

Simon looked intrigued and some of his fear eased. “Really? How big?”

“So big they won’t fit in your mouth. You’ll have to cut them up before you can eat them. They’re really good with sauce on them.”

Simon’s tension eased a little more as he looked around. “I don’t see any other children in here. Maybe I’m not supposed to be here.”

The change in Tiraz was subtle, but Violet saw it. She saw the moment he

realized her son was scared. Tiraz reached across the table and brushed Simon’s hair back from his face. There was a kindness in his eyes that melted Violet’s heart and made her wish he’d look at her that way.

“I’ll tell you what. We’ll order our food, and if you don’t like it here, then we’ll leave. Deal?” Tiraz asked.

“You’d really leave if I want to?” Simon asked.

Tiraz nodded. “If you want, we can order our food to go and I’ll take you to my home and we can eat there. It isn’t far from here and I have a great view from the top floor of my building.”

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.”