There were many similar displays of 'fake affection'...
Even if it was all fake, she wanted to make Viola believe it was real. Just like boiling a frog in warm water, she would make Viola accept that Gem Atkinson loved her, Norma Ruby.
Of course, she had thought about what she would do if the truth was exposed.
She reasoned, if the truth came out and Gem questioned her, she wouldn't be afraid. She could casually joke, "Isn't this great? She's jealous, which means you have a place in her heart. I wish you success when you propose to her."
Offensive when needed,
Defensive when necessary.
This was her, Norma Ruby.
She had waited for Gem for twenty years and could not bear to see him and Viola be loving sweethearts.
She was determined to leave her mark on their relationship.
If she could not win Gem's heart, she would worm her way into Viola's instead.
On the eve of the wedding,
