Page 103 of Loving Violet
“You know,” I say, glancing at her, “I don’t think I’ve mentioned it yet, but you look absolutely beautiful today.”
She turns to me with a small smile. “You haven’t, but thank you. You’re looking pretty good yourself.”
I grin. “Baby, I always look good. Didn’t you know you’re dating the hottest man on this planet?”
She raises an eyebrow, trying not to laugh. “Oh, is that right? Thehottestman on Earth? You sure about that?”
“Absolutely. One hundred percent. You, Violet, are the luckiest woman alive.”
She snorts, rolling her eyes. “Well, if you say so. I guess I am pretty lucky.”
“Damn straight,” I say with a wink. “Just wait until your mom sees me. She’ll be so distracted by my charm and good looks, she won’t have time to critique your parenting.”
Violet bursts out laughing. “Oh great, now I have to worry about my mom falling for my boyfriend. Maybe I should just leave you in the car.”
“Too late,” I say, shaking my head. “You’ve already brought me into the lion’s den. No turning back now.”
“Well, when she starts telling you how to live your life, don’t say I didn’t warn you,” she says, still laughing.
“Hey, bring it on,” I say, puffing out my chest like I’m ready for battle. “I can handle whatever she’s got. Plus, I’ll win her over. Guaranteed.”
Violet smirks. “Oh, you have no idea what you’re walking into, do you? But I appreciate the confidence and the backup.”
I reach over and give her hand a squeeze. “Anything for you, babe. If things go sideways, we’ll just fake a family emergency, grab Max and Adrian, and make a run for it.”
“Deal,” she says, chuckling. “But let’s see if you survive Thanksgiving dinner first.”
“With you by my side? Easy,” I reply, giving her a playful grin. “Now, let’s go charm the pants off your family. Metaphorically, of course.”
“Please stop talking,” she says, shaking her head but laughing anyway.
Adrian scoffs from the back seat and says, “Can you guys be more gross?”
“Come on now, Adrian. Don’t be mean to me,” I say, turning to look at him.
“I’m not being mean, bruh. I’m just saying that you guys are gross with all this lovey-dovey stuff,” Adrian replies, rolling his eyes but grinning.
“Gross? You know, you’re just jealous,” I tease. “One day, you’ll understand how it feels to be this madly in love. Also, please be sure to not call your grandmother ‘bruh’.”
“Okay, okay, sheesh! And I am not jealous” Adrian says, shaking his head. “I’ll just pass on this love stuff, thanks.”
“Oh, you say that now,” Violet chimes in, smiling at him, “but one day, you’ll find someone who makes you feel the same way. And then you’ll be the one being all gross and lovey-dovey.”
“Not gonna happen,” Adrian insists. “But if it does, I’ll make sure to keep it private, unlike you two.”
“Okay,” I say, laughing. “But until then, you’ll just have to put up with us.”
Adrian sighs dramatically, but I can see the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Fine. But if I hear one more ‘beautiful’ or ‘baby’, I’m putting my headphones back on.”
“Deal,” I agree, chuckling. “We’ll try to keep it down.”
“Thanks,” Adrian says, leaning back in his seat. “I appreciate it.”
Violet and I share a knowing smile before she turns her attention back to the road. “Let’s make this Thanksgiving one to remember,” she says softly.
“With you and Adrian, it already is,” I reply, squeezing her hand once more as we continue our journey to Sweet Springs.
We pull up to Violet's parents' house, a simple two-story with a neat yard and a wooden fence. The front porch has a swing and a few planters, giving it a comfortable, lived-in feel.
