Page 32 of Loving Violet
“Come on, Austin. Why can’t you give me a chance?”
“Megan, how many times have I told you that I’m not interested? I really appreciate the invite, but I don’t want to give you the wrong impression if we go and eat together.”
“Why? Because now you’re interested in the new barista?” Megan says with disdain.
“What?” I asked perplexed.What the fuck?
“Yeah. That’s what everyone in town is talking about. How you go to Josy’s coffee shop every day and have all hearts in your eyes as you lovingly stare at the new barista.”
“Really? Well, I guess that’s my problem, not yours. And if you remember, I haven’t been interested in you for a very long time.”
“You know what? Whatever. It’s your loss,” Megan replies as she rolls her window up and drives away.
I shake my head, frustrated by the encounter. Megan has always been persistent, but my feelings for her have never matched her interest in me. Now, with Violet in the picture, I’m even less inclined to entertain Megan’s advances. I get into my car and head toward my parents' house, hoping that the time with them will help clear my mind, because apparently everyone knows about my attraction to Violet.
Damn It. Fucking small towns and their meddling people.
Driving through the Honey Springs countryside is always a pleasure. The rolling hills, dense forests, and scenic views feel like something out of a postcard, offering a quiet escape from the day to day. With my favorite playlist filling the car, I find myself thinking about Violet. Her laugh, and that brief, vulnerable moment she shared it all lingers in my mind.
I pull into my parents’ driveway, their suburban house looking just as inviting as ever. The garden is in full bloom, and the lawn is trimmed to perfection. The familiar sight instantly puts me at ease. As soon as I step out of the car, my mom, Elsie, and dad, Jordan, come out to greet me. Mom’s silver-streaked auburn hair frames her kind face, always calm and graceful. Dad, with his salt-and-pepper beard and mischievous eyes, still has that spark of humor and love for life. The scent of freshly baked cookies drifts from the house, completing the perfect homecoming scene.
“Hey, Mom, Dad,” I say, embracing them.
“Hi, Austin. It’s so good to see you!” my mom exclaims, her smile lighting up her face.
I go to my dad and give him a hug as well. “Come, let's go inside, boy.”
“Lead the way, old man.”
“Old man, my ass,” my dad retorts, and we both laugh.
Inside, the house is filled with family photos and memorabilia. The coziness of the living room and the familiar scent of my mom’s cooking make me feel instantly at home. We settle down with coffee and cookies. My mom starts her usual gentle interrogation.
“So, Austin, are there any nice women in your life yet? I need grandchildren, you know,” she says, her eyes flicker with mischief. “And the town does talk…especially about the new girl down at Josy’s coffee shop.”
I laugh. “Really, Mom. You want to start there?
She just glares at me and smiles as she says, “Well, yes.”
I know I won’t win with her nosiness, so I go ahead and begin. “Okay, fine, since you all seem to know… There’s someone new in town who I’ve been thinking a lot about lately.”
“Oh? Tell us more. Who is she?” my dad asks, leaning in with interest.
“Her name is Violet. She’s...different. Special,” I reply, feeling a warmth spread through me as I talk about her.
“You sound serious. What makes her so special?” my dad asks.
“She’s strong, resilient. A great mom to her son, Adrian, from what I have seen. She is also beautiful. But she comes from a horrible marriage, and I need to tread carefully,” I admit, feeling a sense of certainty I haven’t felt before.
“Well, if you think that she might be worth the wait, then you have to have patience. All great things come with time. Show her what an amazing man you are. I think any woman would be lucky to have you.”
“You think so, Mom?”
“I’m certain. I’m so glad that you have a woman in mind. I’m getting old, and I need grandbabies soon. I don’t want to be too old to play with them, so you better hurry up. And it’s good she already has a son, I can get a head start on spoiling him.”
“Yeah, yeah, Mom. You are not even old, besides you have grandchildren already,” I say.
My two sisters, Elena and Hailey, have two kids each. My youngest brother Beckett doesn’t have any, but he's only twenty five and recently finished college, so I don’t see him having any kids soon.
