Page 35 of Loving Violet
When Adrian comes running from his room, I realize that I’m right.
“Mom, I need a new swimsuit. These are getting too tight,” he says while trying to stretch the fabric at his waist. And they are in fact getting too small for him.
“I guess you will have to wear those, that’s what’s trending these days. Short, tight trunks,” I say with a smirk.
“Bruh, are you for real? That’s not trending at all. Why would I walk around with trunks that are so tight that I can’t even fart?”
“Are you sure that you can’t? I know for a fact that you can fart alright,” I say with a grin on my face.
“I’m sure. I’m just growing. Besides, I don’t care about trends.”
“If you say so, but if I were you, I’d watch more videos on fashion and how to properly wear swimming trunks. The ladies will always go for the cute guy that wears trendy clothes.” At my words, Adrian comes on top of me and starts hugging me very tight, and I start laughing. All his weight is on me, and we fall to the floor.
“Take it back, Mom. You will help me find new trunks, or I will start tickling you,” Adrian says.
“Okay, okay. I’m messing with you.” Adrian starts tickling me even though he said he wouldn’t. “Stop! I will help you.” I try to yell in the midst of my laughing fit.
Adrian stops and starts filling my face with kisses, and I can’t stop laughing.
I’m going to miss these moments when he grows up…
Just then, Josy walks in, dressed in a simple sundress with her swimsuit underneath. “Are you two ready?” she asks with a smile.
“Yes, just finishing up here,” I say, still catching my breath. I’m wearing short, shorts and a tank top, with the top of my pink swimsuit peeking out.
“Let’s go, people,” Josy says while she walks toward the door of the apartment.
The drive is filled with Adrian’s chatter about fishing techniques he’s learned and what kind of fish he hopes to catch. I smile, listening to him, and feel a sense of contentment. This day is going to be perfect.
When we arrive at the river, the beautiful scenery takes my breath away. The clear water, surrounded by lush trees, is serene and inviting. There are families that are either fishing or just enjoying the water. I find a good spot to set up our picnic, and Adrian immediately runs to the water’s edge.
“I forgot to grab some things from the car. I will come back fast and help you set up,” Josy says as she starts walking to the car.
As I’m setting up, I notice Austin a little farther down sitting on a beach chair and fishing with his friends. I recognize Noah but not the other guy. Austin sees me and walks over, his confident stride making my heart flutter.
He is wearing light blue swim trunks and white long-sleeve shirt that hugs his chest and arms just right. He has an athletic build that has been hiding under his work clothes. Now it’s very noticeable and it makes it hard to look away. The way his muscles move beneath the fabric it’s impossible not to notice. His short beard gives him that rugged edge, but there’s something easygoing about him too. He fits right into the peaceful setting, like this is exactly where he’s meant to be.
As he walks over, my cheeks warm, betraying me. I try to focus on something else, but my gaze keeps drifting back to him. Just then, Adrian runs up to grab his fishing rod, pulling me back into the moment before I get too lost in my thoughts.
“Hi, Violet,” Austin says.
“Hi, Austin,” I reply, feeling a little nervous. “This is my son, Adrian. Adrian, this is Mr. Austin.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Austin,” Adrian says politely.
“Nice to meet you too, Adrian. You can drop the mister and just call me Austin,” he responds with a friendly grin.
“How do you know my mom?” Adrian asks with a seriousness that I have never seen.
“I’m the architect creating the house of her dreams, and I also see her every day at the coffee shop,” Austin explains.
“Okay, do you know how to fish?” Adrian asks.
“Yes, I do. Do you know how to?” Austin replies.
“Nope, today is my first time. I’ve been watching videos on YouTube with my mom. I’ll be trying what I learned today.”
“That’s cool! You’re pretty smart,” Austin says, nodding his head as he winks at me. “What if I go with you and teach you what I know? I’ve been fishing since I was your age, I think I know a few things. What do you say? Well, if that’s okay with your mom, of course.”
