Page 37 of Loving Violet
“And what happened that you’re not close anymore? You never told me.”
“Nothing, we just drifted apart,” Josy says, looking away from me. This bitch is lying to me. But, I will let it go. She will tell me eventually. There’s something there that she doesn’t want to tell me. I see the way that Noah stares at Josy, and I also see how she tries not to look at him, but she is indeed looking at him whenever she thinks he is not watching her.
“Uh-huh,” I say, giving her a knowing look. “You’re not fooling anyone, you know.”
Josy blushes slightly and shrugs. “It’s nothing, really. Just...complicated.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Complicated how?”
She sighs, glancing over at Noah again. “We used to be really close, but things happened. People change.”
“I remember that you were close. Do you still have feelings for him?” I ask.
Josy’s eyes widen, and she shakes her head vehemently. “No, it’s not like that. It’s just...we have a lot of history.”
I nod, deciding to let the subject drop for now. “Alright, but you know you can talk to me about anything, right?”
“Yeah, I know,” she says with a small smile. “Thanks, Vi.”
We both turn our attention back to the guys. Austin is crouched next to Adrian, patiently explaining something as Adrian listens intently, his eyes wide with fascination. It’s heartwarming to watch them—like they’ve known each other forever. The way that Austin takes the time to connect with him makes me see him in an entirely new light.
The sun is high now, and the heat is getting intense. I turn to Josy, wiping the sweat off my forehead. “I’m going to the water. Wanna join me?”
“Absolutely,” she says, already reaching for the hem of her dress.
As we start shedding layers, a wave of self-consciousness washes over me. I brought a one-piece bathing suit, nothing too revealing, but even so, I feel exposed. My stomach tightens as I glance down at my body. Every insecurity bubbles to the surface—how my thighs look, the softness around my middle, the way I imagine people might judge me.
I glance around, but no one seems to be paying attention. Austin and Adrian are too wrapped up in their little project, and the peaceful surroundings offer a small comfort. Taking a deep breath, I force myself to peel off my shorts and shirt and drape them over the back of my chair.
“Love your suit,” Josy says, her tone bright and genuine. She’s already down to her two-piece green bikini, and she looks flawless. Her body is toned and curvy in all the right places, the kind of figure that turns heads. “I wish I had a body like yours,” I mutter, trying to sound casual, though I can feel the vulnerability in my voice.
Josy spins toward me, her expression incredulous. “Woman, have you looked at yourself in the mirror? That bathing suit makes you look fucking hot. Just look at your ass!” She gestures dramatically, making me laugh despite myself. “I wish my ass looked like that. And don’t even get me started on your curves—you’re a bombshell, Violet.”
A smile tugs at my lips, and I shake my head. “Thanks, Josy. I guess we’re both hot bitches.”
“Damn right, we are,” she says, grabbing my hand and leading me toward the water.
The river feels cool and inviting against my skin as we wade in, and I let out a contented sigh. The current is gentle, lapping around us as we drift deeper. Josy splashes me, laughing, and I retaliate with a wave of water that catches her right in the face.
“Hey!” she squeals, sputtering and laughing as she flicks water back at me.
For the first time in a while, I let myself relax. The insecurities that felt so heavy moments ago seem lighter now, swept away by the joy of being in the moment with my best friend. The sun shimmers on the water’s surface, casting golden ripples, and the sound of Adrian’s laughter floats over from the shore.
I haven’t been able to stop sneaking glances at Austin and Adrian. There’s something mesmerizing about watching them together. Adrian’s enthusiasm and Austin’s patient, easy demeanor create a picture that tugs at my heart.
I catch Austin looking at me on multiple occasions. Each time, his gaze lingers just long enough to send a flutter through my chest. He’s not subtle, but there’s no awkwardness in it—just a quiet confidence that feels disarming. In his eyes, I see desire, unspoken but unmistakable.
The feeling is unfamiliar, yet not unwelcome. For so long, I’ve shied away from even entertaining the idea of someone looking at me like that—seeing me as more than just a mom, a woman piecing her life back together. But Austin… He doesn’t look at me with pity or judgment. Only warmth, curiosity, and something deeper that I can’t quite name.
He hasn’t approached me yet—too busy with Adrian and the guys, laughing and casting lines into the river. But that doesn’t stop me from enjoying the view. His broad shoulders catch the light as he moves, the subtle strength in his arms as he casts the fishing rod, the easy way he carries himself. There’s an unspoken power in his presence, one that calms me even as it sets my pulse racing.
I let myself relax in the water, leaning back with Josy by my side, the sun warming my face. Each time our eyes meet, I feel a little braver, a little bolder, like maybe this new chapter of my life could hold more than I dared to dream.
As the sun dips lower in the sky, casting golden hues over the river, we start packing up our things. Adrian chatters excitedly with Esteban and Noah, recounting every detail of his day with animated gestures. His enthusiasm is infectious, and I can’t help but smile as I watch him.
I glance up to see Austin walking toward me, his steps deliberate, his expression thoughtful. He’s carrying his tackle box in one hand, his shoulders relaxed but purposeful.
“Hey, Violet,” he says, his voice smooth and warm, wrapping around me like a gentle breeze. “I was wondering if you’d like to meet for dinner sometime this week. We can go over the changes I made to your house plans.”
