Page 42 of Loving Violet
Austin: I hope you had wonderful dreams last night.
Austin: I can’t wait to see you at the coffee shop.
How does he know that I dreamt about him?
Me: My dreams were nice. How about yours?
Austin: They were perfect.
Austin: I dreamt about you.
Me: Really?
Austin: Really, I can’t get you out of my head. It’s like you bewitched me, woman.
Me: Hahahaha. You are crazy
Austin: I’m crazy for you.
Austin: Violet, I’m not playing, this is the first time I’ve felt like this for a woman. For anyone.
My breath catches at his confession. Is it really genuine, or is he just saying this to get me into bed? That nagging doubt creeps in, and I can’t shake it off. I want to believe in the honesty he’s shown so far, but what if this is just another line designed to pull me in, only for him to disappear once he gets what he wants? The thought twists in my stomach, leaving a sour taste.
I take a few minutes to let the uncertainty wash over me, my mind racing with possibilities and fears. I can’t help but replay all of our interactions, searching for signs—was he really interested in me, or just in the thrill of the moment? My heart aches at the idea of being hurt again.
As I wrestle with these emotions, I remind myself how hard it’s been to let anyone in since Taylor. I’ve spent so long building up walls to protect myself, and here I am, feeling vulnerable all over again. Just when I think I’ve collected my thoughts, my phone pings again, pulling me back to the moment.
Austin: Am I scaring you?
Me: Honestly, a little.
Me: I don’t want to get hurt.
Me: And my heart… it's already fractured
Austin: Give me a chance to prove to you that I am serious.
Me: Okay.
Austin: Perfect. See you later, beautiful.
Feeling a mixture of anticipation and nervousness, I put my phone down and continue to make breakfast. Adrian will be up soon, and I want to have it all ready.
Adrian shuffles into the kitchen, rubbing his eyes. "Good morning, buddy." I greet him with a smile.
"Morning, Mom," he replies, still half-asleep.
Whew, not bruh. The small blessings in life.
I serve him breakfast, and as we sit together, I can’t help but think about my upcoming dinner with Austin. I want to believe in the possibility of happiness and love again, but I know I need to be careful. Trust needs to be built, and I want to make sure this is real.
But it’s just dinner and building plans. Why am I putting so much emotion into this? Good Lord, am I…crushing on Austin?
"Mom, why are you smiling like that?" Adrian asks, looking at me curiously.
"I'm just happy, sweetheart. It's going to be a great day," I reply, ruffling his hair.
After breakfast, Adrian goes to get ready for school. I pack his lunch and double-check his backpack to make sure he has everything he needs for the day. When he's ready, we leave. I take him to school and at the car line, I turn to talk to him.
