Page 52 of Loving Violet
I look at him and say, “Will I see you tomorrow?”
“Yes, of course, Vi. Text me when you get home. Thank you for coming and for giving us a chance. I promise that you won’t regret it.”
“Okay. Thanks for the amazing dinner and for...the other thing.” I blush as I say that last part.
“It was my absolute pleasure,” Austin answers, wiggling his eyebrows in a funny way that makes me laugh. He walks me to my car and gives me a peck on the lips before I hop into my seat. “Remember to text me.”
“Yes, I will. Bye.” I wave at him once I’m in my car. Austin is standing on his sidewalk and watches me drive away. I look at him from my review mirror and I smile to myself. Reminiscing about the night, wishing I could have stayed longer... I was not expecting to feel like this so soon.
On my drive home, which takes about fifteen minutes, I only think of Austin. When I get home, I float into the house, feeling weightless. Josy and Adrian are watching TV.
“Hey, guys. How was your movie night?”
“It was amazing. Aunt Josy let me select whatever I wanted.”
“Tell her what you selected,” Josy chimes in.
“I wanted to seeA Quiet Place. I know you don’t like movies like those because they make you jumpy, so I watched it without you.”
“Thank God. I did not want to watch that movie,” I say to both of them.
Josy chuckles. “It was actually pretty good. Adrian was brave the whole time.”
I ruffle Adrian’s hair. “You’re getting so grown up, watching scary movies without me.”
He grins. “Yeah, I guess I am.”
Josy leans down and whispers in my ears, “Did you have a good time with Austin?”
I feel my cheeks warm at the mention of Austin. “Yes, I did. He’s a great guy.”
Josy gives me a knowing look. “Great guy, huh? Sounds like you had a fantastic time.”
I nod, smiling. “I really did. But now, it’s time for bed. Come on, Adrian.”
Josy looks at me with a knowing smirk. I look at her and shake my head, silently conveying that I will tell her everything when I get back.
“Okay, Mom,” he says, turning off the TV. “Goodnight, Aunt Josy.”
“Goodnight, buddy,” Josy replies, giving him a hug.
I follow Adrian to his room and make sure that he is tucked in his bed. I lean down and kiss his forehead. “Sweet dreams, my little man.”
“Night, Mom,” he murmurs, already half asleep.
I head back to the living room where Josy is waiting, a curious expression on her face. “So, spill. How was it?”
“It was perfect,” I say, sitting down beside Josy. “We had a great dinner, talked about so much, and just...connected. He’s different, Josy. He makes me feel special.” I blush deeply, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks.
Josy bursts into laughter. “Bitch, please. Tell me what youactuallydid. Your face says it all. Spill it!”
“Oh my God,” I shrug and roll my eyes, placing both hands over my face. “Why do I feel so hot all of a sudden?”
Josy leans in, eager for details. “Come on, you know you want to tell me.”
“Okay, okay.” I finally relent, lowering my hands. “When I got there, he had dinner ready and we got to talk and get to know each other a little bit. Later, we sat on his couch and he was looking at me like I hung the moon. I told him about my marriage with Taylor. He was so understanding.”
“I told you that he was very attracted to you, and you didn’t want to believe me,” she says with a smile, opening a bottle of wine for us to share.
