Page 66 of Loving Violet
“What do you mean?” he asks, tilting his head slightly.
“The lunch, the bathing suits, the towel. It’s like you knew exactly what we were going to end up doing,” I explain, my laughter bubbling up again.
Austin grins, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Maybe I did… Or maybe I just like to be prepared for anything.”
I shake my head, still smiling. “You’re something else, Austin.”
We finish drying off and sit on the grassy bank, enjoying the sun. The sound of the river provides a soothing backdrop, and I feel completely at peace. I lean against Austin, and he wraps his arm around me, pulling me close.
“This is perfect,” I say softly, feeling the contentment wash over me.
“It really is,” Austin agrees, his voice full of warmth. “I’m happy you are enjoying it.”
“I am,” I reply, turning my head to look at him. “Thank you, again, for bringing me here.”
“Anytime, beautiful,” he says, kissing my forehead gently. “I love seeing you happy.”
We sit in the grass for a while longer, basking in the moment.
Eventually, we gather our things and start making our way back up the trail. The hike back is filled with easy conversation that makes me feel more connected to Austin.
As we reach the parking lot, I realize how much this day has meant to me. It’s not just the beautiful scenery or the refreshing swim, it's the way Austin has made me feel cherished and loved.
Once we’re in the car, I turn to him and say, “Austin, today has been amazing.”
He takes my hand and squeezes it gently. “I’m glad you liked it, Violet. I loved every minute of it.”
I feel my heart swell with emotion. “I loved it, too, Austin. More than words can say.”
Austin gives me a tender kiss before he starts the car.
The happiness bubbling inside me is almost overwhelming.I never thought I could feel so light, so free, so...content.
“Are you hungry, beautiful?” Austin asks, glancing over with a smile that makes my heart flutter.
“Yes. What do you have in mind?” I ask, my curiosity piqued.
“I’m craving pizza,” he says, his eyes lighting up with a mischievous glint.
“Well, then let’s have some pizza,” I reply, matching his enthusiasm.
We decide to head to Slice of Heaven, the best pizzeria in town.
The familiar aroma of baking dough and melting cheese welcomes us as we step inside. At the counter, we order a pepperoni pizza—simple and delicious, just the way I like it. Austin takes my hand, leading me to a cozy booth by the window.
I notice a few people glancing in our direction—curious, but subtle. I ignore them and keep my attention on Austin. He’s laid-back, asking me simple questions—favorite movies, books, childhood stories—just trying to get to know me. His easygoing nature makes me relax, and before I realize it, I’m opening up more than I thought I would.
“So, tell me something funny,” I say, leaning back in my chair as I take a sip of my soda.
Austin smirks, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Let me think. There are so many stories, and all of them involve the guys.”
“I can’t wait to hear them,” I say.
He chuckles, running a hand through his hair as he starts. “Okay, so when we were in high school, my friends and I all had this massive crush on a girl named Angela. She was two years older than us, completely out of our league, and she knew it. But that didn’t stop us from being complete idiots about it.”
“Oh no,” I say, already laughing. “What did you guys do?”
“Well,” he says, leaning in conspiratorially, “Angela was the captain of the cheerleading team, so naturally, we decided to join the mascot squad—because that made sense, right? We thought it would impress her.”
