Page 67 of Loving Violet
I snort. “You? A mascot?”
He nods, grinning. “Yep. Picture this: three fifteen-year-old boys taking turns wearing a giant eagle costume that smelled like gym socks and regret.”
I burst out laughing, and he holds up a hand. “Wait, it gets better. One day, it’s my turn in the costume, and I’m out there on the sidelines, sweating buckets and trying to look cool—which is impossible when you’re an eagle doing the chicken dance. Anyway, Angela walks by, and I decide this is my moment. I flap my wings, try to strut toward her, and bam!”
“What happened?” I ask, practically choking on my laughter.
“I trip over the beak,” he says, slapping the table for emphasis. “I go down like a sack of bricks, right into the Gatorade cooler. The whole thing tips over, I’m soaking wet, and the cheerleaders are screaming because now their shoes are ruined.”
I’m doubled over, tears forming in my eyes. “Oh my God, no!”
“Oh yes,” he says, laughing along with me. “Angela didn’t even stop. She just walked right past me like I was part of the scenery. And the guys? They wouldn’t let me live it down for months. They called me “Floppy the Soaked Eagle” until graduation.”
I shake my head, still laughing. “Well, at least you were dedicated. That counts for something, right?”
Austin grins, leaning back in his chair. “Yeah, it counts as a cautionary tale for anyone who thinks giant bird costumes are a good way to get a date.”
We both dissolve into laughter, everything feels light and easy and I loving to get to know this man that is starting to capture my heart.
A few people I recognize from town stop by to say hello. But then I get that strange feeling of being watched. I glance to the side and catch a woman staring. She’s a regular at the coffee shop, though I’ve never caught her name. Her gaze is sharp, almost like she’s sizing me up, and it sends a cold shiver through me.
“What’s wrong?” Austin asks, noticing my discomfort.
“That woman over there is looking at me in a weird way,” I say, nodding subtly in her direction.
Austin turns slightly, his expression shifting as he sees her. He lets out a deep sigh. “That’s Megan. We dated in high school, and ever since I came back five years ago, she’s been nagging me about getting back together.”
I raise both of my brows in surprise. “Really? Have you dated anyone since you moved back?”
“Nope,” he says, shaking his head. “I told you, I was never intent on dating again. That was until I saw you.”
“You’re too sweet. But if I’m honest, Austin, she’s kinda creeping me out,” I admit, feeling a little uneasy.
“Just ignore her,” Austin says, squeezing my hand reassuringly.
The buzzer lights up signaling that our order is ready and Austin stands to pick up our order and we start eating.
I take his advice and focus on the easy conversation and the pizza in front of me. Austin’s presence is steady, grounding me, and the unease I felt earlier slowly fades. We chat about everything and nothing, the conversation flowing without a hitch. Just as we’re finishing up, my phone buzzes with a text.
Taylor: Hey, I got a call from work and I need to head back tomorrow morning. I will bring Adrian home in about an hour.
Me: Okay. Let me know when you guys are close so I can wait for Adrian outside.
Taylor:
I put my phone on the table and look at Austin.
“So, that was Taylor,” I say, crossing my arms and leaning against the table. My voice feels strained even to my own ears. “He’s bringing Adrian in about an hour. He had an emergency at work and needs to leave, so… I guess tonight is over.” I let out a sigh, not entirely sure if I’m relieved or disappointed.
“It’s okay, beautiful,” Austin says softly, his gaze steady and understanding. “This won’t be the only time we have together. Besides, I want to take Adrian fishing one of these afternoons, if that’s okay with you. I really want to get to know him better.”
My heart swells at his words, but just as quickly, a wave of uncertainty crashes over me. It’s not that I don’t want Adrian to spend time with Austin, I do. The thought of them bonding tugs at something deep inside me. But at the same time, my chest tightens with hesitation.
“That’s…really thoughtful of you,” I say, my voice quiet. “But, Austin, I don’t know if this is, if we’re moving too fast.” I run a hand through my hair, avoiding his gaze. “Adrian’s only just started adjusting to everything. He’s still processing the divorce, and I don’t want to confuse him.”
Austin leans closer, his expression soft but serious. “I get it, Violet. I know that this is new for both of us, and I’d never want to rush anything. But I also want you to know that I’m not just here for you, I care about Adrian too. I’m not trying to take over or push my way in. I just want to show him that I’m someone he can count on.”
I nod slowly, chewing on the inside of my cheek. “It’s not that I don’t trust you, Austin. It’s me. I’m scared.”
