Page 85 of Loving Violet
It’s Friday, and the excitement in the air is almost palpable. Violet and I left work early so we could prepare for Adrian’s first soccer game. Violet went all out with snacks and drinks for the kids. I swear, she’s more excited about this game than Adrian is.
We ordered matching team shirts to wear, and I’m now ready, decked out in the shirt, dark jeans, and my favorite pair of sneakers.
I take a quick glance at myself in the mirror and grin.
“Hey, Violet! Adrian!” I call out from the living room. “Are you guys ready to go?”
A few moments later, the door to the hallway opens, and out steps Violet and Adrian.
Violet is wearing tight black yoga pants that hug her curves perfectly, paired with the team shirt. Her hair is pulled into a high ponytail, and she has a wide smile and the sparkle in her eyes show me that she is as excited as I am. She’s holding a cooler bag full of snacks and drinks.
“Let me help you with that,” I say to her while I extend my hand to grab the big bag. When the bag is in my hand Violet stands on her tippy toes and gives me a soft kiss. “Thank you.” I smile at her. These are the moments that make me happy. Simple kisses and soft spoken thank yous.
Adrian, on the other hand, is dressed in his full team uniform: a bright blue jersey, matching shorts, shin guards, and soccer cleats. His face is flushed with excitement, and he’s practically bouncing on his toes.
“Are we going to win today, Austin?” Adrian asks as he tugs on the strap of his backpack.
“Absolutely, buddy,” I say, ruffling his hair. “You have been practicing hard, and I know you’re going to do great out there.”
“Yeah, but I’m a little nervous,” Adrian admits.
“That’s normal,” Violet chimes in, bending down to adjust Adrian’s socks. “Just remember to have fun and do your best. That’s all that matters.”
Adrian nods, taking a deep breath. “Okay, I’ll do my best.”
As we head to the car, Violet and I chat about how excited we are for the game.
“You know, I bought way too many snacks,” Violet says with a laugh. “I’m worried we’ll have leftovers.”
“It’s better to have too much than too little,” I reply, smiling. “Besides, I’m sure the kids will appreciate it.”
“I hope so. I just wanted to make sure everyone has a good time.”
“Trust me, they will,” I assure her. “You’ve thought of everything.”
We pull up to the school, and the soccer field comes into view—a wide stretch of green, the white lines freshly painted, marking the boundaries and goals. The sun's out, casting a golden light over everything. Parents and kids are milling around, some chatting, others getting ready for the game.
I park, and we grab the cooler and foldable chairs from the trunk. The smell of freshly cut grass hits me. There’s a buzz in the air—kids laughing, parents talking. It’s the perfect Friday afternoon.
“Let’s find a good spot,” I suggest, scanning the field for a good vantage point.
We find a spot on the sidelines, near the middle of the field but not too close to the action. I set up the chairs while Violet put the cooler and snacks to the side.
Adrian heads over to join his team, and I watch as he exchanges high-fives with his teammates. He’s chatting with the other kids and trying to get in the zone.
I take my phone from my pocket to text the guys.
Me: Where are you? We are already seated near the middle of the field.
Noah: I’m getting out of my car right now.
Esteban: On my way. Save me a spot.
I turn to Violet and say, “The guys are on their way. Is Josy coming?”
“Yes. She should be here somewhere. Let me text her and see where she is.”
Violet starts texting Josy and while she waits for her response, Noah arrives and puts his seat beside me.
