Page 104 of Loving Violet
Inside, I meet Violet’s brother, Mason, and his wife, Grace. Mason’s got the same blonde hair as Violet and greets us with a solid handshake. Grace, small and friendly, gives us a warm hug. Violet’s mom, Mabel, pauses in the kitchen to hug us too, her blue eyes kind, even as she says, “Adrian, your hair’s getting long. You should think about a haircut.” Her tone is soft, more habit than critique.
Her dad, Luka, welcomes me with a firm handshake and a drink, guiding us into the living room. The house feels homey, with family pictures and the smell of a good meal in the air.
Luka shares stories from Violet’s childhood, his laid-back attitude putting me at ease. We settle into easy conversation, laughter filling the room.
After a while, we head to the dining room, where a beautiful Thanksgiving feast awaits. The table is adorned with a centerpiece of autumn leaves and candles, and the spread includes turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, salads, bread, and vegetables.
After a delicious Thanksgiving dinner and an evening full of laughter and stories, Violet and I start saying our goodbyes. The room is buzzing with family chaos. Mabel’s tidying up even though everything is already spotless, Luka is helping Adrian wrestle Max into behaving, and Mason and Grace are laughing at something on the couch. It’s a scene straight out of one of those sappy holiday commercials, and I can’t help but feel content.
Adrian’s staying with his grandparents tonight, so it’s just me and Violet heading back to her apartment.Finally.
“Thank you so much for having us,” I say, shaking Luka’s hand firmly. “Dinner was amazing. Seriously, I’m still thinking about those sweet potatoes. And the pie. And well, everything.”
Mabel positively beams, her earlier critiques forgotten or at least ignored. “You’re welcome, Austin. It was lovely to have you. I’m just glad my daughter finally brought you around. Took her long enough!”
“Mom,” Violet says, groaning as she pulls Mabel into a hug. “Don’t make it weird.”
“Oh, sweetie, I’ve barely gotten started,” Mabel says with a mischievous grin.
I laugh, shaking hands with Mason and Grace again. “See you soon. And don’t worry, I’ll make sure Violet keeps driving in a straight line.”
Luka claps me on the back as we head for the door. “Take care, son. And good luck!”
I’m not sure what I need luck for, but I’m taking it.
Violet kiss Adrian’s head. “Be good for Grandma and Grandpa, okay? And don’t forget to take Max out before bed.”
Adrian rolls his eyes. “Yes, Mom. I know. Love you.”
I fist-bump him. “See you tomorrow, buddy.”
“Now that I won’t be around, you can get back to your lovey-dovey stuff,” Adrian says with a smirk.
“You bet we will,” I say, winking at him.
He chuckles, shaking his head like he’s too cool for all of this, but I catch the grin on his face.
As Violet and I walk to the car hand in hand, I glance over at her, noticing how her whole face is lit up. Tonight has clearly done wonders for her.
“See? Told you that your mom would focus on me and not you,” I say, squeezing her hand.
She laughs softly. “True, but I’m just glad she didn’t fall head over heels for you. That would’ve been awkward.”
I shoot her a smug grin. “What can I say? If Ihadto charm her, I would’ve nailed it. You’d have to start worrying about me getting adopted into the family.”
“Oh, please,” she says, rolling her eyes. “She’s already obsessed with Adrian. You were just the side dish.”
“Fair. I’ll take it. But admit it, tonight was perfect, right?”
She smiles up at me, her eyes sparkling. “It really was. Thanks for surviving my family.”
“Anytime,” I reply. “Honestly, I think I’m a natural at this whole family holiday thing.”
She laughs as we reach the car, the sound making my chest feel a little lighter.
The drive back is quiet and peaceful, the streets are glowing softly under the streetlights. Once we’re back at her apartment, we head inside, hand in hand, the silence between us comfortable and full of that unspoken connection we’ve built.
As soon as we step into the bedroom, though, I can’t hold back anymore. I gently press her against the wall, sliding my hands up to frame her face. Her wide eyes meet mine, and I lean in just enough that our noses brush.
