Page 12 of Loving Violet
As I drive to Adrian’s school, I think about all the possibilities. Social media campaigns, engaging content, maybe even a loyalty program to keep customers coming back. I pull up to the school just as the bell rings and see Adrian coming out, his blonde hair bouncing with each step.
“Hey, buddy!” I call out, and he waves enthusiastically before running over to the car.
“Hey, Mom! How was your day?” Adrian exclaims.
“Interesting, to say the least. How about yours?”
“It was good. We had gym outside today, and I scored the winning goal in soccer! I think I love soccer, Mom.” He is so excited, and it makes me happy to see him smile so big.
“Did you know that I’m the only new student? All the kids in my class have known each other since Pre-K. Now I’m the talk of the school. The boys are saying that the girls will flock to me, but I don’t know what they mean by that.” Adrian grunts with his last words.
“Well, I guess they are saying that the girls in your class will enjoy looking at your handsome face,” I say to Adrian.
“But why would they want to look at me? I’m just a kid. There are plenty more kids. Why me?” Adrian says, annoyed.
Oh, my dear son, he is so oblivious, and I hope to keep it that way; he is growing up too fast.
“The girls will look at you because you are a handsome boy. Why else would they be looking at you?” I answer him with a disbelieving look on my face.
“If you say so,” Adrian mumbles.
“Did you like any of the girls?” I ask him while I wiggle my eyebrows.
“Gross, bruh. I didn’t even look at them like that,” Adrian says with a disgusted look on his face. I guess that’s good. I am not prepared for the time when he starts to look at girls any different way than with disgust.
“By the way, we’re having Josy over for dinner. Any idea what you want to eat?” I ask.
He thinks for a moment, then grins. “Can we have pizza?”
“Pizza it is. Let’s pick one up on the way home,” I say, smiling at his simple request. I pull out my phone and text Josy to let her know tonight's menu and to get her order.
Me: Adrian wants pizza.
Josy: I knew I liked your kid. I want pepperoni, please.
Me: Only if you promise not to steal all the pepperoni like last time.
Josy: No promises. You know the pepperoni calls to me.
Me: Fine.
Josy: Want some cinnamon bread sticks for dessert?
Me: I thought you’d never ask. Yes!
Josy: YES! I need some sugar in my system.
Me: Okay, see you in a few.
Josy: Don’t forget extra napkins for the pizza grease!
Me: And maybe a bib for you?
Josy: Hey, a girl's gotta eat!
We head to our favorite pizza spot, A Slice of Heaven, and while we wait for the pizza, I pull out the notes app from my phone, and start jotting down ideas for Josy’s marketing plan. Adrian is excited, chatting away about his day, and I listen, feeling like I'm finally finding that balance between work and family. When we get home, Josy shows up not long after us, and we gather around the table with our pizza. The evening is filled with laughter, stories, and talking about what’s next. It feels good to have these moments.
As we clear the table, Josy turns to me. “Thank you for inviting me, Violet. This was just what I needed.”
