Page 18 of Loving Violet
I glance at her, her brown eyes warm with sincerity, and a small part of me wonders if she’s right. But another part—the stubborn part—digs its heels further into my brain. I don’t know if I’m ready to open that door, to unpack the mess I’ve been shoving aside for who knows how long.
Still, the way Josy is looking at me, like she genuinely believes this could help, makes me pause.
“I don’t know, Josy,” I say with hesitation. Do I really need help from a professional? The thought makes me uneasy, but deep down, I know she might be right. Surely the therapist has clients with much more pressing matters than my insecurities. Don’t all girls have them?
Josy gives me an encouraging look. “Just think about it. Sometimes it helps to talk to someone who can give you a new perspective.”
I smile at her, feeling a bit more hopeful. “Thanks, Josy. I appreciate it. Maybe I’ll try to pay more attention from now on.”
“Good,” Josy says with a grin. “Because if you don’t, I’m going to have to start playing matchmaker and you know that I’m relentless.”
We both laugh, and I feel a little lighter. Maybe Josy is right. Maybe Austin does find me attractive. It’s a nice thought, even if I’m not quite ready to believe it yet. And maybe, talking to someone could help me see myself the way others do.
As I continue working, I try to focus on the positive. Adrian is thriving in school, I’m getting better at my job, and I have a supportive friend in Josy. Even if it takes time, I know I’m moving in the right direction.
At the end of my shift, I find a note on my windshield. I reach for it and read it.
“I think that you are the most gorgeous woman that I have ever met.”
Who would have written this? I rack my brain thinking of all the customers we had today, but the only person that comes to mind is Austin. Surely he wouldn’t do this, especially not for me. I set the note aside, start my car, and head to pick up Adrian. I have to get my mind off of this note, so I crank up the music.
Chapter 9
Violet
A monthlater
After spending the last month in Josy’s guest house, I’m finally ready to start looking for a place of my own. Now that things have calmed down, it feels like the right time for Adrian and I to find a home where we can really settle in. And today feels as good as any to meet my realtor, Melissa, at Josy’s Sweet Shop; she’s a regular here and is more than happy to help me on the hunt—she even has a few places in mind already.
Melissa greets me with a warm hug, and I hand her her usual order. She’s tall and elegant, with short, stylish blonde hair and an easy smile. “Ready to find your dream home?” she asks.
"Definitely," I reply, feeling both excited and a little nervous about the search.
We dive right in, touring several houses in different neighborhoods.
The first one that we stop at is a charming old Victorian with a wraparound porch. It’s beautiful, but it needs way more work than I’m willing to take on. The second is a sleek, modern house with huge windows and an open floor plan, but it just doesn’t have that cozy feel I’m looking for. The third one has a big yard—perfect for Adrian—but inside, the layout feels cramped and awkward.
After visiting a few more houses, I can’t help but feel discouraged. None of them feel right—not even close. I sigh, leaning back in my seat as Melissa drives us back toward the coffee shop.
“I just can’t find something that feels right,” I admit, a note of frustration slipping into my voice.
Melissa glances at me with a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, Violet. These things take time. Finding the perfect place isn’t always easy. Sometimes, it’s not about finding an existing house but about finding the right location. Have you ever considered building your own home?”
The suggestion catches me off guard. I hadn’t thought about that before, but the idea immediately intrigues me, though. With the money I got from the divorce settlement, building could actually be an option. A fresh start designed entirely the way I want it.
“I haven’t considered building my own house,” I say slowly, the words unfamiliar but exciting as they leave my mouth. “But it’s definitely something I’m open to exploring.” I shrug, trying to play it cool, but inside, my mind is already racing with possibilities.
Melissa’s eyes light up, as if she was hoping I’d say that. “Perfect! Let me take you to a few properties that are for sale right now. Maybe one of them will be the perfect spot for your dream home.”
“That would be amazing,” I say, my frustration melting into tentative excitement. My mind drifts to thoughts of what my dream house would look like—something that truly reflects me, not a compromise like everything else has felt so far.
Maybe building my own home is the better option. Instead of settling for something that doesn’t quite measure up, I could create something that’s exactly what I want.
I give Melissa a nod, my determination solidifying. “Let’s take a look.”
We skip returning to Josy’s and instead drive out to the edge of Honey Springs, leaving the familiar bustle of town behind. The paved roads give way to a winding gravel path that crunches under the tires as we approach the property.
Out here, the landscape unfolds into an endless stretch of beauty, as if the world itself decided to take a deep, peaceful breath.
