Page 24 of Loving Violet
Esteban: I think our Austin is ready to fall in looooveee.
Noah: Shit? For real?
Me: I’m not falling in love
Me: I’m just saying that I like her and I’m only going to say this once.
Me: Violet is MINE. You fuckers need to understand that and leave her alone.
Esteban: Whoa, whoa, calm down. We were just teasing you.
Noah: Yeah, man. We had no idea you were that serious.
Me: I am. So back off, alright?
Noah: Alright, message received. We won’t step on your toes.
Esteban: Good luck, man. She’s a catch.
Me: Thanks. I’m gonna need it.
Chapter 11
Violet
What just happened?That’s the question spinning in my head as I walk out of Austin’s office.
When I arrived earlier, I had no idea that he was the architect I was scheduled to meet. I had envisioned an older man, but when I laid eyes on Austin, I was elated.
Over the past few weeks, Austin has come to the coffee shop every morning, and he has always been very nice. Every time he shows up, Josy pays close attention to every move he makes. After he leaves, she dissects his actions, telling me I was blind if I didn’t notice that he liked me. After the third day of his visits, I began to pay attention too.
I was shocked; Josy was right. Austin looked at me like I was water and he was dying of thirst in a desert. I couldn’t believe it, but it was there.
Now, I notice the way his eyes light up when he sees me, the way his smile broadens, and the way he always seems to find a reason to come to the counter when I’m working. It's flattering, and a little overwhelming.
As I began to notice his behavior, I also started to see just how attractive he was. Austin has dark blond hair cut short on the sides and left longer on top, which he often runs his fingers through absentmindedly. His beautiful green eyes stand out, especially when they light up with a smile. His five-o’clock shadow gives him a rugged charm, and he’s tall, probably six feet or six feet two. His build is lean yet muscular, suggesting he’s a runner but with a bit more bulk. Now that I am aware of how handsome he is, I can’t unsee it.
I find myself paying attention to all of his moves. Every time he arrives at the shop, I know he’s there just by the tingling sensation that passes through my body whenever I am near him. It's almost as if my senses have become finely tuned to him. His presence makes my heart race, and I can't help but steal glances at him whenever I get the chance.
But I still can’t fathom why me? Why has he set his eyes on me? I’m pretty sure there are plenty of single women who would do anything to have his attention. Why would he be interested in a single mom who is recently divorced? Yet, there’s something about every interaction with him that feels so genuine, like he’s really there, not just saying the right things.
Today, in his office, I saw that same look in his eyes. It wasn’t just kindness, there was something deeper. As much as I doubt myself, there’s a part of me that wants to believe this could actually be real. Maybe Josy was right, maybe I am worth the attention Austin’s been giving me.
I shake off the thought as I step into the sunlight, a small smile tugging at my lips. Whatever happens, I’ll take it one step at a time. Right now, I need to focus on building a life for Adrian and me. And who knows? Maybe Austin will be part of that future, or maybe not. Either way, I’ll figure it out as I go.
I head to the grocery store to grab everything we need for dinner since Josy wants to make steak tacos tonight, and like always, I’m eager to help. Cooking has always been my comfort zone, a way to unwind, and now it’s become even more special because it’s something I share with Josy. We’ve created this routine—sitting together, eating, and catching up on our day. Adrian’s always full of energy, talking nonstop about his new friends at school or how soccer practice went. He just made the school team, and he’s been practicing twice a week, sometimes three, gearing up for their first game. I’m already imagining myself as the loudest soccer mom on the sidelines, cheering my heart out.
Adrian’s is a funny kid, and I find myself laughing more, feeling more connected to him every day. Josy joins in, sharing funny stories from the sweet shop, and I throw in my own—usually something silly about a customer or a new recipe we’ve tried. After dinner, Josy and I have this workout routine we do together every night. It’s one of my favorite parts of the day because, for once, I’m not working out alone. It’s fun, full of laughter and gossip, and it’s just another way I feel less alone and more like I’m exactly where I need to be.
At the grocery store, I run into Mr. Baker. He is in the produce aisle, selecting tomatoes and avocados.
“Hi, Violet!” Mr. Baker greets me warmly, his dimples flashing as he smiles. “How are you today?”
“I’m good, thank you. Just picking up some groceries for dinner,” I reply.
Mr. Baker nods in approval. “What are you making today?”
“I’m making steak tacos.”
