Page 29 of Loving Violet
I frown, intrigued and concerned. "What do you mean?"
"Taylor wasn't just unfaithful, he was emotionally abusive," Josy explains, her voice low but firm. "He tore down her self-esteem bit by bit, made her feel like she wasn't good enough. Violet gave up a lot for him, including her own dreams. By the time she finally left, she was a shell of who she used to be."
My heart aches at the thought of Violet going through such pain. "I had no idea. That explains a lot."
"She’s strong, but she’s still healing," Josy continues. "She's hesitant to trust, especially with someone she might feel attracted to. You just need to be patient and show her that you're different."
I nod with renewed determination. "I really like her, Josy. I want to show her that she's worth it, that she deserves to be happy."
Josy smiles warmly. "I know you do, Austin. I saw it from the first day that she started working here. Just take it slow and be there for her. She needs someone who can see her for who she truly is, and that her past doesn’t define her."
"Thanks, Josy," I say sincerely. "I appreciate you telling me this. It helps me understand her better."
"Anytime," she replies, standing up. "Now go finish your work. You've got a house to design."
As I head back to my office, I can’t shake the image of Violet’s worried face. There was so much depth in her eyes, a mix of determination and vulnerability that tugged at something deep inside me. Spending time with her today was more than fun—it was eye-opening. What I told Josy is true, I really like Violet.
But it’s more than that. It’s not just her beauty, though anyone with eyes can see how stunning she is. It’s something else, something harder to define. From the moment I first saw her, there was this quiet pull drawing me in. At first, I thought it might just be curiosity, but it’s more. Every interaction we’ve had, no matter how brief, has shown me another piece of who she is.
She’s kind, and not in a surface-level, just trying to be polite way, but deeply, genuinely kind. She treats everyone she meets with warmth and respect, always buzzing around with that smile that knocks the wind out of me every single time. But today, I saw another side of her.
Violet is strong. Stronger than I think even she realizes. Raising a son on her own? That takes courage. Walking away from an abusive relationship, starting fresh in a new city, building a new life for herself and Adrian? That takes strength and tenacity that I can’t help but admire.
I’ve always been drawn to resilient people, those who face life head-on despite its challenges. Violet is the embodiment of that, and it makes me want to know her even more. To understand what drives her, what makes her laugh, what makes her feel safe.
I know I have to be patient. She’s been through a lot, and I’d never want to rush her into something she’s not ready for. But I also know that I can’t give up—not on her, and not on what I’m beginning to feel.
One day, I’ll spend every moment proving to her that she deserves to be loved without conditions, without fear, and without limits. I’ll make her and Adrian happy, so happy that they’ll never question their place in my life. I can’t wait to meet her son. I just hope that I can be what they need and I’ll do whatever it takes to make it a reality.
Chapter 13
Violet
As I drivetoward Adrian’s school, my mind is racing.
Why did I shut down like that?
Austin’s been nothing but kind and professional, but the second that things got personal, I panicked. Maybe it’s because I’m not used to someone actually being interested in me for me, not just for what I can do for them.
Violet, can’t you do anything right? Seriously, do you even know how to follow basic directions, or are you just as stupid as you are fat?My stomach turns every time those words creep back into my head. I hate these flashbacks to darker times. Taylor’s voice was always cutting, always there to put me down.Violet, sit up. Stop daydreaming like a child,he’d say, squeezing my thigh under the table. And when we were alone, it was worse.
I have to shove those thoughts away.
Austin showed up on time for our meeting, even though I changed plans last minute. I stayed behind to help Josy with the lunch rush, so I asked him to meet me at the shop. I was still arranging the baked goods when he walked in, and instantly, I felt a tingle all over. He had this presence that made the whole room feel smaller. His crisp white shirt, sleeves rolled up, a classic red tie—it was impossible not to notice how good he looked. His hair was perfectly styled, and his short beard gave him this rugged charm that I couldn’t stop staring at. When I realized how long I’d been staring, I looked away, but the attraction was undeniable.
He walked over, that confident stride making my heart skip a beat. Everything about him—the way his green eyes lit up when he smiled, the way his shirt fit perfectly—was impossible to ignore.
As we sat down to talk, I noticed every little thing he did. His voice was steady as he walked me through the plans for my house, bringing my vision to life with every detail. I was impressed, not just with his work but with him. The way he seemed genuinely invested in making me happy made me feel special, something I hadn’t felt in years.
Then, out of nowhere, he started asking more personal questions. I answered without hesitation, feeling comfortable around him. But when he started flirting, I wasn’t prepared for how it made me feel. His compliments made me feel seen—really seen—and that feeling both thrilled and scared me.
One minute I was fine, even flirting back a little. But the next, I pulled back. I’ve never been this forward with anyone, not even Taylor. So I don’t know what got into me for those brief moments. He just made me feel so comfortable with the way he talked to me. He has the ability to make me really smile and blush. I can’t even begin to comprehend how this man with just a few words can make me feel tingles all over my body. It’s a foreign feeling and I couldn’t get out of the shop fast enough after that call from Adrian’s school. The timing couldn’t have been better. I know, I sound like a terrible mom—I'm not happy that my son is sick. I just needed an excuse to leave the situation with Austin.
And then Taylor’s voice, like a broken record, echoes in my mind. All the criticism, the constant doubt. Those years left scars that go deeper than I want to admit. I’ve worked so hard to rebuild myself, but moments like these remind me how fragile my confidence still is.
I pull into the school parking lot and rush inside to find Adrian. The nurse meets me at the front desk, her face sympathetic as she explains that Adrian had an upset stomach but is now resting and seems to be feeling better. When I see him, his face lights up, and despite my worries, I smile back.
“Mom, I don’t feel so good.”
