Page 31 of Loving Violet
I sigh, stirring my soup absently. "I don’t know. Maybe it’s because it’s been so long since anyone made me feel special. Or maybe it’s because I’m afraid to trust someone again after what happened with Taylor. I don’t want to get hurt. And he is so handsome. I don’t even know how I didn’t notice the first time I saw him. It was like I was blind to my surroundings. But now I can’t unsee him. Every time he enters the coffee shop, I can feel his presence before I even make eye contact with him."
Josy nods, her expression softening. "I get it, Vi. It's like your guard was up, and now it's starting to come down. That’s a good thing, though. It means you’re healing."
"I hope so," I say, taking a sip of my soup. "It’s just...a lot to process. Austin is different. He’s confident, attentive, and when he looks at me, it’s like he actually sees me. Not just a tired single mom, but me."
Josy squeezes my hand. "That’s because he does see you. And you deserve that, Vi. You deserve someone who sees you and makes you feel special."
"I want to believe that," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. "But it’s hard to shake off the past."
"It will take time," Josy reassures me. "But you’re stronger than you think. And you have people who care about you, who will help you through this. Like me, for starters."
I smile, feeling grateful for my best friend. "Thank you, Josy. For everything."
"Anytime, Vi. Now, let's finish this delicious soup and come up with a game plan. Because Austin is clearly into you, and I think it’s time you let yourself enjoy that."
When we are done with our soup, I clean up the dishes as Josy goes to check on Adrian.
“He snoring all bundled up in his bed. He’s growing up so fast.”
“I know. I don’t have a baby anymore.”
“Yes. My Little Dude is about to be my Big Dude.” We both laugh. “Get some rest, Vi. Probably tomorrow you will feel better about all this situation and hopefully Adrian wakes up feeling okay.”
“Thanks. Have a good night and thanks for stopping by.” I give her a tight hug before she leaves.
Chapter 14
Austin
The gentle warmthof the morning sun streaming through the large windows of my bedroom wake me up slowly. The modern, minimalist decor reflects my need for simplicity and order. Getting out of my warm bed I go to the bathroom to do my business and then head into my similarly minimal kitchen. As I brew my coffee, the scent makes my mind naturally wander to Violet, replaying yesterday. Her smile, the way she made me feel something other than desire for the first time in years. The way she started feeling comfortable with me and flirted back.
She is the one. I know she has baggage, but who doesn’t?
I haven’t been able to stop thinking about what Josy told me. Violet had an awful experience in her last relationship, and I imagine that she is not ready to start something with anyone.
I want to know more about her life, what she likes, what she desires, and I want to make sure that I can give her everything she wants. Starting with showing her that I am not like her ex-husband.
That I am so much more for her… That I can be her and Adrian’s…everything.
I linger over breakfast, enjoying the calm before the day picks up. Today, I’m heading to visit my parents—something I always look forward to. They’ve been together for 35 years, a real example of love and commitment. Watching them has always set the bar high for me. I think that’s part of the reason I haven’t settled down yet—I want what they have, the real thing.
After breakfast, I head to my room to get ready. I take a quick shower and throw on a pair of jeans and a simple black shirt. As I walk out to the garage, I catch sight of a car slowly creeping down the street. The sun’s glare makes it hard to see who’s behind the wheel, but as the car gets closer, I get my first look at the driver.
I sigh because it’s none other than Megan. I haven’t seen her since that Friday night a month ago at the Tavern. I nod my head at her as a simple acknowledgment, but she takes it as an invitation to stop and talk to me.
At my driveway, she rolls her window down.
“Hi, Austin. How are you?”
“I’m doing great, heading out. What about you?”
“I was going to the grocery store when I saw you and wanted to say hi.”
“Well, I hope you have a great day,” I say, dismissing her.
“I was wondering, would you like to grab lunch one of these days?”
“I’m sorry, but I am not interested. Thanks for the offer.”
