Page 3 of Loving Violet
Esteban: How was I supposed to know the bucket of drywall compound was at the top of the ladder? I still need to find the person who put it there… THEY are the dumbass.
Me: When are you going to learn man?
Esteban: Never, I will never learn.
I chuckle at their banter and grab my jacket. It’s been a long week, and I’m looking forward to unwinding with my friends. I lock up the office and head out, eager to catch up and relax at Honey Tavern.
I am exhausted and I need a break. Since starting my architecture firm, it's been non-stop work. Don't get me wrong, I love what I do, and I thrive when I stay busy. It's almost a necessity. Otherwise, my mind starts drifting back to my time in the military. Sometimes, I find myself craving that adrenaline rush and the fast-paced life of being on a mission. But, like everything in life, there came a point where I had to step away, especially after losing almost all of my friends.
As an officer, I had the privilege of leaving active duty after four years and serve as reserve for the next four years. One of the best perks of being in the Army was the opportunity to pursue my degrees for free. Thanks to programs like ROTC, I was able to attend college during my high school years and then seamlessly transition into commissioning as an officer. Knowing that I don't have any school debt and that I'm financially free is incredibly reassuring. It was the only path I saw for myself, and I'm grateful for the opportunities it provided.
My parents were very happy with my decision to join the military, especially since I was raised in a house full of kids and two parents living paycheck to paycheck. As the eldest, I couldn't let them pay for my schooling. With three younger siblings still in school, they needed the money more than I did.
After completing my four years in the Army, I finished my three years internship with a large architecture firm in Charlotte, where I learned everything I needed to start my own firm. Now, after five years of working for myself, I can finally say that I am living out my dream.
I have secured major contracts with big construction companies across the USA and have even worked for the government. As a veteran, I have the perk of being able to compete for and win government contracts. Now, at the ripe age of thirty-five, I am doing quite well.
I have a great circle of friends that I hang out with every weekend, and I casually hook up with women who know the score. I don’t do relationships; I never have. I enjoy being with them for a night and letting them go the next day, no strings attached.
I've never had a serious relationship and intend to keep it that way. The idea of being with one woman for the rest of my life just doesn’t appeal to me. My mother says that one day I'll meet someone who will change my mind. That’s easy for married people to say, but I don’t foresee that being my story.
I pull into the parking lot at the tavern around six, and it’s already packed. Typical Friday. The Honey Tavern has always been one of my favorite spots—there’s something about it. The old stone and dark wood exterior make it look perfect. Feels like it’s been here forever. As soon as I step out of the car, I catch the familiar scent of grilled food and booze—it’s like the official start of the weekend.
Inside, the place is buzzing as usual. The dark wood paneling and old photos of the town and mountains give it that cozy, been-here-forever vibe. There’s a huge stone fireplace in the middle of the room, flickering with just enough light to take the edge off the day. Above it, some old hunting trophies and signs hang giving character to the place.
I head straight to the bar where Joy’s doing her thing—pouring drinks and keeping conversations rolling like she was born for it. She gives me a quick wave as I walk up. The bar’s long and solid, the shelves behind the bar are stacked with every bottle you can think of. The kind of place where you sit down, and someone’s already got your drink waiting.
The tables are full of locals, the kind of folks you see around town every week, with a few out-of-towners mixed in, probably hearing about the place for the first time. There’s this steady hum of laughter, glasses clinking, and a band playing in the corner. The chalkboard menu’s got the usual—burgers, wings, fries—stuff that goes down easy with a cold beer. Just the way I like it.
I weave through the crowd, spotting Noah and Esteban already seated at our usual table near the back. Joy usually makes sure it is saved for us, she’s the GOAT. Esteban is wearing a white shirt that clings to his chest and a baseball cap that hides his green eyes and light brown hair. Noah is the opposite of Esteban. Where Esteban is light, Noah is all dark. He’s wearing his signature black henley shirt and has his hair combed back, making him look very serious. I glance down at myself and notice that I still have my long-sleeved shirt on. As I walk toward them, I start to roll up my sleeves to my elbows to look more casual. Earlier, I left my tie in the car, but I’m still wearing dress pants and shoes. Compared to them, I look very overdressed.Why didn’t I think to bring a change of clothes?As I approach, Noah waves me over with a grin.
For the past couple of months, my best friends Noah and Esteban have been swamped with work. They both own a construction company and have been incredibly busy lately. This is the first Friday they've been able to join me since they started working on a new subdivision that will hopefully bring new families to Honey Springs.
“Hey, man! Glad you could make it,” Noah says, clapping me on the back as I take a seat.
“Wouldn't miss it for the world,” I reply.
Esteban leans back in his chair, looking more relaxed than I’ve seen him in weeks. “It’s good to finally have a break. This new subdivision project has been kicking our asses.”
“No kidding,” Noah adds. “But it’s gonna be worth it. Honey Springs is gonna see a lot of new faces soon.”
We chat about work, share a few laughs, and I feel the weight of the week lift off my shoulders. Tonight isn’t about hookups or business deals; it’s about enjoying the company of my friends and enjoying the vibe of our favorite hangout spot.
We are talking and catching up when I feel eyes on me from across the bar. Trying to be inconspicuous, I turn slightly while taking a sip of my beer.
Megan is looking straight at us; I internally groan. This woman won’t leave me alone. I regret hooking up with her in high school; I was young, and didn’t know better. She was the captain of the cheer team, which instantly made every boy in school want to be with her.
I guess I was the lucky bastard who got her first, and that’s where I made my first mistake. Megan thought that since we were together for a few weeks, we were destined to be together for the rest of our lives. I learned really fast that I was not her only lover. She even tried to hook up with Noah while she was with me. As first experiences go, that was a pretty shitty one.
Seeing her now, I’m reminded of the countless times she’s tried to rekindle something that never should have started. I’ve avoided her advances for years, but she always seems to think there's still a chance. It’s exhausting.
Noah notices my distraction and follows my gaze. “Megan, again?” he asks with a smirk.
I sigh. “Yeah. She just can’t take a hint.”
Esteban chuckles, taking a swig of his beer. “You did that to yourself, man. Cheer captain and all, you should’ve known better.”
“I was seventeen and stupid,” I reply, shaking my head. “She was the fantasy, you know? Now she’s just a recurring nightmare.”
