Page 41 of Loving Violet
Violet: You’re quite the charmer, aren’t you?
Me: Only when it comes to you. Besides, I’ve got to keep up with your level of charm.
Violet: I wouldn’t call myself charming, but thank you.
Me: You don’t see it, but it’s there. Your smile, your laugh, the way you care for Adrian—it’s all incredibly charming.
Violet: You’re making me blush.
Me: Good. I want you to feel special because you are. By the way, what’s your favorite pasta dish?
Violet: I love a good Alfredo with lots of garlic and parmesan.
Me: Perfect. I’ll make sure it’s the best Alfredo you’ve ever had.
Violet: I can’t wait, Austin. Thank you for being so kind.
Me: Thank you for giving me the chance. Looking forward to Thursday, Violet. Have a great night, sweetheart.
Violet: You too, Austin. See you soon.
I put my phone down, a smile lingering on my face. The conversation flowed effortlessly, and that’s a start.
Chapter 17
Violet
Opening my eyes,it’s still dark outside.
Grabbing my phone to check the time, I realize it’s only five-thirty in the morning.
I can’t remember the last time I slept so peacefully. I mean, I fell asleep with a smile on my face last night and my cheeks are still hurting.
After having a movie night with Josy, Adrian and I went home. Crawling into bed I received my first text from Austin before I fell to sleep. It was nice to talk to him, and honestly, I loved that he saw me as a beautiful woman.
I can’t believe he’s attracted to me, someone pinch me! I must be dreaming!
My dreams were filled with possible scenarios of our first date, and just thinking about it makes me blush. In one of my dreams, Austin kissed me senseless. It felt real, so real that I can still feel the tenderness of his lips on mine. The thought makes me smile even wider, and I hug my pillow tightly. That’s why I woke up feeling hopeful. Hopeful that there is someone who finds me—yes, me!—attractive.
Rolling onto my back, I stare at the ceiling and replay our conversation from last night. He made me feel like a different woman, and I’m not used to that. The way he spoke about me, with such genuine admiration and complete truth. It was something I hadn’t experienced in a long time.Or maybe I have never experienced that type of moment.
My ex’s harsh comments about my body have left deep scars that refuse to heal, but Austin’s words are like a soothing balm as I lay here in bed.
Maybe I am pretty just as I am…
I can’t help but imagine what our dinner will be like. I want to get to know him better, to see if the connection we felt yesterday can grow into something more.
Would he kiss me? Better yet, would I let him kiss me? Oh I would, I know I would.
As dawn begins to break, I know there’s no use trying to go back to sleep. My mind is buzzing with thoughts of Austin, and I can’t shake the feeling that something has shifted. I slide out of bed and tiptoe to the kitchen, careful not to disturb Adrian. I make myself a cup of coffee and sink into the quiet of the moment at the table, letting the warm mug ground me.
Taking a sip, I savor the comfort it brings, but my thoughts drift back to the river and the way Austin patiently showed Adrian how to fish. The sight of them together filled my heart with a joy I hadn’t felt in ages. For the first time in a long while, I can imagine a life where Austin is part of our little family—where we’re truly happy. The thought of more kids crosses my mind, something I never pictured with Taylor. But I don’t want to jump too far ahead; that’s a recipe for disappointment.
As I sit there, I silently promise myself: no matter what happens, I’m going to embrace this new chapter with an open heart. I deserve happiness, kindness, and respect. I finish my coffee and start preparing breakfast, knowing Adrian will be up soon. Moving around the kitchen, I can’t help but replay Austin’s encouraging words in my head, and a newfound confidence begins to bloom within me.
Just then, my phone pings with a text, and my heart skips when I see it’s from Austin.
Austin: Good morning, beautiful.
