Page 54 of Loving Violet
Me: I’m so sorry, I’m home!
Me: I forgot to text you.
Me: I put Adrian to bed and then I was talking with Josy. I guess I spaced out.
Austin: I’m so glad. I was getting worried. I know that nothing will happen to you on the short drive, but I have this need to know that you are okay.
Me: Thank you for caring.
Austin: Of course I care. Remember that you are mine, so get used to me being protective.
Austin: Now, be a good girl and go to sleep. I will see you tomorrow, beautiful.
Me: Good night!
Chapter 20
Violet
It’s Saturday morning,and the sun is blazing in a perfect cloudless sky as we cruise toward the animal shelter. The excitement in the car is practically bouncing off the windows, fueled mostly by Adrian, who’s been squirming in his seat since we pulled out of the driveway.
“Mom, how much longer?” he pipes up again, for what feels like the hundredth time in the last five minutes.
“We’re almost there, buddy,” I say, glancing at him in the rearview mirror. His legs are swinging, and he’s grinning so wide, it’s contagious.
Beside me, Josy smirks and shakes her head. “Patience, Adrian. You know what they say—good things come to those who wait.”
Adrian leans forward as far as his seatbelt allows, his excitement bubbling over. “I know, Aunt Josy! But I’m just soooo ready!” His voice is loud enough to echo in the car, making Josy and me laugh.
My silly boy.
When we finally pull into the shelter’s gravel lot, Adrian is out of the car before I can even unbuckle. The building isn’t anything fancy—a squat brick structure with faded paint—but the lively barks and occasional meows filtering out make it feel full of promise.
Inside, the smell of dog shampoo and something vaguely like wet kibble greets us. Posters of grinning pets cover the walls, and behind the counter, an older man with a kind face and a soft smile looks up.
“Welcome! I’m George,” he says warmly. “How can I help you today?”
“We’re here to adopt a dog,” I explain, placing a hand on Adrian’s shoulder to keep him from bouncing off to explore. “Preferably a puppy for my son—he’s been looking forward to this all week.”
George nods knowingly. “Right this way. We’ve got plenty of wonderful dogs looking for their forever homes. Did you already complete the online application?”
“Yes, sir!” Adrian pipes up. “Mom made me do the typing. She said it’s good practice, but, bruh, it took forever.”
Josy stifles a laugh while George grins and leads us toward the kennels.
We walk through rows of wagging tails, wiggling noses, and eager eyes. Adrian stops at nearly every kennel, crouching to greet the dogs through the chain-link doors. Each bark and tail wag makes his face light up, and my heart swells just watching him.
Then we reach a kennel where a small gray-and-white dog is sitting quietly, tail wagging slow but steady. His dark brown eyes lock onto Adrian’s, and there’s something calm and curious in his gaze.
“This little guy is a miniature schnauzer,” George says, unlatching the gate. The dog steps out cautiously, then beams up at us with a wag that gains enthusiasm. “He’s about a year old. Sweet as can be. His previous owner passed away, so he’s been waiting for a new family.”
“He is so cute!” Josy exclaimed.
“Yes. Look at that tiny tail, Mom,” Adrian says as he points at the tiny tail that is wiggling from side to side. The dog looks so adorable.
Adrian drops to his knees, and the schnauzer’s tail goes into overdrive as he licks Adrian’s hand.
“What’s his name?” Adrian asks, his voice soft for once.
