Page 56 of Loving Violet
“That’s okay. I can go and buy everything he needs.”
“Thank you. Do you want to come in while we wait for Adrian?” I offer, keeping my tone neutral.
Taylor glances toward the apartment, then shakes his head. “No, I’ll stay out here. Thanks, though.” He shifts his weight, stuffing his hands into his jacket pockets. “So, how’ve you been?”
I fold my arms loosely, leaning against the doorframe. “I’ve been doing great. I love my job, the people in this town are amazing, and my house will be under construction soon. Things are good.”
“Yeah, Adrian mentioned you were excited about the house. He also said…” Taylor hesitates, clearing his throat, “that you went on a date with the architect.”
“Yes.” My response is short, intentional. I’m not giving him anything to dig into.
Taylor’s lips press into a thin line, and he rubs the back of his neck, a nervous habit I know too well. “That’s good. I mean... I’m glad that you’re happy, Violet. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately. Looking back, I can see just how badly I treated you.”
I blink, caught off guard. He doesn’t usually get this candid.
“I spent so much time focused on myself,” he continues, “and I treated you like…well, like shit, if I’m being honest. I never stopped to think about how my words, my actions, were hurting you. And for that, I’m sorry.”
His voice cracks slightly at the end, and I stare at him, unsure how to respond. He’s looking at me with something I don’t think I’ve seen from him before—genuine regret.
“Taylor…”
He holds up a hand, cutting me off. “Please, let me finish. I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness, and I’m not asking for it. I just…I needed to say it. You deserved better. You still do. I hope you know that.”
I exhale slowly, nodding. “Thank you for saying that. It doesn’t change what happened, but I appreciate it.”
“It doesn’t,” he agrees, nodding. “I lost a great wife because I was too focused on work, on myself, on things that didn’t matter as much as you and Adrian. There’s no excuse for what I did, and I hate that I let you down. But I’m glad that you’re happy now, I mean that.”
I shift uncomfortably, feeling the weight of his words settling in the space between us. “Taylor, I’ve moved on. And honestly, I think you should, too. What’s done is done. The past is over, and Adrian is what matters now.”
His eyes soften, and he offers a small smile. “You’re right. It’s about Adrian.”
I nod, glancing toward the house. “I’ll go see if he’s ready.”
Taylor clears his throat again, his hands still tucked in his pockets. “Thanks for letting me come by today. It means a lot.”
I pause, meeting his gaze. “I’m doing it for Adrian. He deserves to have you in his life, and I want what’s best for him. I told you that you can come and see your son anytime you want. I will never stand in the way of you and Adrian.”
“I really appreciate it,” Taylor says as he nods.
With that, I head back inside, leaving Taylor outside. My chest feels tight, but not in the way it used to when his words would cut me down. This time, it’s a strange mix of closure and finality.
Adrian comes running back, a small backpack slung over his shoulder and Max’s leash in his hand. “I’m ready, Mom!”
“Great, sweetheart. Have a good time with your dad. Call me if you need anything.”
“I will,” Adrian says, giving me a quick hug before turning to go outside with Taylor. “Let’s go, Dad!” I follow him outside, flashing him a quick smile.
“I will bring him back Monday morning so he can get ready for school.”
“Okay,” I answer him and he nods his head.
Taylor takes Adrian’s hand, and they walk toward his car, Max trotting happily beside them. I watch them for a moment, a mix of emotions swirling inside me. I’m glad Adrian has this time with his father, even if it means a brief reunion with my past.
As they drive away, I head back inside. I might clean the apartment while I have the time.
As I finish my cleaning, I decide to send a text to Austin. I haven't been able to stop thinking about him. We've texted every day, and he's come to see me at the coffee shop.
Now that I'm alone, I want to see him.
