Page 72 of Loving Violet
Esteban nods, his eyes twinkling. “We’ve got some great plans. Austin has put a lot of thought into this design. You’re going to love it.”
I smile. “I’m sure I will.”
We spend the next hour going over the construction details, and I can already picture how incredible it's going to look. The house is going to be exactly what I envisioned—a perfect mix of comfort and style with every little detail reflecting my personal taste.
The once-empty plot of land is beginning to take shape, its potential slowly revealing itself. The skeleton of the house is up, wooden beams and frames outlining where the rooms will eventually be. It’s exciting and surreal to see my dream home coming to life, even if it’s still in the early stages.
As the day goes on, I bring lunch for the crew from the coffee shop, and they're all pretty happy about it. After they eat, they get back to work, and I can’t help but admire how they push through in this heat. The sound of hammers and saws blend with their easy laughter, creating this energetic rhythm that fills the air. I snap a few pictures to send to my family group chat.
My parents are beyond excited for Adrian and me. My mom keeps asking when I’ll come visit, but honestly, I’ve been avoiding it. Don’t get me wrong, I love her—but during my divorce from Taylor, she flew out to Maryland and stayed for over a few months. At first, I was grateful. Her support made moving and settling into Honey Springs easier.
But then the criticism started. She had opinions on everything, how I was raising Adrian, how I managed my life, and it was suffocating. I couldn’t escape feeling like I was failing. First with college, then my marriage, and now with my son. I know she means well, but being around her just brings up all those feelings again. Still, with Thanksgiving coming up, I know I’ll have to bite the bullet and visit for a few days.
I snap out of my thoughts and look around the construction site. Everything seems fine, but in the back of my mind, I’m still a little on edge. Every now and then, I find myself checking my surroundings, scanning the faces of the workers and people walking by. Could the person sending me those notes be watching right now? The thought sends a shiver through me, but I shake it off and try to focus on the good.
In the afternoon, Austin shows up, and just seeing him eases my nerves. He walks over, a warm smile on his face and a look in his eyes that instantly makes me feel grounded again.
“How’s it going?” he asks, wrapping an arm around my waist.
“It’s going great. Noah and Esteban are amazing. I can’t wait to see the final result,” I reply, leaning into him.
Austin kisses the top of my head. “I’m glad you like the progress. I wanted everything to be perfect for you.”
“It will be,” I say, smiling up at him.
He hugs me tighter. “You mean the world to me, Violet. I just want you to be happy and safe.”
His words remind me of the notes, but I push the thought away, not wanting to ruin the moment. “I am happy. And I feel safe with you.”
We spend the rest of the afternoon watching the progress on the house.
Noah and Esteban work tirelessly, their voices carrying over the sound of hammers and saws. Esteban teases Noah about something I can’t quite hear, but the two laugh as they move the framing for what will eventually be the living room wall into place.
I trace my eyes over the structure, imagining where the windows will go, how the light will pour in during the mornings, and the cozy furniture I’ll arrange in the corners of the rooms. The studs for the interior walls are starting to go up, giving me a glimpse of the layout. I can almost picture where the kitchen will be and the large open space I’d asked for to host friends and family.
Austin stands beside me, his hand brushing against mine. “It’s coming along,” he says, his voice warm. “Soon, you’ll be picking paint colors and arguing over tile patterns.”
I laugh softly, leaning into him. “I can’t wait for that. But right now, it’s enough just to see this. To know it’s really happening.”
Watching the house take shape fills me with a mix of excitement and a touch of nervousness. It’s not just a building; it’s a fresh start, a place where I’ll finally feel at home. I can’t help but smile as I picture myself and Adrian here, creating new memories within these walls that are slowly, but surely, coming to life.
Chapter 25
Austin
Violet’s houseis progressing beautifully. Noah and Esteban have outdone themselves, moving faster than we originally expected.
Violet and I have been going strong the past month, and I’ve even taken Adrian fishing a few times. I also enjoy watching Adrian practice soccer after school.
I feel very protective of both Violet and Adrian and can’t wait for them to meet my family. I know my parents are eager to meet them both. So next weekend, my mom has invited us all for dinner.
But tonight, I'm picking them up to go to dinner atmyplace. When I pull up outside of her apartment, Violet opens the door, and I notice that she seems unusually nervous. I know my woman has anxiety, but this feels different.
At first I think it’s because of the upcoming visit to my parents, but there’s something more in her eyes as she glances over my shoulder. I kiss Violet softly and then lean back to ask, “Where’s Adrian?”
“He’s in the shower. Soccer practice ran late today, and he was extra stinky,” Violet replies.
“Well then let me take advantage of these few minutes.” I don’t let her say another word. I kiss her, softly at first but then with all the passion I can muster.
