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.
“Maximillion. But we call him Max,” George replies.
Adrian’s head snaps up, his eyes practically begging. “Mom, can we take Max home? Please?”
I crouch down, gently scratching behind Max’s ears. He leans into my hand, his little paws wrapping around my wrist like he’s holding me close. He looks at me with those sweet, soulful eyes, and I know I’m a goner.
I glance at Josy, who smirks while she pets him; she knows exactly what I’m thinking. “Of course, sweetheart,” I tell Adrian. “Max is perfect.”
Adrian whoops with joy, and I scoop Max into my arms, his wiry little body barely ten pounds. He licks my forearm once before tucking his head into my chest. “Oh, you’re such a sweetheart,” I whisper, pressing a kiss to his floppy ear.
Max has officially stolen my heart.
George goes over the paperwork with us one last time, and after I pay the adoption fee, we head back to the car. Max hops into the back seat beside Adrian, curling up contentedly against him.
As I start the car, Adrian leans down and whispers, “Don’t worry, Max. You’re gonna love it with us.”
And from the way Max wags his tail, I think he already knows.
As we pull into the driveway, I notice there is an unfamiliar car parked next to Josy. There, leaning against the vehicle waiting for us, is Taylor.
“Dad!” Adrian shouts, jumping out of the car with Max in his arms.
I look at Josy. “Why the hell is he here?”
“That’s a very good question, my friend. Let’s go and find out,” Josy says before we both get out of the car and walk toward Taylor and Adrian.
Taylor smiles as we walk over to him and he focuses his attention on Adrian. “Hey, buddy. You told me that you were getting a dog today and I thought I would drive down to see him.”
Adrian beams and holds up Max for his father to see. “This is Max, Dad. Isn’t he awesome? He’s a mini schnauzer. This is as big as he will get!”
Taylor chuckles as he pets Max. “He’s great, Adrian. You made a good choice.”
Taylor looks handsome as always with his dirty blond hair combed back and his blue eyes exactly like Adrian’s. He looks at me and smiles. That smile was the one that made me fall in love with him. But now that I know who the real Taylor is, I don’t want anything to do with him. I look at Taylor and feel relieved that I don’t feel anything. I haven’t seen him since I left Maryland two months ago, and I thought that the next time I saw him, I would feel something—that I was so used to being with him, that I would probably want to go back with him.
But no, it’s like I’m looking at a stranger.
Josy looks at me, and then at Taylor. “It’s nice to see you, Taylor. It has been a long time.”
“Yes. How are you, Josy? Your place is beautiful.”
“I’m doing great. Hey, Vi, I’m gonna head to my house. Let me know if you need me, okay?”
“Okay,” I say to my best friend. She’s leaving so she doesn’t say or do something in front of Adrian.
“So, you’re here,” I say to Taylor.
“Yes. Sorry that I didn’t tell you. Adrian has been texting me and telling me all about today. I wanted to be part of this moment. I hope it’s okay with you that I showed up without notice.”
“It’s okay. Are you staying long?”
“I’ll be here until Tuesday morning. I’m staying at a hotel a few towns over. Is it okay if Adrian and Max stay with me tonight? I made sure the hotel room is dog friendly.”
“Of course.”
“Really, Dad? We’re going to hang out together, and with my dog? I thought you always said you were allergic.”
“I am allergic, but for you, I’ll make this sacrifice. Besides, I missed you so much, buddy.”
I turn to Adrian and say, “Go and pack a bag. Remember to also pack Max’s leash.” I turn to Taylor and say, “Max doesn’t have food or anything. We were going to buy all his stuff today after dropping Josy off.”
“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.
Me: Hi! How are you?
Immediately, he is typing a reply.
Austin: Hi, beautiful. I’m much better now that I have heard from you.
Me: Do you have any plans for today?
Austin: I was planning on visiting my parents. Why?
Me: Because Adrian’s dad came and picked him up. He’s staying with him until Monday. I was wondering if you would like to come and have dinner with me?
Austin: What time do you want me to arrive?
Me: Whenever you want. I’ll be here alone all day.
Austin: Then, I will head your way in a few. I can see my parents later.
Austin: I want to see you
Me: Ok
I smile at his quick response and feel butterflies in my stomach. I start thinking about what to make for dinner, wanting to impress him. After a quick check of my pantry for some fresh ingredients, I start cooking. Deciding on a simple meal, I make grilled salmon with a lemon-butter sauce, roasted vegetables, and a fresh garden salad. For dessert, I grab a bottle of wine from my fridge and lay out a platter of some fresh strawberries.
When the food is ready and the wine is coming to room temperature, I go to my room and take the fastest shower in the history of showers. I also shave everything! Drying off quickly, I get dressed in a simple sundress. I apply a little bit of blush and lipgloss. Looking at myself in the mirror, I notice how happy I look. I feel like a new person. I don’t even recognize myself. I look…happy.