Chapter Text
“Have you met the new farmer?” Leah asked
Elliott knew this was Leah’s latest attempt in matchmaking. He had met the farmer, however briefly. The week she arrived she showed up at his door in a pair of overalls to introduce herself. He had scarcely seen her since.
“We’re acquainted,” Elliott replied. Leah looked like she was expecting him to say more. What’s there to say? It’s true he thought the farmer was rather pretty, but she didn’t really seem like his type. He figured she would find him strange, like many potential suitors before her. “I don’t believe a down-to-earth farmer girl would take much interest in me.”
“Well, you never know,” responded Leah.
“I appreciate your misplaced optimism,” laughed Elliott.
They were spending the evening in their usual corner of the saloon. It seemed like half the town was there, all enjoying their Friday night. The saloon door opened, and Leah looked over to see who had entered.
“Speak of the devil,” Leah smiled.
Violet waltzed into the saloon. She was perfectly aware that a floor-length evening gown was not typical attire for a saloon, but that didn’t particularly concern her. Emily had recently lent her a sewing machine, and Violet was dying to show off her new dress. It had been a long time since she had sewn anything. Her old job in Zuzu city had been so draining that she had abandoned most of her hobbies, but moving to Pelican Town gave her newfound motivation. She returned to the craft with a fervor. The first few attempts left her with clothes that could barely be considered wearable, but once she shook off the cobwebs, she made a few pieces she was rather proud of.
The clothes that she had packed when she moved to Pelican Town, while perfectly suited to farming, she felt had cramped her style. She grew tired of her practical clothing quickly, so she would simply have to find a way to adapt her old fashions to her new lifestyle. These sentiments had all been shared with Emily, who was eager to help.
Violet headed straight for the bar, where Emily was working. The two of had become fast friends since she moved into town. People filled the saloon, several of them giving Violet odd looks for her overly formal dress. Emily beamed at her.
“Wow, your project turned out great!”
“Thank you! It was quite a bit of work. Isn’t this fabric gorgeous?” Violet gave a little twirl, and Emily leaned over the counter to watch the fabric shimmer.
“Stunning!” Emily replied. Violet took a seat at the bar and ordered dinner.
“Don’t look now,” Leah said, “But it looks like a certain farmer is here.”
Elliott looked immediately. Violet appeared... quite different from when they had first met. She seemed more comfortable in her skin, even despite how much she stuck out.
“Well don’t just stare!” Leah laughed, “Go talk to her.”
“Oh no. I couldn’t possibly.”
As she finished up her dinner, and her conversation with Emily, Violet figured she should greet some of the villagers around the saloon. She hadn’t lived in this town very long, and it would be good to get to know people. Looking around the saloon, a particular ginger-haired man caught her eye. She hadn’t gone back to see Elliott since they had first met. Running a farm kept her far too busy to stop by the beach! At least, that was the convenient excuse she told herself. It made more sense than the idea that he might make her nervous, or that she actually cared what he thought of her.
“Oh look, she’s coming this way,” Leah remarked. Elliott looked shocked and started fixing his hair.
“Hi Elliott,” Violet said as she arrived at their table, “Hi Leah.”
Elliott froze up. Luckily for him, Leah spoke for them. “Good to see you! Settling into Pelican Town well?”
“Yes, I am,” Violet replied, “The valley is very beautiful this time of year.”
“It really is!” Leah said, looking over at Elliott, “ especially the beaches, right?”
Violet and Elliott locked eyes. “I suppose I’ll have to visit them sometime then.” A guilty look crossed Violet’s face. “Actually... Willy asked me to stop by for fishing lessons on the beach and I never got back with him.” Violet looked over to where Willy was sitting by the saloon door. “I should go catch up with him. I’ll see you around?”
“Yes, that would be... marvelous," Elliott replied.
Violet smiled at Elliott before walking away.