Leaving Normal by Stef Holm (best ereader for graphic novels TXT) 📕

down Natalie's cheek. She held Cassie's face in her hands. "I'm so glad you came home.

And I am so glad I showed you that Playgirl. See—it paid off."

Cassie's laughter was the first sign she was on the way to recovery, however marginal. Of course, there was the trauma of discovering the boy she'd had a thing for had been unfaithful. At any age, that would be hurtful. "Mom, looking at a nude-guy magazine did not make me hold on to my virginity." Gazing into Natalie's eyes, Cassie went on, "You made me hold on to it. Sex was never an off-topic subject in our house. And the way you were always talking to me about how special it was to wait until your wedding night—I listened. And that's what I want to do."

Swallowing the lump that had formed in her throat, Natalie sighed. "I'm so glad you think that way. These days it's uncommon for girls to wait. You'll think it's worth it when the time comes."

"I know. But that's not to say I don't like to make out."

"Urn, yes…" Natalie gave a nervous laugh. "Well, maybe I don't need to know about the details."

Cassie blew her nose once more, tore apart the tissue in her hands. Then with a puzzled frown that wrinkled her forehead, she asked, "Who are all those people downstairs?"

Venting a half laugh, Natalie informed, "That would be Grandpa's girlfriend, Iris. Your dad's girlfriend, Renee—I think you already met her at Christmas at your dad's house—and my friend, Tony."

"I know who Tony is. He's hot."

"Yes, I believe you've mentioned that already."

"Are you dating him? Because if you are, I'd think it would be cool."

At this point, assailed by confusion, Natalie wasn't sure what she was doing with Tony.

Iris's house was decorated with a homey touch. Her hardwood floors gleamed a golden color while a red, green and gold Persian rug lay beneath the coffee table.

Fred wished this evening's visit with Iris could have been under more normal circumstances instead of drinking coffee and talking about what had just transpired at his daughter's house.

Easter dinner had begun on very shaky ground but, oddly, had ended on a happy note. Cassie's surprise visit was the glue that had put things to rights.

When she came downstairs with Natalie, Cassie gave her dad a hug and declared that everything was great now that she was home. A sigh of relief had been breathed by Fred—and everyone else.

The revelations of the day were forgotten—or at the very least, not discussed any further. New acquaintances were formed, maybe even some friendships. In the midst of it all, Natalie had a full crowd at her dinner table. And there was nothing more wonderful than family gathered for a holiday meal.

Iris joined Fred on the sofa. The cushions were comfortable, the back a row of down-filled pillows. He thought it was nice. The throw pillows in green and black were a good complement.

"You have a nice home, Iris."

"Thank you, Fred. I got most everything at Target." Iris set her hot cup on the coffee table to cool. "You'd be amazed at the versatility that store has."

"I believe you. I'm a regular shopper."

They sat next to one another, quietly thinking a moment.

Fred almost didn't know how to handle himself. He was still a little nervous around Iris at times, but he was grateful she'd invited him in to sit and visit after he brought her home.

"So…our kids are dating," he stated. "Interesting, isn't it?"

Iris, her eyes a rich brown like coffee, didn't readily comment. When she did, it was with thoughtful words. "I'm not surprised. You've spoken nothing but wonderful things about your daughter and you know how fabulous I think my son is."

"Who's to say what will happen between them," Fred said, realizing that he and Iris had only just begun to skim the surface when it came to learning details about one another. "And I hope I'm not talking out of turn, but I thought ahead to the fact if they ever got married or something, how that would relate us."

"I had that thought, too. We'd be in-laws." Iris picked up her cup, held it close to her mouth, but paused before drinking.

Fred pondered the idea and came up with a different explanation, but this time, he didn't speak it.

They both drank their coffee, the room growing quiet as they both lost themselves in reflection.

"Iris…it was me who delivered those irises to you that day…"

She looked into his face. "I know. I finally figured that out the day you brought me the balloons."

"Why didn't you say something?"

"I thought you might want to tell me yourself, when you were ready."

"And I thought whoever sent those irises to you might have been your boyfriend or someone special."

"They were from my aunt Edna who lives in Wyoming."

"I'm glad you have an Aunt Edna."

Iris beamed at him.

After a while, Fred put his arm around Iris's shoulder and slid her closer to him. She felt wonderfully soft, feminine, with so many features and qualities he enjoyed.

Leaning back slightly, he gazed into her face. She smiled, her mouth so sweet, her lips so red. His heartbeat tripped and skipped, his breath felt tight in his chest.

"Iris," he whispered, tingles rising across his skin. His pulse caught, held still. "I want to kiss you, but I haven't kissed a woman in so long."

"It's still done the same way, Fred."

Smiling, Fred lowered his mouth over hers, his lips gently brushing across the fullness of hers. She tasted like coffee and cream, a little hint of sugar. So sweet, so nice. Very pleasurable.

His first kiss in forever and it reminded him of what he'd been missing. He'd loved his wife and would have given her the moon, sun and the stars. It had been a good marriage, a loving one. But it was over. That part of his life was gone. He'd been living in the present, but not fully experiencing life. Tomorrow was his future and, if he let himself, he