Page 10 of A Sudden Romance

“Your dad is eager to reconnect.”

So was she. “We’ll probably be catching up on all sorts of home improvement shows.”

“He has a lot of them saved on the TV.”

“Funny how neither of us are builders, but we’re both inspired by home improvement projects. I think watching those shows with Dad while I grew up led me to want to be an architect.”

“Hmm. If your dad had time, he’s more than capable of building and fixing things.” Mom patted Iris’s arm. “I’m glad you didn’t tear down your old project shed when Eric insisted you redesign The Peak.”

“That place is untouchable.” Nodding, Iris tried to listen for any activity outside the dining room. She couldn’t hear anything. The dining room was located beyond the main room adjoining the kitchen. In the spacious house, with no background music, she should hear an echo of footsteps or spoons or something, shouldn’t she?

Had Sabastian left for the night? He usually appeared to clear the table and ask if they wanted any more beverages.

After eating dessert and catching up with her mom for another thirty minutes or so, she encouraged Mom to head to bed.

“You have to work tomorrow.” And she glanced at the dining room clock. Quarter till ten already.

“I want to hear more about your current work projects.”

She didn’t have anything new to tell about her work since they’d talked two days before her arrival, but she always loved chatting with Mom. They’d find something else to talk about. “We’ll talk more tomorrow.”

She stood, and Mom stood with her to clear the plates.

“I’ve got this, Mom. You’ve been working all day.” Being a psychiatrist for traumatized kids had to be emotionally draining, even for a saint like Mom.

“I’ll pray with you at least,” Mom said.

“Sounds good.” Taking the plate from her mom, Iris kissed her cheek. “I’ll meet you on the second floor by the lounge area. Just let me get this cleared.”

As she carried the plates to the kitchen sink, there was still no sign of the chef in his domain. She stacked the plates in the sink. Turning on the water, she rinsed the dishes and put them in the stainless steel dishwasher that matched the recessed refrigerator. The white cabinets and black countertops she’d had installed years ago still looked crisp, the black-and-white theme like a 3D rendering of her pencil sketches. The theme followed through with the plush white furnishings and walls in the main room, though she had to admit Joy’s bright abstract paintings brought the space to life far better than the black-and-white cityscape photos their decorator initially put up.

Tomorrow. She nodded as her plan fell into place while she wiped the black granite counter. She then moved to wipe the island, pausing to breathe in the aroma from a vase filled with red, yellow, and white velvety roses. It didn’t need to be wiped, but maybe, if she delayed, she might catch Sabastian walking back into the house.

Come to think of it, the island was the perfect place to read her Bible in the morning while she waited for him. He had to make breakfast.

After all, he’d assured her he was helping with the reunion. Maybe she’d better start helping him in the kitchen while they worked on their long list of things before December 15.

After praying with Mom, Iris made it to her room. Falling asleep that night wasn’t difficult. It never was whenever she was home in the mountains and in her childhood room. With the two-hour time difference from Boston to Pleasant View, she was awake and fully rested by five. She showered, changed into a long-sleeved lavender pullover and sweats, slid on fuzzy elephant slippers, then carried her Bible and journal downstairs.

The pendant light over the island illuminated the entire kitchen.

Almost an hour later spent praying, reading, and jotting her thoughts in a journal, she heard movement from the south entrance hallway. She lifted her chin and turned to see Sabastian emerge, dressed in ripped jeans and a tan flannel, unbuttoned to reveal the white T-shirt. She didn’t have to check the hallway to know he’d left his shoes and jacket there.

He slowed his steps when he saw her. Blinking, he stopped several feet from the island.

“Good morning.” She spoke after a few moments of him opening and closing his mouth.

“You’re... early.” He pushed a lock of dark hair from his face.

“Are we still a team for the reunion planning?”

He nodded, smiling crookedly, then scratched the short stubble dusting his chiseled olive skin. A simple clean scent of soap wafted from him.

Even with his hair rumpled and slightly wet, he was handsome. Nothing like the men she usually interacted with, dates who were suited up with styled hair. He held her gaze unwaveringly this time, which made her body feel warm and her heart beat in a way it had never beaten in any man’s presence.

She’d probably stared far too long. She refocused on the bouquet next to her Bible and bit her lower lip furiously. It didn’t help that Sabastian had been on her mind when she went to bed last night, wondering how she could make him feel comfortable around her.

“Can I, uh, get you some tea?”

---