Page 5 of Designs on You

Natalie—and the dogs—followed Hazel into the kitchen. Hazel pulled the bottle out of the fridge and opened it, pouring two glasses.

“Where’s Linc?” she asked.

“In the shower,” Hazel said, sliding a glass over to her. “His work day was long today. He should be down shortly.”

“You’re both working so hard lately. Him on renovating houses and you with your job at the restaurant.”

Hazel led her to the table and they both sat. “I know, but welove it. We’re working toward our future, Nat. And working hard is how we do it.”

“Except that Linc already has money.”

“Right,” Hazel said, taking a sip of her drink. “His money. And I need to feel like I’m on at least somewhat equal footing. He respects that, so we’re taking things slowly.”

“I suppose I can understand that. After living off of Sean’s income for so long, it’s nice to be earning my own for a change. Even though he pays child support and temporary alimony, I can appreciate not having to ask for money from a man.”

Hazel nodded. “Exactly. And the only reason you didn’t have a career before was because he demanded you be the stay-at-home mom.”

Natalie swirled the liquid around in her glass. “I could have argued. I didn’t.”

“But you’re free now.”

She let out a soft laugh. “Better late than never, I guess?”

“First, it’s not late. And, second, give yourself some credit, Nat. A lot of women would have stayed in that type of relationship until it swallowed them up. Until they were left with nothing. You didn’t. And you fought for what you and the kids deserved.”

Leave it to her sister to build her up. “Thanks. But I’ve still got a ways to go.”

“One step at a time, sis.”

“Yeah.” She took a longer swallow of her drink this time. “Anyway, how was your day?”

“It was good. Yours?”

“Pretty excellent, actually.” She told Hazel about her client appointment and how that went.

“You’re doing so well with your job, Nat. Your boss must be so pleased.”

“She is. Which motivates me to keep doing what I’m doing.”

“Hey, everyone. Linc told me to let myself in.”

Natalie blinked, then looked over at Hazel, who didn’t meet her gaze. Instead, she got up to give Eugene a hug. “I’m so glad you could make it. What can I get you to drink?”

“A beer would be great, thanks.”

Eugene came over and pulled out a chair next to Natalie. “Hey, Natalie.”

“Eugene. I didn’t know you’d be joining us.”

“Well, I’m nothing if not an excellent surprise.”

Hazel snorted a laugh in the kitchen. Natalie rolled her eyes and heaved a sigh. “Yes, that’s you all right.”

Linc came into the kitchen. “Hey, y’all.”

“Hi, Linc,” Natalie said. “Long day?”

“Very. But good day. Wrapping up the house I’ve been renovating. We’ll be staging next week and putting it on the market.”

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