Page 28 of Falling Again
CHAPTER 8
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Natalie hadn’t gottenanything done at work today. Not. A. Thing.
And how could she? What had started as the most insane morning on record had turned into a sweltering kiss that floored her, shook her to her cynical core.
“Until later...”
That was what Anthony had whispered in her ear. When was later? Now would suit Natalie fine. Andwhatwas later? Kissing? Korean TV? Falling asleep on the couch? Making love? The myriad of possibilities threated to drown her, each more exciting than the previous.
There was one thing Natalie knew with utmost certainty—later wasn’t now. When Ginny dropped her off, she couldn’t even park in the driveway.
“Full house,” she quipped as Natalie clutched the door handle.
“Yeah. Looks like a full Snyder invasion.” Glancing around, Natalie saw her in-laws’ luxury sedan parked next to Alice’s beat-up hatchback. The car was nearly as old as its owner, with a bumper held together with duct tape. The fact that this thing was still road-legal amazed Natalie, but now wasn’t the time to muse over the Ohio Department of Transportation’s standards. “Thanks for the ride, Ginny.”
Gathering her things, Natalie walked into the house and was greeted by a full-on Snyder family meeting. She had to cover her mouth so no one heard her groan. Just her luck; nothing kills the mood faster than extended family coming for an unplanned visit.
“Good evening,” Natalie said as she dropped her things by the door and stretched. The atmosphere was already tense in the house, so she needed to ready herself; whether to fight or flee, she wasn’t sure.
Her father-in-law, Steven, was on the sofa, arm draped over the back with a glass of something amber in his hand. It seemed early to be hitting the liquor cabinet, but judging from his pinched expression, maybe it was for the best.
“Natalie,” he greeted. “Sorry to barge into your home like this,” he started, “but you know Alice. We’re all on her timetable.” Steven sipped from his glass before placing it on the coffee table with a heavy thud.
For her part, Donna, her mother-in-law, looked embarrassed.
“Natalie dear, can I get you something to drink? We ordered some takeout, and that should be here shortly.” She offered Natalie a weak smile, which vanished when her daughter began to whine.
“This whole thing is ridiculous. Let me crash at your place for a few weeks until I figure out my next move.” Alice wasn’t seated, but was pacing the length of the living room, her anxious energy seeping into the air. Natalie contemplated joining Steven in the heavy drinking, but then she remembered something far more important.
“Where are the kids?” Natalie interrupted, pleased to have a reason to leave the fray.
Donna smiled and pointed overhead. “Upstairs. I gave them my iPad and turned on one of those Disney movies.” She twirled her hand in the air, the gold bangles on her wrist clattering in the silence.
More screen time. Natalie bit her tongue to stop herself from engaging in that age-old discussion. Sometimes when the kids got to be too much, Steven and Donna would plant them in front of the TV in an attempt to have a moment’s peace. What they didn’t realize was that they were turning her children into screen zombies. But Natalie knew it wasn’t the time for that conversation.
“Great. I’ll check on them,” Natalie offered, backing out of the room with her hands up. She couldn’t get out of there fast enough.
On her way upstairs, she heard the kids giggling at whatever they were watching. Rather than disturb the peace, she opted to tiptoe into her bedroom for a few moments of quiet. Judging from how things were going downstairs, she knew she’d need to savor every moment she had on her own. Easing down onto the edge of the bed, she pulled her cell phone from her pocket and checked the time. Anthony wouldn’t be home for another half hour because of his meeting, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t warn him about the political negotiations happening in their living room.
Hey! Wanted to let you know, the entire Snyder clan has invaded our home. Your mom ordered takeout.
