Leaving Normal by Stef Ann Holm Read Free Book Online

a hint of nice cologne surrounding him. Dark in color, his eyes connected with hers. "You used to work at Blooming Floral."
    "Yes…I did."
    And in that instant, she knew. She'd done the floral arrangements for his wife's funeral about three years ago.
    His name was on the edge of her mind. She struggled a moment, then uttered, "Jonathon Falco?'
    He nodded, a slow and sad acknowledgment. Sympathy came to her, full-blown, as if he had just buried his wife yesterday.
    "I hope you've been doing all right," she said, the sentiment seeming so mechanical.
    "We're getting along pretty well these days. My sons are playing in home games tonight at two different schools and I'm spread thin. These are the times I wish I had a clone." The pleasant, albeit stressed, laugh was added to the latter.
    Natalie smiled. "Well, is there anything I can do to help you on your way?"
    He grew quiet, thoughtful. "Actually, I was wondering if you were still married. I noticed you aren't wearing a ring anymore."
    "Oh…" Automatically, she gazed at her left hand. "I'm divorced."
    "I'm sorry."
    "Don't be. It's fine. For the best," she hastened to add.
    "Well, good. Then I was hoping you'd join me for dinner one evening."
    Taking a moment to let him continue, she regarded him.
    "I know you probably get asked out a lot, and you don't know me," he went on. "But the first time I came in, I recognized you and I've come back a few times now just to buy some things I don't really need."
    His confession warmed her heart, made her smile widen.
    "I realize it's the holidays and everyone's busy," he added. "But I'd really like to take you out to dinner."
    Natalie suddenly felt nervous, noticing he looked at her with more than casual interest. How long had it been since a man had caught her attention? Jonathon was nice-looking, pleasant to talk with, and he was a widower. They were a different breed. No baggage, no ex-wife. He'd had a good marriage and that was a plus.
    Why, then, didn't she just accept?
    "I think your offer is very generous, Jonathon, but you're right about the holidays. I just opened the store and my daughter's coming home in a few days and she'll be with me through the holidays."
    He nodded, shrugged. "I understand about family." In a voice that was both soft, yet firm, he added, "Maybe you can find the time after the first of the year. I'd really like to take you out—if you're not seeing anyone."
    For the briefest of instants, Tony Cruz's face flashed before her. It was utterly ludicrous that she'd even think about him right now.
    "No, I'm not seeing anyone. I've just been too busy."
    "Then it'll do you good to have a relaxing dinner. After the first, can I call you?"
    She licked her dry lips and, unbidden, glanced over her shoulder at Sarah, who was fixated on them. "All right." She slipped a hand into her apron pocket, and pulled oat a Hat and Garden business card. "You can get hold of me here."
    "Thanks, Natalie. I'll look forward to it." He pocketed the card. "I hope you have a merry Christmas."
    "Thank you. Same to you."
    He left and Natalie returned to the cash-register counter, raising her hand to silence Sarah before she could open her mouth. "I really am busy and I really might go out to dinner with him and I don't need any input. I have to check on Dad. I sent him out on deliveries over an hour ago and I see he hasn't returned, so honestly, Sarah, I don't need to hear whatever it is you want to say."
    Sarah's mouth dropped open, then snapped closed. A few seconds later, she gave Natalie a scowl. "I was only going to say that we're all out of gingerbread-man cookies for the tea cart and I'll go get some more."
    "Hmm," Natalie responded, more of a hum than a reply. A quick glance to the tea cart with its carafe of spiced apple cider and its silver tray empty of shaped-iced cookies, Natalie bit back anything further she would have said.
    Indeed, they were out of gingerbread men.
    But she was quite certain Sarah would have been mentioning