Today, December 1, is National Eat a Red Apple Day. A bite of an apple, a friendship born, a relationship created, a little truth shared.
Today’s excerpt features some people sharing apples and building relationships. It is from near the end of Turning Point. Brenna has Cassidy and her son, Ryan who’s five, staying at her home following Christmas. The conversation starts with Ryan and Brenna in the kitchen one evening.
begin excerpt
“You’re being very nice to Mommy. No wonder she likes you.”
“She said that?”
“Yes. I knew already, though.”
Cassidy had mentioned Ryan had already guessed about them. Brenna crouched down to talk to him. “What do you think you know?”
“I know you kissed. I saw that.”
“When?”
“When you took us camping. In the tent.”
“I thought you were asleep.”
“I wasn’t.”
“Are you okay with your mom and me kissing?”
“I like when Mommy’s happy.”
“That’s all?”
“Yes.”
“I like when your mommy’s happy, too.” Brenna could not stifle her amusement. She looked Ryan squarely in the eye. “Your mother raised a very smart boy.”
“Me?”
“Yes.” She hugged him. “I love you.”
“As much as you love Mommy?”
“Just as much.” He smiled broadly at that. She stood and ruffled his hair. “Would you like a snack?” He grinned, and she saw his mother’s features so clearly, she felt her heart beat faster. “Let’s see what we can find, hmm?”
“Okay.”
Together they raided the refrigerator, locating a pair of apples. While she ate hers whole, she cut the second into wedges for him. They sat together at the kitchen table. When she’d finished and was rising, Cassidy appeared from her room. “All unpacked?”
“I ran across this,” Cassidy said, holding out the unwrapped box. “Sorry, it’s a little worse for travel.”
Brenna took the box, lifting off the top and withdrawing the scarf.
“There was a note with it, but I think it got lost in the…”
“Confusion?” Brenna supplied an innocuous descriptor.
“Yes.”
“It’s a beautiful gift.”
“I was hoping you’d like it enough to wear it…around.”
Brenna looped it around her throat, tucking it into the neckline of her blouse. The blouse’s color was not really suited to the silky red, but the effect caused an immediate and broad, lust-filled smile from Cassidy. “Done.”
Cassidy reached out to caress the silk, lightly brushing the skin beneath. “You’re beautiful.”
“Want an apple, Mommy?” Ryan held up his last apple wedge.
Smiling at Brenna, Cassidy dropped her hand from the silk and took the apple piece from her son. “Thank you.”
“Ryan says he’s happy we’re together.”
“One down, two to go?”
Brenna nodded.
end excerpt
If you’re interested in reading more about the story of Cassidy and Brenna’s relationship, you can purchase Turning Point and Turn for Home in either ebook or paperback (and even hardcover for the GCLS finalist Turning Point.)
Lara Zielinsky 