The Only Purple House in Town by Ann Aguirre

Author:Ann Aguirre
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sourcebooks

* * *

Eli never pictured himself taking dance lessons, but since reuniting with Iris, he’d been stepping out of his comfort zone more and more.

“I had fun tonight,” Iris said, almost as if she could read his thoughts.

“Me too. I’m looking forward to the next class.”

“I wonder what Hazel can tell me about Great-Aunt Gertie. I’m living in her house, and I feel a tad guilty about it because I didn’t know her well. And I wonder if it’s okay for me to be there. Because…”

He glanced at her, taking his eyes from the road only briefly. His sharpened senses made night driving easier, but there was no reason to be careless. “Because of what you found out recently?”

He couldn’t bring himself to say “you’re not biologically related” when that wasn’t her fault.

“Yeah,” she whispered. “That.”

“I think it’s enough that you care,” he said. “The rest of your family doesn’t.”

“Well, Olive is cut from different cloth, but—”

“She’s not here. Have you spoken to your dad since you got the news?”

“Not yet. But historically, he takes the path of least resistance. Whatever allows him to peacefully read books about ancient Rome.”

“Write him a note and put it in a biography of Julius Caesar. That way you know he’ll see it.”

Iris finally smiled, lightening the load in Eli’s heart. “Thanks. You always know what to say. It’s wild how good you are at getting me out of the bad place in my head.”

Eli didn’t know how to respond to that, so he changed the subject. “Was it me, or did the other lady…Gladys? Seem a bit…strange?”

“You noticed that too? It was so weird how she mentioned my kinfolk and called me ‘lady.’ Like, it didn’t sound like, ‘Hey, lady, move your car or else!’ It felt more like a title?” She made a softly disparaging sound. “Eh, that probably doesn’t—”

“No, I agree with you.” He cut her off because she was likely about to start second-guessing herself. Her so-called family had really done a number on her self-esteem. Now Iris acted like she was wrong about everything.

“Hmm. I do wonder what that was about. Do you think Hazel would know anything? I—oh.” Her phone beeped. “She just texted me! She wants to come over tomorrow.”

“I think you might’ve made a new best friend,” Eli noted.

It was sweet the way she collected people. On some level, maybe they sensed her innate goodness. She’d demonstrated it for him long ago, and the warmth he felt for her was only growing as he got to know her. Before, it had been gratitude and curiosity, and now—well, he refused to pin a name on these emotions.

“I could always use more friends,” she replied cheerfully. “Seems like she’s bringing fresh-baked corn muffins and homemade raspberry jam.”

“Tea or coffee, then?” He didn’t really care about the answer, but as Iris gave full consideration to the question, the unease he’d noticed disappeared.

Halfway to the house, the rain he’d seen coming earlier in the day broke, rolling thunder and snaps of lightning flashing far on the horizon.

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