When the Storm Subsides: A Novel by Dahlia Moore

Author:Dahlia Moore [Moore, Dahlia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-11-18T16:00:00+00:00

23

Eleanor

Eleanor was delighted. Cecilia invited the whole brood for Sunday brunch to celebrate their mother’s eighty-fifth birthday in mid-August, and Mike agreed to join her! She was afraid her shy man would find reasons to avoid meeting her entire family at such a grand event, and she was overjoyed when he willingly accepted. Cecilia was delighted when Eleanor informed her she would bring a friend with her and wanted to know all about him. Eleanor’s “Wait and see” did nothing to lessen her curiosity, and Eleanor knew that her sister would notify the whole family. As often happened in their family, good news were shared eagerly. Bad news, especially about illnesses, separations and the like, were barred, shared only when absolutely necessary.

She arrived the day before the party and spent the night at Mike’s place, and they were now on their way to Carrol Gardens, Brooklyn. To her surprise, Mike seemed entirely at ease, with no sign of apprehension or any other negative feelings that she was afraid he would exhibit. Was it an indication that he was sure of their relationship? She wondered but hesitated to ask.

“You seem pensive, darling. What’s on your mind?” Mike asked suddenly.

“Just contemplative. Not tense or anything,” Eleanor responded.

“Contemplative, ha? A big word. An important one. Intellectual. And what are you contemplating with such a serious face?” Mike glanced at her, smiling.

“Trying to imagine meeting the guys and their surprise when I introduce you! It’s been ages since I brought someone to a family gathering. I only did it once, in fact, and it was a disaster. He was so ... unsuitable. Maybe that’s the best description. And it felt awkward, strained. I ended the relationship soon after that, so it didn’t really matter.” Her face seemed remote, her eyes unfocused.

“Are you worried the same thing will happen now?” Mike intruded on her reminiscing.

Eleanor considered his question, then shook her head. “No. I don’t. I’m sure they will be delighted to meet you. And happy for me. I think they felt I was unsure about the guy I brought to that Thanksgiving dinner several years ago, so they didn’t bother to be nice to him.”

“And now? Are you certain now?” He shifted his gaze from the road for a brief moment to gauge her reaction.

“Yes,” Ellie replied without hesitation, “yes, I am. Despite our brief acquaintance and sporadic meetings, I’m sure.”

“Good, because that’s how I feel, too. With you, I don’t try to hide behind a façade.” A moment later, he added, “With you, I can be me without pretense, without trying to impress you ...”

Eleanor lifted his right hand and pressed it to her lips, saying nothing, but he caught the warm look she sent him.

After a long and comfortable silence, Mike asked, “How do you think each of your siblings will react to my existence in your life? Or will one of them determine the reaction of all of them?”

“Oh, they will definitely have individual opinions. But there’s no telling what it will be.

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