My work in progress

I thought Iris McLeod deserved her how HEA, but it's turned into something bigger...

“You cook?” Iris inquired as they climbed the stairs to the second level. She pictured Tal preparing gourmet meals and possibly inviting her to join him. She’d provide the wine and dessert, and they’d sit on the deck in the evening sun. It was a lovely thought. 

“When I can. I often travel for work, and it’s nice to putter in the kitchen when I’m home.”

“What do you do?” 

“I’m self-employed. Well, actually, Benjamin works with me. We’re a two-man operation.” He pulled out his wallet and handed her a heavy, embossed business card that read “Rossi & Rossi Consulting.” The other side had his name and contact information. “He does most of the legwork these days, which is nice. I’m happy to spend time in the office.” 

She unlocked the door, and he held it open, gesturing for her to enter before him. Standing to the side of the door, she watched Tal move around the kitchen, making admiring noises that pleased her immensely. She’d worked closely with Vincent on the design that was both functional and attractive, and she hadn’t skimped on the appliances. Tal went to check out the bedrooms and emerged looking quite pleased. 

“One of the smaller bedrooms will work nicely as an office,” he said. “I assume there’s WIFI access?”

Iris nodded. “You work from home?”

“Yes. Will that be a problem?” Tal replied. “I’d rather not lease an office space that would rarely get used.” 

“It’s not a problem,” she said quickly. “It’s just…I was expecting a young father and a little boy.”

“And you’re getting a cranky old man and his equally cranky adult son, instead.” Tal’s eyes twinkled.

Iris laughed. “A perfect match for the cranky old lady who lives downstairs.” Heat started creeping up her neck before she’d finished the sentence. It only got worse when Tal laughed. 

“I don’t know what’s taking Benjamin so long, but I’m happy to sign the paperwork without him,” Tal said, looking at his watch. “It’s not like he’s going to be here all that often, anyway.” 

“Sounds good.” Iris wanted to squeal with delight. Instead, she led the way to her apartment, leaving Tal in the living room while she retrieved the leasing agreement. 

He was studying the photographs when she returned and indicated the group photo from Marcia and Ali’s wedding. “That was a great day, wasn’t it? I can’t believe Ali waited so long before finally asking Marcia.”

Before Iris could respond, Ingrid’s limping form caught her attention, and she hurried outside. “What happened?”

Both of Ingrid’s knees were scraped, and she was picking gravel out of the heel of one hand. “Some dumbass on a bicycle was riding on the wrong side of the trail and hit me. Idiot,” she replied, looking disgusted.

“How far away were you? Do you need me to take you to Urgent Care? How can I help?”

 Questions tumbled over themselves as she took Ingrid by the elbow and guided her to a chair on the patio. “Let me get the first aid kit. Do you want some water?”

Wincing, Ingrid lowered herself into the chair. “Water would be great, thanks. Urgent Care isn’t necessary. It’s just bruises and scrapes.” 

She looked inquiringly at Tal, hovering behind Iris’s shoulder. Iris made the introductions, saying, “This is our new tenant. We’re just waiting for his son to—” 

“I told you to wait for me!” A man in cycling gear dismounted from a bike and dropped it on the grass before stalking over to confront Ingrid.

“Why? I’m fine,” Ingrid went rigid and snapped. “What were you gonna do anyway? Walk me home?” 

“No! Yes…something like that,” the man sputtered, frustration and anger radiating from his taut frame. “I certainly wasn’t going to leave you lying on the ground.” 

Iris got between the arguing pair and wagged a finger in the man’s face. “Don’t you raise your voice at Ingrid. You’re the one who hit her! You have no right to be angry.” 

The man blinked down at Iris like he was just realizing there was an audience and snapped his mouth shut, looking even more frustrated. Then he glanced over Iris’s shoulder and groaned. “Hi, Dad. Is this the property you wanted to rent?”