Family Ties

It’s common courtesy!” She drew breath for another lash of the whip, but changed her mind when my mom laid a hand over hers.

“I think they understand,” Mom assured her. “And… maybe you’re a little embarrassed that you didn’t figure it out sooner? About Dawn?” She caressed Susan’s hand to take the sting out of her words.

“Maybe you’re right,” Susan admitted.

“No ‘maybe’ about it.”

Susan nodded and then smiled at her with such tenderness that my breath caught in my throat. Christy’s hand found mine under the table and squeezed.

“I should’ve told you,” Kirk said into the silence. “Sorry, Mom.”

“Me too,” I said. “And… I’m sorry I thought it was a sexist thing.”

“I’m sorry I lost my temper,” Susan said. “I guess I’m still upset from Jeremiah’s death. And… Beth’s right.” She looked at Dawn. “I’m so sorry I didn’t realize.”

“It’s okay,” Dawn said. “I didn’t want to make you feel bad.”

“Next time, tell me,” Susan said. “I can take it. I’m a tough old bird.”

Every head at the table swiveled toward me.

“You aren’t as tough as you think,” I said mildly. “You aren’t that old, either.”

All the men and most of the women shook their heads.

“And if you’re a ‘bird,’” I finished, “it’s only because you’re a hot chick.”

Mom smiled at me gratefully, and Christy squeezed my hand again.

“He’s right,” my dad chimed in. “One of the hottest chicks I know.”

“You’re just saying that because you’re hoping to get lucky,” Susan shot back, but sweet instead of tart.

“Keep that up and you just might,” Mom told him with a smile. She also squeezed Susan’s hand, and they shared a look that spoke volumes.

Christy gripped my own hand so hard that I thought she might burst. She smiled at me with tears in her eyes.

After dinner we cleared the table and cleaned the kitchen as a group.

Everyone helped, and we finished in about fifteen minutes with all ten of us working. Then we took our towels and headed out to the hot tub to relax and soak.

Dawn was an athletic blonde, although taller and heavier than Christy.

Her figure was more boyish, though, with flat breasts and slim hips. She’d had a full bush the first time I met her, but her current hairstyle was a small triangle at the top of her shaved slit. She also sported an engagement ring that was new since the last time.