Read Online Resilient (2) by Nikki Mathis Thompson - Free Book Online

of Ian. Something held her back from going down that road. It might sound cliché, but she didn’t want to jeopardize the friendship that had become so dear to her. So why was she so bothered by his new love interest? It wasn’t a surprise that Ian had started dating. Katrine knew things couldn’t stay in limbo forever. She wasn’t sure she wanted him that way, but she sure as shit didn’t want anyone else to have him.  
    With that thought lingering, she picked up her pace. Maybe the wintry air burning in her lungs would clear her head, maybe even cleanse her selfishness. She rounded the corner, wrapping up her eight mile run as Teddy got out of his father’s car. Running right up to her son, she engulfed him in a huge bear hug.
    “Hi, baby, I’ve missed you! Did you have fun?”
    “Hi, Momma, it was awesome! Uh, Mom, you’re kinda sweaty.”
    “Sorry. Now let’s get you inside, your little ears are like ice cubes.” She glanced over at David, who was standing by the driver-side door.
    “Hey, David, how ya doing?”
    “Good, Katrine. Still running, I see.”
    “Of course. I’ll run until my knees get other ideas.” She smiled at him and then kissed Teddy on the top of his head. She wouldn’t be able to do that much longer. He would be doing it to her in no time.
    “Okay, champ, I’ll see you on Wednesday. Love you, bud.”
    “Sounds good, Dad, love you too.”
    “I’ll talk to you later about my schedule for the next few weeks.”
    “Okay, just shoot me an email and we’ll work it out.”
    They waved and she snuggled her son into her side as they walked up the steps to their place.

    “Right hand, yellow.” Grunt, grunt.  
    “Uh, left foot grrrreeeen.”  
    “Aaaaahhhh.” Thud and giggles.
    “Momma, I think we need more than two people to play this game. You can’t play and spin. You’re gonna break something.”
    “Hey, I was doing pretty good until you stuck your little bum in my face.”
    “Left foot green, Mom. Not my fault.”
    “Okay, let’s retire Twister for a while and play cards. I think we’ll be safer.” Teddy put up the game as Katrine checked on dinner. The heat from the oven almost singed her eyebrows off, but it looked like the lasagna was right on schedule. She removed the foil and closed the door. “Should be done in about fifteen minutes, sweetie. Do you want to help me make the salad? We can play cards after dinner.”
    He nodded eagerly. Teddy loved to help her in the kitchen. He had assembled tonight’s lasagna while wearing his man-apron. Katrine had found him a dark blue Yankees one online. He didn’t bat an eye about wearing the apron and wore it with pride. He was always game for things and she liked that in a person, kid or grown-up. She chopped and he loaded their bowls. “Ranch or vinaigrette?” He gave her an “are you kidding me” look.
      “Ranch. Of course. How could I have been so stupid?” she teased, grabbing both. They sat side by side on the barstools. The white cheese pulled into a string as Teddy took his first bite. “Oooh, Momma, that’s so good.”
    She smiled at him and kissed his cheek. “I’m glad you like it. I put extra meat and baby bellas in the sauce.”
    “I love portobello mushrooms!”
    “That’s why I put them in there, squirt.” She winked and knocked shoulders with him, taking a huge cheesy bite for herself.
    Life was good. Anything beyond this was just icing.

    Chapter 8
    Katrine plopped into her chair and by some miracle her coffee stayed in the confines of its white cardboard cup.  
    “Hey, Mila, how ya doing this fine Monday morning?”
    “Good, I had the best weekend.” After a month of sitting together in class and working on the group project, her shy neighbor had really come out of her shell. She filled Katrine in on a great first date she went on and a birthday dinner for her best friend.
    “Wow, that does sound like a great weekend.” Katrine smiled at her as she removed her notes from her