The Other F-Word Read Online Free Page A

the stuff of orgasmic fantasies. He looked familiar, like maybe he’d already trespassed into my dreams, although I couldn’t place him. He nodded, looking completely composed in a dark, tailored suit and with a wry smile. He had all the ingredients for a delicious recipe—Ashton Kutcher’s sultry lips, Robert Pattison’s thick eyebrows, Mario Lopez’s jet black hair and Jason Statham’s broad chest. His hazel eyes were all his own though. They were so unique, the colour falling somewhere between golden sun and forest floor. I was grateful for the bouquet for the first time that night, because I needed it to fan myself.
    “Good bye,” I said.
    “Or maybe it’s hello…again,” he whispered, before I closed the door.
    Again?
    * * * *
    Billie and I walked into the house. It felt empty already.
    I scanned the room, unable to shed the memories that clung to every surface. The large mahogany table, scarred with cracks and scratches, that had served us so well. It accommodated additional chairs with no issue, serving honourably as the host of our family dish sessions. The cheap white bookcases against the far wall held our family photos, acting as a historical museum chronicling our lives. The antique technology that was our stereo, represented a great source of communication for our family. The corner with the pencilled lines, showing each girl’s growth every year since Marley was five and we’d moved here. This house had been above my pay grade on all sane levels, but I’d wanted it for my girls. It had been love at first sight since the moment I saw it, when I’d brought Marley trick or treating in the neighbourhood.
    The generous inheritance my father had left me had allowed me to purchase it—I still couldn’t believe he’d done that, since my parents had kicked me out of the house when I’d turned up pregnant at eighteen. I’d used the bulk of that money to buy the house, reasoning that it would provide a proper foundation for my family. I’d worked two, sometimes three jobs to make sure my girls had what they needed.
    They didn’t always get what they wanted, but all we really needed was each other. I was so proud of them. They were brilliant, beautiful women. I’d made sure each of them had got to college and followed their dreams. I’d raised them, and in turn, in a way, they’d helped me grow up.
    “I can’t believe you’re selling it,” Billie interrupted my reverie, although she echoed my thoughts.
    “It’s too big for just me. Don’t worry, whatever apartment I rent will always have an extra bedroom for you.”
    “I know…it’s just that this house is special.”
    “It’s just a house, Billie. It’s the memories that are special, and we will always have those.”
    She took off her shoes and sat on the chenille couch, cross-legged like she had when she was little. “Mom, you know why Marley wanted you to catch the bouquet right?”
    “Because I’m a single lady?”
    Billie laughed, untying the ribbon that held her silky smooth blonde locks. This one was my philosopher, always insightful with a little bit of wiseass thrown in. “You haven’t dated in so long. As kids we never thought about it, but it’s obvious to us now that you stopped when you found out about Marley.”
    I couldn’t correct her because she was right. How could I worry about finding companionship when I’d failed my daughter? I’d promised myself from that day forth, I would never bring a man into my girls’ lives. Marley needed a place to feel safe, and I’d vowed never to make her uncomfortable in her own home.
    “What’s your point, daughter?”
    “You’re a beautiful woman. People always ask if you’re my sister. It’s time for you to get out there.”
    “I see you girls have been discussing my social life.”
    “We’ve had a few dish sessions without you.”
    It made sense that it was Billie having this discussion with me. She was the diplomat of the family. A born peace-keeper. Stevie was