~Book 1 of the Natalie King Series~
Natalie King was no one special.
She didn't believe she was in any way important. But then, something incredible happened that changed her world. She become something more, something impossible. With her power, s...
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About an hour later, it was time for me to go home. I made sure not to have too much wine so I'd be able to drive back safely.
"I'll see you soon, Natalie," Joe said as he gave me a big hug.
"Definitely," I agreed. "Keep feeding me like this and I'll move in soon."
Joe and I shared a laugh, pulling away. Iris then wrapped her arms around me, squeezing gently.
"I'm glad we got to do this. Thanks for coming, Nat."
"No problem," I shook my head. "I had a lot of fun."
"Good," Iris smiled at me before going to put the dishes away.
Barry then came forward, but, instead of hugging or shaking my hand, he pointed towards the door. "I can walk you out?"
I hesitated, not sure if I wanted to be alone with him. But then I thought, screw it.
"Sure," I whispered. "That's kind of you." I walked over and grabbed my jacket.
Barry came over, gently taking it from my hands and held it out so I could put it on. I gave him a wide smile and slipped my arms through the jacket. I murmured a 'thanks' before picking up my purse.
Barry and I walked out the front door and headed to my car. As we paused beside my vehicle, Barry said, "I'm glad you were here tonight."
I glanced up at him, the moonlight shining across our faces. "You are?"
He nodded, smiling. "Joe has mentioned you before, a few years ago. Never thought I'd meet you. Joe cares about you a lot. And so does Iris."
"Well, I care about them too," I told him. "It's true that they are like my family now. Joe is the father I always wished I'd had and Iris is the sister I never had."
"I can see that," Barry raised his eyebrows. "During dinner, I could see that bond you have with them. When Iris mentioned that you watched over me while I was in a coma—"
"I was worried about you," I interrupted him. "Ever since I was thirteen, Joe told me stories about Iris and you. There are a lot of things you don't know about me yet, Barry. But I know you. Everything that Joe and Iris have told me about you has given me this image of who you are. And trust me, you don't disappoint. That bond you noticed between Joe and Iris and I, I would like to have that with you. I'd love it if we could be friends."
Barry grinned, a glimmer of happiness appearing in his eyes. "I'd love that, too. You seem like an amazing person, Natalie. You've taken care of me and my family. I'd like to repay you for that."
"You don't have to," I shook my head. "You'll never have to repay me for something like that."
Barry sighed, nodding in understanding.
"C-Could I—?" I stuttered, unsure. "I know this'll sound really weird, and you can absolutely say no. Could I hug you?"
Barry raised his eyebrows in surprise, mouth opening slightly.
