Isolation , Jones, Nathan [top 20 books to read TXT] 📗

An awkward one, sure, with Val looking Nick's way wearing a neutral expression the entire time. But it diffused some of the sudden tension in the air as Gen moved on to shake hands with Charlie and his son Micah.

The kids were the first to go for the food, shouting in amazement at the feast in front of them after so long making do with more spare meals, usually from a can or made with staple grains. The adults continued their casual conversations as they followed, filling their own plates and bowls and finding places at the table.

Gen chose the seat next to Nick, which made him happy even though he couldn't think of any reason why she wouldn't. As she lifted her fork to dig in she gave him a big smile as if she knew what he was thinking, and he found himself smiling back.

Probably an embarrassingly goofy smile, but he couldn't help himself; this was the happiest he'd been in weeks.

Good food, good friends, and a lot of hopeful talk about the future made the meal pass by in a pleasant blur. Even after everyone had cleaned their plates, most taking the rare opportunity these days to go back for seconds, everyone stayed around the table letting their food settle while shooting the breeze and watching the kids play in the yard.

“I want to take a picture of this moment,” Gen murmured at his side, watching with a smile as Billy and Tallie passed a soft football to each other with all the clumsy enthusiasm of young children. “You don't get many perfect moments like this.”

Nick nodded. “Especially these days.”

“All the more reason to savor them when they come.” She sighed contentedly and moved to stand. “Speaking of which, I think I'm going to grab another slice of cake. You want one?”

He stood as well. “I'm good. But I'll keep you company.”

On their way to the food table Tallie rushed up and threw her arms around Gen. “I didn't hug you yet!” she blurted.

“You sure didn't.” Gen picked her up and hugged her. “But you sure made up for it with this great hug now.”

“Yep.” The girl hugged her back for a few seconds, then squirmed in her arms. “Okay, I'm going to go play with Billy some more.”

Gen let Tallie slide down, looking almost wistful as she watched her run off. “I didn't realize how much I've missed that sweetheart,” she said.

Nick nodded solemnly. “It's easy to see the more obvious struggles with everyone staying isolated to stay safe from the virus. The constant fear and suspicion, having trouble finding safe food and water, living rough even in your own home without utilities. But having to stay apart from the people we love takes its toll on our minds and hearts, too. One that's easier to miss and might take longer to recover from.”

Her eyes had softened as he talked, and she looked up into his intently. “People we love, huh?” she repeated.

He felt his face heat. “Well yeah.”

Gen laughed quietly. “Well, I missed the people I loved too while they were in isolation.” She wrapped her arm around him for a few steps, then gave him a brief squeeze and let it drop as they reached the food table.

After another half hour or so of chatting and nibbling on the leftovers, Chet rubbed his hands together briskly and stood. “Well, it's been fun, guys, but we've got some moving of our own to do before dark.”

Unlike Ellie's family, Gen, and the Norsons, Chet and his family weren't in the mood to wait until morning to move. Chet and Aimee had been planning their wedding and future life for these last three weeks, and they'd been itching to start living in her parents' house in town as soon as their isolation ended, intending to have the wedding a month from now.

Ben and their dad were going to move into town with them too, although the two men had made plans to build another house for themselves on the lot, to give the couple some space.

The family had already loaded all their stuff into their truck, so all that was left was to say some informal goodbyes and set out. Since they were helping with the garden they'd be visiting all the time, and they'd also extended an invitation to everyone to come visit them in town whenever they wanted.

Even so, Nick felt the moment keenly as everyone exchanged handshakes and hugs. Their group had stayed mostly together since they'd begun scavenging months ago, first in their nearby camp in the woods and then in the survivors' camp. Even though they'd all still be working together, this represented the first group splitting off to continue with their lives.

It was silly, he knew. Besides, he was ready to continue with his own life now that his isolation was finally over.

And since it was looking like the party was breaking up anyway, it was time to get on with his own plans for the evening; as the McCleese men and Aimee drove off Nick glanced over at Gen and took a breath, feeling unexpectedly nervous.

It had been over a decade since he'd gone on a date with anyone but Ellie, and after being married for so long their dates had felt as relaxed as putting on comfortable old socks. Even though he and Gen had spent long evenings talking together for weeks now, and he had strong feelings for her, this would be their first official time going out.

It was terrifying. And exhilarating.

She glanced his way and he caught her eye, clearing his throat and nodding away from the group. “Shall we?”

Gen looked startled for a moment. “Oh.” Then a smile lit up her face. “Yeah, let's go.”

Nick took a moment to make sure Ellie had the kids in hand; she'd volunteered to babysit for their date. When their friends overheard and realized they were leaving, they called for them to have a good