Chapter 13: My friend’s mother
I was halfway home when Natina’s voice called out from her courtyard.
"Jaenor! Perfect timing. I was thinking about that fence."
She stood in her doorway, framed by the warm light spilling from within her house.
The late afternoon sun caught the auburn highlights in her hair and cast everything in shades of gold and amber. Her work dress had been replaced by something more becoming—a deep blue gown that complemented her colouring and fit her figure in ways that were definitely intentional.
She wore it so that her ample bosom was filling out the top of her dress, and the deep revealing cleavage line seemed captivating.
"I was hoping we could discuss the repairs," she continued, stepping aside to gesture me into her home.
"And I’ve got fresh milk from this morning’s milking. You look like you could use some refreshment after working in the sun all day."
I was tired and just wanted to go home, but something about her demeanour told me I should go in. So I did.
The interior of her house was warm and inviting, with the comfortable clutter that came from a woman managing her household alone. Herbs hung drying from the rafters, filling the air with the scents of sage and lavender. The main room was dominated by a large hearth where a small fire crackled cheerfully, and comfortable chairs arranged around a low table suggested this was where she spent her evenings.
"Sit," she said, gesturing toward one of the chairs.