Don't Turn Back (Coming Home Book 1) by Amy Stephens Read Free Book Online

back home, and rather than cause any more problems, I decided it was best to leave town. I guess you could say I ran away. I drove all the way here, and now I’m thinking about trying to make a fresh start here.”
    I’m not sure if she’s following me, so I tell her a little more. I share with her a little about Macy, how she kicked me out, and I couldn’t go back home or to my brother’s house. But, I don’t tell her about the rent money I took or any of the other situations we encountered. Some things are just better left unsaid.
    She just stares at me without saying a word. I’m not sure if she’s believing me or if she might be feeling a little sympathetic. The last thing I need is for her to start taking Macy’s side. You know how women are, taking sides with each other when a man is involved.
    “I’m very sorry about your situation, but I’m not sure what you want me to do.”
    “I know this is probably asking a lot from you, but is there any way you might be able to help me get a room tonight? I’ve slept the last two nights in my car, and I really don’t want the cops questioning me again if I’m discovered sleeping again. I’m not doing any harm, but they simply don’t like seeing me asleep in it.” I make an attempt to convince her even more. “Just earlier tonight, I was in the Wal-Mart parking lot, minding my own business, and a security guard came by. Said I couldn’t stay there either. I’m just running out of options.” I drop my head even though I know my story is more believable while I’m making eye contact with her.
    “And you think I can help you? I don’t even know you.” I can see she’s starting to withdraw. 
    “Wait, maybe I am asking for a little too much. You were very generous last night, and I thought you might be able to help me out again. I just don’t know where to go.” I’m really putting on the sad look now.
    “Shouldn’t you have thought this through more before you decided to run away? I think I would have had at least a little bit of money saved and a better plan.”
    “You’re right. I should have thought more about it, but it all happened so suddenly. I’m sorry for bothering you again.” I duck my head and turn to walk towards to the exit.
    “Wait.” She says. “Maybe there is something I can do.”
    I look back at her, and I can see I’ve weakened her resolve. I just may be getting somewhere with her now; there may be some hope after all.
    “You see, the problem I have is that I don’t have any money to pay you for a room, but maybe I can make it up to you some other way.” My plan is working.
    “I could really get in trouble for this you know, but I think I can do a little something. I can let you have a standard room on the house, but you’ve got to be gone first thing in the morning.”
    “Oh my goodness. Are you serious? That would be amazing .” I’m really playing this up good. 
    “My shift is over at seven, so I’ll need you to be gone by then. I can take care of the paperwork part, but I don’t want my co-worker questioning anything about you if she sees you.”
    “Look. You tell me how I can make it up to you, and I will. I owe you big time.” I can hardly believe I’m going to have a nice bed to sleep in tonight and a hot shower in the morning.
    I know she’s still uncertain about this from the tone of her voice. “Like I said, I need you to make sure you’re gone by seven. Don’t bother bringing the key card to the front desk. Just throw it away after you leave.”
    “Thank you. Thank you so much…” I hesitate, because I’ve just spent the last few minutes talking to her, and I never bothered to get her name. I stick my hand out to shake hers. “I didn’t catch your name.”
    “Jennifer. It’s nice to meet you.” A smile forms on her lips, and I think maybe everything is going to be okay after all.
    “I’m just going to grab my stuff from the car, and I’ll be right back.” As I move towards the