Finding Home by Aine Kelley Read Free Book Online

at the base of my neck. As the shower beats down, I practice how I’m going to ask my mother if I can move home. “Fuck!” I yell to no one.
     
    I arrive at the restaurant with a few minutes to spare. I pace back and forth trying to figure out the best way to ask her. Not knowing how she’ll answer worries me.
    “Sam, really, you want to move home? That’s not possible. Brian and I decided to move into the Florida condo, and I’m thinking of selling the house. Now is not a good time.” She lifts her napkin and pats her lips with elegance. “I have to get it ready to go on the market. Having someone living there could interfere with the work.” Nice .
    “I’m not someone, Mother, I’m your daughter.” I try to hold back the bite in my voice. “Then what am I going to do? I can’t afford an apartment with no job. I need a place to live.”
    Sighing, her face almost looks concerned, but it’s brief. “Well, why don’t you ask your father?” And there goes the deflection again.
    “Mom, Dad said no. Can I please stay at the house until I find a job? I could even supervise the work being done.”
    My mom pauses, and I’m hopeful she’ll say yes.
    “I’ll think about it. Now let’s order, I’m famished!”
     

     
    Dinner with the Fosters is always a trip. They’re some of the nicest and most generous people I know. They’ve always been so welcoming. They feel like family more than my own. Holding my hand, Jenny pulls me from my thoughts about brunch today. It’s hard not letting my mother’s harsh words get to me. Not too long ago, we used to have a great relationship, and now … well, now we co-exist.
    “Earth to Sam … again. I told you not to worry about your mom right now. I have a plan.”
    Looking back at Jenny, I try to hide the surprise on my face. “You have a plan? Will this plan actually work? I mean, no offense, but your plans can be a bit over the top.”
    Jenny looks at me in all seriousness. “Seriously! When are you going to let that go? I really thought stealing Nathan’s clothes and hanging them from the trees in the quad was a great idea.” She pulls me into a hug as we both laugh at the memory of his clothes hanging from the trees.
    “Yeah, it was super until campus police arrived!”
    Jenny shrieks, “Well, at least we didn’t get arrested.”
    Our laughter continues as we enter the restaurant. Jenny’s parents are sitting at the table, watching us with a look of delight.
    Mr. Foster stands as we approach the table. “What’s so funny, girls? Jenny, are you plotting with Sam again? What sort of mischief do you have planned?” Jenny’s face mocks surprise, but she knows her dad is teasing.
    “Hey, come on! I’m not always up to wacky things. In fact, I’m in the middle of the perfect plan. It just happens to involve everyone at the table.”
    Okay, now I’m intrigued? What could it possibly be?
    “Mom, Dad, Sam’s parents suck, and she needs a place to live. I think our place in Napa is perfect, don’t you? So what do you say? Sam, come to California with me.”
    I practically fall off my chair. She can’t be serious. It’s a crazy idea. What would I do in Napa? I peek around the table and find Mr. and Mrs. Foster smiling at me. They don’t seem shocked at all.
    “Sam, Jenny told us about what’s happening, and we want to help. Of course you will work for us, but you can live at Moon Dance until you decide what to do next.”
    My eyes sting from tears. The love at this table is more than I’ve felt in a long time. The offer overwhelms me.
    Jenny shifts her body to me. “What do you say, Sam, move back home with me?”
    I stare at Jenny while formulating a checklist of all the reasons why I shouldn’t, but nothing comes to mind. I’ve got no job and nowhere to live. Taking a moment to compose myself, there’s only one answer. “Wow! Thank you so much. I don’t know what to say.”
    Jenny whacks my arm “Say yes, you goof!” Taking a deep breath,