Touching Stars by Emilie Richards Read Free Book Online

vocabulary.
    She waited, sure he would go on, and he did. “I don’t want him here,” Noah said at last. “I’m glad he’s back on American soil. I’m really glad he wasn’t killed, you know I am. And I’m sorry he still has to recover. But he left us when we needed him. And now that he needs us, he’s back.”
    Gayle winced. Noah saw her and shrugged. “You asked.”
    “Are you worried about me? ” she said. “Because I asked your dad to come, and I meant it. It’s a chance for you to get to know each other a little better. You boys are going to be off into the world before long, and this might be the last summer you can all be together like this.”
    “We’re not together, Mom. We haven’t been together since I was four. This isn’t a reunion. Dillon doesn’t even remember what it was like to have a live-in father, and I barely do. Dad’s just somebody we see once in a while. He buys gifts when he remembers and takes us places nobody else’s dads can afford because he feels guilty. Not that often, but boy, when he does remember to feel guilty, he pays for it.”
    She was almost sorry she’d started the conversation, but Noah needed to get this off his chest.
    “You asked,” he said again.
    “I know. And I respect how you feel. But you need to see the whole picture. Divorce is never just one person’s fault.”
    “That’s a cliché. Sometimes it is.”
    “When it comes down to it, your dad and I are very different people. We loved each other, and we tried. It just wasn’t possible to work out our differences in a way we could live with. But it’s not fair to blame him for everything. He’s supported you. He’s tried—”
    “He tries when he remembers. It’s just a fluke he’ll be home for Jared’s graduation. You still have to remind him about our birthdays.”
    She was silent. She wondered how he knew.
    “I’ve heard you on the telephone,” Noah said, answering the question she hadn’t asked.
    “Eric’s on the road so much, I don’t think he always knows what day it is.”
    “Don’t make excuses. People remember what’s important.”
    “Okay, I don’t think birthdays are important to him. But the first thing he does when he gets to a new place is call me and make sure I have his contact information, in case anything goes wrong with one of you. Your rooms are filled with things he’s sent from overseas. Maybe not on your birthday, but whenever he can get to it.”
    “We’ve gotten along fine without him. I know him. He’s going to interfere.”
    She didn’t know what to say to that. What was the difference between interference and parental rights? Rarely had this been an issue, because Eric hadn’t been around to make decisions. But now he was in residence again, and there would be moments when the distinction became unclear.
    “I want you to give him a chance.” Gayle closed the cupboard door. “And I want you to remember that I’m a grown-up, and I’ve been taking care of myself for a very long time. I invited Eric here because he needs us, and you need him. You’re going to be gone soon, Noah. This is your chance to make things right with your dad.”
    There was an edge to his voice now. “And I want you to remember that whatever Dad and I work out is between us.”
    He’d caught her in her own trap. “I guess I needed to have my say, but you’re right. It’s up to the two of you from here on in.”
    “You know, you’re upset for nothing. Dad’s not worrying about this stuff. He’s worrying about what he’ll do next, not what he’s already done. He’s going to get well and go on his way.”
    “Just don’t decide you know everything so far ahead of time, okay?”
    “If he causes any trouble here, all bets are off.”
    The French doors to the morning room were open, but the sound of knuckles rapping on glass made Gayle turn around. She expected to see Eric, but the man standing there was more familiar.
    “Travis!” She smiled, relieved to see a