Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 91149 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91149 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
“As someone who had two big brothers of my own, I can attest that it can be very cool at times. But they can also be pains in the butt. You saw their best sides tonight.”
Bowie Jane giggles. “Your mom and dad are so nice too. I wish I had that.”
The wistfulness in her voice puts me on edge. “How so?”
Bowie Jane shrugs, and I can tell she wants to say something but is worried about it. This in turn worries me. Is she saying she wants her mom and dad back together? Is she pining for the family unit and the comfort it represents?
Finally, Bowie Jane says, “I don’t have that with my mom. I’ll never have that with my mom.”
And I get it. Her mom took off to Singapore with a guy and there aren’t any lovingly made Sunday dinners, jokes around the table and happiness to be with those you love.
I angle in the bed to face Bowie Jane, brushing her hair back from her face. “Oh, honey… I don’t know if that’s true. Remember when we talked about giving grace? And you’ve had some good conversations with your mom lately. Just tonight you had a great time talking to her.”
It’s true that Sandra is calling consistently without Chet involved and has really been engaged with her daughter. It’s left Bowie Jane with big smiles after and I’m hoping this is a sign that Sandra is finding her old mom self.
“But she’s in Singapore and I’m here. She’s with Chet who I don’t like. Even if they were here, it wouldn’t be like tonight at your parents’ house. Even though you have a blended family, you all love each other. I’ll never feel that way for Chet.”
From what I know about the guy, I’m not surprised by that line in the sand she just drew. “I’m sorry. I know it’s tough, but you never know what will happen.”
“Will you marry my dad and be my stepmom?” she asks earnestly, her eyes actually filled with hope.
And I freaking panic.
“Oh wow… honey, I don’t know. I mean… this thing with your dad is new. It’s way too soon to think about that stuff.”
“But you care about him. I can see it. I don’t think Chet really cares for my mom. I think he just likes that she’s young and pretty. You can hear it in his voice when he talks to her, and I can see that he doesn’t really listen to her when she talks. Not the way Dad listens to you. It’s just… different. I just wish my family was whole.”
“I get what you’re saying,” I tell her, choosing my words carefully. “But remember… family is whatever we want it to be. It’s not always just a man and woman having a baby and living within that tiny nucleus. Family can be something as simple as you and your dad. You’re a family. And you and your mom, you’re a family, although a rocky one right now. It’s me and my stepbrothers, and my stepdad adopting me. It’s Leo coming over to family dinner. Family is who you care about and who makes you happy.”
“I care about you,” Bowie Jane says, and there’s something about the way she’s staring at me so intently that feels like there’s a hard message within her words. She needs me to know her feelings are true.
“I care about you too. So much. And yes, I care about your dad. What you need to remember is you have so many people who love and care for you that you are never truly alone. Your family is just… unique.”
Bowie Jane considers that a moment and then nods. Her gaze cuts to the book. “Okay… you can read now.”
That means she’s done talking about it, but I’ve come to know this kid well. She’ll process and then she’ll want to talk more. Dive deeper. That’s the way she is because she’s the type of kid who needs knowledge. Needs to know where she stands and where those around her stand. My job is to do everything in my power to give that to her so she feels safe and secure as she navigates her new life.
CHAPTER 25
Foster
As I step into the Strip District Brewery—a huge, converted warehouse—the first thing I notice is the industrial chic ambiance and I’m digging it. The polished concrete floor reflects the dim lighting from the exposed filament bulbs hanging from the high, metal-beam ceiling. The walls, a mix of exposed brick and reclaimed wood, are adorned with vintage posters and neon signs. The furniture is an eclectic mix of stainless steel high-top tables and iron stools that are most likely a nod to the long-defunct Pittsburgh steel industry. The cavernous space is softened by the scattered placement of lounge furniture, including crushed velvet-covered couches and round ottomans.