Page 12 of Home Safe

“Yes!” he exclaims with a leap into the air. He quickly takes Sam’s hand, and they exit the lobby to go check out the merch room.

Danae watches them leave with a serene look on her face. She turns to Adrian and me. “Thank you again for putting on this camp and for inviting Jason. This was such a meaningful experience for him—for all of the kids, I’m sure. I really appreciate you taking time to do this. I imagine it’s a sacrifice to take time and energy to plan and organize, and that’s certainly not part of your job description. It’s really amazing that you’d do something so special.”

The expression on her face is beautifully sincere, and her praise cuts straight to the deepest part of my heart. “It’s a highlight of my year, every year,” I respond. “Jason’s such a sweet kid. I’m glad he got to participate. It’ll be hard to not invite him back again next year,” I add with a grin.

Danae huffs a laugh. “He is a sweetheart. Most of the time,” she says with a small sigh. The light in her eyes dims, and it’s almost painful to observe.

“I don’t know Jason’s specific story, but I know that whatever has happened in his life that qualified him for this camp isn’t an easy history to overcome. For him or for you,” I say. “I’m glad he has someone like you to love him as he works through it.”

She looks up at me, a fragile hopefulness in her eyes. “Samantha told me that she spent time in foster care before being adopted into your family. She’s so upbeat and caring. It gives me hope that Jason and I will get through this. I just wish there was a step-by-step manual to follow. He deserves everything good, and I don’t want to let him down.” Her shoulders droop as she finishes her statement, and I resist the urge to wrap my arm around them.

“Jason talked about you constantly throughout camp. He knows you love him,” Adrian says. I’d almost forgotten he was in the room with us. “That doesn’t solve everything, but it gives him a safe place to work through the hard stuff.”

Danae nods and gives Adrian a weak smile. I dare to reach out and touch her elbow. “Sam would be the first to tell you that working through childhood trauma is a lifelong journey, not a quick fix. Andit becomes a lifelong journey for the people loving you. So make sure you’ve got people you can lean on for support.”

A conflicted look passes over Danae’s face, and I want to ask more questions to find out the source. But Jason comes bursting through the door to the lobby, Sam on his heels. “Look at these shirts, Miss Danae! Sammi said I could get matching shirts for you and me. Did I pick the perfect design?”

Danae’s face instantly changes to delighted excitement in response to Jason’s enthusiasm. He holds up a shirt to her, and sheooosandahhhsover it. “How did you know exactly what kind of design I would like?” she asks, and Jason beams.

After tucking the shirts into the bag of signed merchandise, Danae tells Jason it’s time to go. “Thank you again for letting him stay a little late today,” she says, glancing at Sam, Adrian, and then me. When her eyes catch on mine, I’m overwhelmed by the impulse to invent a reason to see her again.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Sam tells Danae before she gives Jason an exploding fist bump. My head whips in her direction at her statement. Danae and Jason are out the door before I can clarify what she means.

“Why are you going to see them tomorrow?” I ask Sam.

“I offered to babysit so Danae can attend her book club meeting next week, so we’re getting lunch tomorrow to get to know each other better. You know I’m amazing, but I have to prove to Danae that I’m amazing so she’ll let me babysit that cutie redhead of hers,” Sam explains, eyes twinkling. “Lucky for you.”

“Now I see why you styled your hair instead of wearing a ball cap today,” Adrian comments, eyes holding a similar sparkle.

I run a hand up the buzzed sides of my mid-fade faux hawk, intentionally messing up the longer sandy-brown hair by my forehead. “You’re reading too much into things.”

Now isn’t the time to admit that I did spend a little extra time styling my hair and trimming my beard this morning. I always keep my beard a meticulous full-but-not-long length, but I gave it extra attention today.

Needing to divert the conversation, I place my hands on my hips and face Sam. “Your PA salary isn’t enough? You've gotta take up a side gig babysitting now?”

Sam’s face softens. “You know that’s not why I’m doing it. Youknowhow much support Danae needs if she’s going to be there for Jason as a single mom. Look at the web of support Mom and Dad needed. And there were two of them.”

Feeling properly chagrined, I nod and apologize.

She punches my arm, mischievous grin back on her face. “Besides, now you’ll have an excuse to see her again.”

“I don’t need—”

Sam claps a hand over my mouth. “Stop denying it. I’m your sister, and he’s your best friend. We see right through all your fronts. Just admit you’re intrigued by Danae.”

I narrow my eyes and resist the childish urge to stick out my tongue to punish Sam for covering my mouth. I sigh instead.

“Fine.”

Chapter seven

Danae

Iglance down and see Jason enthusiastically waving goodbye to Samantha. We spent nearly two hours together over lunch, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed her company. This lunch started as an opportunity to scope out whether I’m comfortable letting her babysit Jason, but it became an opportunity to get to know a new friend.

She was open but careful sharing about her past, and I could tell that Jason felt a connection with her through their similar experiences. Samantha even brought me a copy of her background check and CPR certificate, as though the transparent effort would tip the scales of my skepticism.

It might have.

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