Page 29 of Find Me in California

“California. And before that, Colorado. I lived in a commune.”

“A what?”

“A commune. You know, we shared food, shelter, resources. Beds.”

“Yeah, I know what a commune is.” He takes a hard look at her, wondering what else she’s been smoking. “Those still exist?”

“Of course, silly. They’re all over the place.”

“Never would have thought that.”

She’s a strange one. Far out. It’s the most accurate description he can think of to describe her vibe.

She points at the phone propped in a cup holder. “What’s that?”

“My phone.”

“Get out. That’s not a phone.”

“No joke. Want to call your parents?”

Her face loses some of its color. “I haven’t spoken with them in over five years.”

“Do they know you’re coming?”

She chews on her bottom lip.

“I’m sure they’ll be happy to see you.”

“I doubt it.” She wraps and unwraps her hair around a finger. “What about your parents? Are you close with them?”

His jaw tenses. He shakes his head.

“Where are they?”

“Dead.”

She touches his arm. “I’m sorry.”

“Happened a long time ago.”

“Talking helps.”

“No, it doesn’t.” Talking forces him to remember.

She goes quiet, watching him. He glances at her. “What?”

“Is your grandmother your only living relative?”

“Yup.” He adjusts in his seat and switches topics. “So, who’s this Sam guy?”

She peers at him for a cool second before she sighs. “The man my parents didn’t want me to marry.”

“Did you marry him?” He doesn’t see a ring on her finger.

“No.”

“Who did they want you to marry, then?”

---