Page 36 of Family Bonds: Alana & Brennan
“Whatever your brother said couldn’t have been that bad because it didn’t get back to me,” her father said. “And you know it would have.”
“He can go live his life with his new girlfriend.”
“He’s not with her anymore,” her mother said.
“Oh. I did not know that.”
“Because you don’t ask or look,” Kirk said.
“I have no reason to. He’s gone from my mind.” She snapped her fingers. “I’m moving on.”
“By volunteering to serve food, and gather toys and clothes? What’s next, sitting with the elderly and playing cards?”
“That’s enough, Kirk,” her mother said. “Alana deals with things her way.”
“I do. If I’m happy, that is all anyone should care about.”
“But are you really?” her mother asked. “Not just with work. We know you are there. Even with all the extra you’re doing in the community. But I want my daughter to get out there and live her life. To try again.”
“I’m trying. I really am.”
She still wished on stars, blew on dandelion fluff and threw salt over her shoulder hoping for love.
She believed in second chances. To have the family of her own like the one she grew up in, she couldn’t give up finding that man.
She’d only taken a break in the last year.
But spending time with Brennan gave her hope.
“Does that mean you’re interested in someone?” her mother asked.
She looked down and pretended to tie her sneaker. “It’s complicated.”
“What does that mean?” her father asked.
“I honestly don’t know. Can we drop it? I’m not giving up. Be happy with that. I’ll move at my pace when the time is right.”
“Good enough for me,” her father said. “No more talk about it now.”
“Thanks, Dad,” she said, moving over to give him a kiss on the cheek.
He put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her in for a half hug. “What’s that for? I don’t know the last time you did this. It reminds me of when you were ten. I miss those days.”
Maybe being around Brennan and Becca had her missing those days too.
11
THE RIGHT SIGNS
“What a cute picture of you and Becca on Saturday,” Kelsey said to her on Monday morning.
Alana barely got her laptop booted up before Kelsey came marching in with her King Charles Springer Spaniel, Frankie, on her heels.
“It was a cute picture.” She squatted down. “Not as cute as this little guy.”
Frankie trotted over to get his daily dose of pets and attention. He only came into the office when Van wasn’t working from home.
“Frankie loves his snuggles in the office. Don’t avoid me,” Kelsey said, moving over to shut the door.
