Page 2 of Finally Found You

“When things get better,” JJ adds softly, after a moment of silence passes between us, “you might want to reevaluate your approach to dating.”

I sigh heavily. Two years. Ronan and I were together for two years—living together and planning to get engaged soon. How could it have all gone away so quickly? The relationship died just as fast as Nonna did after her diagnosis. A few months and everything was over.

Just like Kenzy, I’m alone. And I don’t even have the time or space to mourn all that I lost. I have to jump into parenting a teenager who resents everything, without a penny to my name and a lot of troubles ahead.

Instead of fixating on my feelings, I drag the two trash bags resting in the mudroom to the garage. JJ growls something on the other side of the line, and whatever she says is lost as the clutter on top of the trashcan tumbles to the ground.

I jolt but force my lungs to take a deep breath. It’s going to be okay, I reassure myself. I try to pile everything neatly and head back inside the house. There’s a lot we need to fix before the social worker arrives for the interview.

“So what’s on the agenda for today?” JJ questions. “You could come to my place. We could go to my parents’ house for a swim. Kenzy might enjoy some pool time.”

“If all goes well with the social worker…” Isigh, the weight of the situation bearing down on me. “Do you think they’ll take her away from me?”I ask quietly, worry nibbling at me.

“No. You practically raised her.”

“Nonna raised us,” I correct her, my voice barely above a whisper.

“She was there, but… Sorry, I’m digressing. We have to focus on Kenzy,” JJ says, steering the conversation back on track. “What’s our plan of attack?”

“Honestly, I don’t know. I tried to google as much as I could, but all I could find were websites of lawyers offering their services. Nothing concrete that could assure me they won’t take her away. If all the shows I watched are correct, they’re going to take her away tomorrow.”

“How did you come up with that conclusion?”

“I’m unemployed. The mortgage on the house is past due. I can’t afford a lawyer and—”

“Stop right there, Camilla,” she interrupts. “You’re an honorary Drago. We take care of our family. If you need legal counseling, money, or anything, we’re here for you.” Her words echo what her parents have said since I met them at the tender age of three.

“You know what would be easier?” I ask as I continue tidying the house.

“I’m afraid of the answer, but hit me.”

“We find Kenzy’s father and…” I pause, walking toward Nonna’s room, the memories of her still lingering here along with her warnings. Yet I know the room has answers and maybe a solution, too.

“Why would you want to find him?” JJ drags me out of my trance.

“Well, he could sign her emancipation. I don’t want her to end up in the system. It’s not a fun place to be.”

“Mom and Dad wouldn’t be happy if they heard you say that,” she whispers, the sadness discernible in her voice.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to…” I deflate, feeling a wave of guilt wash over me. “Your parents were my second foster home, and they were the exception. Not many foster families help a kid find their only living relative or… They’re incredible, and I will always be grateful for them.”

“Then let us help,” she offers, her voice filled with determination.

I hesitate, unsure if I should accept her help, but then I glance at Kenzy on the couch, her arms crossed and her expression still full of resentment, sadness, and fear. I know I can’t do this alone. I need to do whatever it takes to ensure she has a stable, loving home.

“All right,” I concede, my voice wavering slightly. “Thank you, JJ. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“We’re in this together, Camilla,” she reassures me, and I try to hold on to the strength in her words. “Now let’s come up with a plan and make sure the social worker sees you’re the best person to take care of Kenzy.”

I hate to be a burden to others. If my cousin’s future wasn’t on the line, I would just disappear inside the blankets and let the grief of losing Nonna consume me. I can’t, though. Kenzy is all the family I have. We’ll get through this together.

Chapter Two

Lysander

“Move on,” they say.

“It’s time to start your own life,” they insist every time we talk about the past, the present, and what can be a disastrous future. As if they know what’s best for me.

---