Finding Home Read Online Free PDF Page A

very happy about it.
    “Great. Then get changed, man. We haven’t got all night.”
    “All right, all right,” Ben said, holding up his hands. “I’ll meet you goons there.”
    “I look forward to our dance,” Hal called as the two made their way out the door into the snow-filled night.
    Jessica waited in the living room for a few moments, but Ben didn’t look her way. Feeling uneasy, she walked into the kitchen to find Ellie.
    * * * *
    The place was packed. Jessica served slice after slice of Ellie’s famous pie, keeping so busy, she didn’t even see Ben when he arrived. Hal had been by a few times, the first for some baked goods, but after that, simply as a welcomed distraction from her duties. She greeted him with a smile when she saw him headed her way again, happy she’d chosen the long black gown for the event. She might be a caterer, but she held her own in the fashion department.
    “I think it’s about time for that dance,” he said, giving her a mock bow.
    “Oh, I don’t know, Hal. There’s still a lot of dessert to give out.”
    “Come on, now,” he replied, his voice smoothness itself. “I’m sure Ellie could let you go for just a few minutes?”
    He aimed his question at the older woman, and though she cocked her brow at him, she gave a slight nod. Not needing more approval, Hal swept Jessica onto the dance floor just as a slow number started.
    “So, tell me the truth, Jessica,” Hal started, his hands resting comfortably on her upper back. “How do you feel about our dear friend, Ben?”
    Jessica shook her head, her long curls bouncing around her shoulders. “Why?”
    Hal pushed her away slightly, holding onto her shoulders so he could look at her face as they spoke. “Because he’s got it bad for you,” he said, then jerked his head to the corner of the room. Jessica followed his movement and saw Ben in a three-piece suit, looking dapper and handsome and pissed to all hell.
    She giggled.
    “Is he always this childish?” she asked. “I have to be honest, he’s been quite sour today. I’m certainly not attracted to that.”
    “You know,” Hal said, weighing her question more seriously than she’d asked him, “I don’t rightly know. He seemed more together before he left. I’d guess coming home has been pretty hard for him. We still love him, but I don’t think he knows that yet. Still, no reason to act like a ten year old. You know, I think I’ll tell him that.”
    Hal spun her around the dance floor, twirling and dipping her until she was dizzy and gasping for breath for all the laughter. In mere moments, he’d positioned them near the brooding man in the corner.
    “Hey, Ben,” Hal shouted. “There’s no need to be a ten year old.”
    Then he swept her away again, putting them at the opposite end of the room for the end of the song.
    “Well,” Jessica said, trying to hide her mirth, “that wasn’t particularly helpful.”
    “You don’t think so?” Hal asked, opening his eyes in fake innocence before changing the subject. “Well, in all seriousness,” Hal said as the last notes hovered in the air, “if you’re interested in him, which I suspect you are, give him a little time to shape up. This isn’t the Ben I know. He’s got some shit to sort out, if you know what I mean. Starting with that right there.”
    Hal pointed.
    She saw a lithe blonde talking to Ben, her delicate frame leaning into him as she whispered in his ear. Jessica’s stomach tightened, and she mentally slapped herself. Stop it. She had nothing to be jealous about.
    “Why do you think I’m interested in him?” she asked Hal, still looking at Ben.
    “Easy,” Hal said, releasing her as they returned to the buffet table. “You haven’t tried to kiss me yet.” He grinned and bowed as he backed away, causing Jessica to laugh again.
    “I like you, Hal,” she said. “You’re funny.”
    He nodded solemnly. “Aye, it is my curse. Girls always say they like someone who makes them