Free Don't Turn Back (Coming Home Book 1) by Amy Stephens Page B

by his girlfriend, who was difficult to get along with. She kicks him to the curb, and he’s forced to start over with hardly any money and not very good transportation in a new place. I wonder why he chose to come here.”
    “Who knows? If he’s not able to find a job, he may have to move on to the next place. He did mention having some friends in the next town over. But, for your sake, I hope he finds something. I loved seeing your face light up when he walked over to the table. By the way, why didn’t you tell me you had invited him?”
    “I didn’t want to get myself all worked up for nothing.” I admitted, twisting my hair through my fingers. “Maybe I’ll get lucky and he’ll stop by to visit me at work. He knows I work overnight.” I could only hope, right?
    “Well, chick-a-dee, just be careful and don’t rush into anything. I need to be heading off to work right now, or I’m going to be late. Don’t have too much fun at school.” Rebecca dumps our trash before she heads to her car. “See ‘ya at work later tonight.”
    “Later, babe.” I give her a slight wave as she pulls away. 
    Biology class seems to drag on forever today, and I’m having a hard time paying attention. I’ve got to do a better job of concentrating in class if I’m going to pass my upcoming finals. I continue to take notes, and eventually, the instructor calls for class to end. I rush to the door, eager to get out of there. For once, I’m anxious to get to work, just to see if Brian shows up.
    I stop by my apartment to change into my work uniform then head back out the door. The entire way, I keep glancing left, then right, hoping to see a glimpse of the silver Honda. I pull into the parking lot at work and find my usual spot waiting for me, empty. Trying not to look disappointed, I walk into the front office and see Rebecca. 
    “It’s been a slow night. Hope you brought a good book to help you pass the time,” she tells me.
    “You know me, I always carry one with me. Besides, I could use the time to work on my paper for American Lit. I seem to focus on it better while I’m here. I’m always so tired by the time I get off, I never feel like studying or doing homework. Anything I need to know before you head out?” I asked her. She knows what I’m hinting at.
    “No, but I did get an email from Greg earlier. He’s hoping to get leave time the week of Thanksgiving. It’s been months since I’ve been able to wrap my arms around that man. Keep your fingers crossed for me.”
    I know how much she misses her boyfriend. I try to do as much as possible with her to help pass the time. So far, she has been able to deal with his being gone fairly well. His frequent emails and phone calls keep her smiling.
    I hope one day soon he pops the question to her. She has been in love with Greg since we were all in grade school together. I love seeing her happy. They are so good for each other.
    “I got a card in the mail from my parents,” I tell her. “Looks like they aren’t going to be around for Thanksgiving. I called mom to thank her for money they sent me, and she offered to fly me to the closest town near them and have dad pick me up at the airport, but since I’ve got finals coming up the week after, I told them it will be a good time to catch up on some last minute studying. Besides, I know they are planning on being back for Christmas and staying at my brother’s house. A few more weeks without seeing them won’t hurt.” I’ve actually been okay with them being gone. This time alone has taught me responsibility. While I do miss seeing them, we talk regularly enough that sometimes I feel like they are still here. 
    I follow Rebecca out the door, hoping she won’t notice me tossing glances towards the parking lot. “Girl, you got it bad don’t you?” She giggles at me.
    “What?”
    “I saw you looking around for his car.”
    “Well, you never know when he might show up again. Have a good night and drive