Riley's Secret (A Moon's Glow Novel # 1) (6 page)

I’d never really been that into clothes, never one for
shopping. Since my mother did nothing else, I never had to. But this sounded
like fun to me. “Are there clothes here to pick from?” I looked over at a boy
who was playing quietly in the corner, pushing a little dinky car around.

“Some, but not much. And what there is isn’t really
appropriate for job interviews. I’ll just get some money out of petty cash.”
She picked up her glass of water when I had an idea.

“What about donations?”

She nodded her head as she swallowed. “That’s the
stuff I’m talking about.”

“If the women are the right size, I bet my mother has
some old business suits that would be great. My dad too, if there are any men
that need them. They change their wardrobe more than most people change their
underwear.”

Her eyes brightened as she grinned. “That’s a good
idea. Just bring them in by Tuesday, that’s the first day of interviews. You
can talk to the women and see what they’re looking for.”

Finished with my lunch, I stacked my dishes in front
of me and leaned back in my chair. “You know, if there are some girls my age, I
have some clothes I would love to get rid of. They still have the tags on. My
mom would hate that I gave them away. But it would serve her right for thinking
that she can buy me designer clothes out of guilt because she forgot my
birthday or parent teacher night or Christmas.” I said all of that absently,
forgetting Julia was there. But when I saw the look of pity cross her face, I
was embarrassed. “I know, poor little rich girl, right?” I stared down at the
table and picked up my discarded fork, absently moving it around my plate.

“No. I wasn’t thinking that. I was thinking that it
sounded like you’ve had a very lonely life. I grew up with a big, close family
and I wouldn’t trade that for all the money in the world.”

A tear rolled down my cheek. I swiped it quickly
before she noticed and laughed to cover. “And I would trade all the money I
have for what you have.” She didn’t say anything more; just placed her hand on
my knee. Her touch was warm and soothing.

“Anyway, do you think anyone would like my mother’s
guilt clothes? They all have the tags on them. Oh and lots of shoes. My mother
loves shoes.”

“Sure. They would love it. We have a few teenage girls
here and also some women that are about the same size as you.” She ran her
finger around the top of her glass.

“How do you do it?” I asked her.

“Do what?”

“Listen to these sad stories. I heard some people
talking today during lunch and some of their stories made me want to cry.” I
looked around the room. Just a few residents sat at a back table and two
volunteers took up a table behind us. Since the coast was clear I lowered my
voice to a whisper. “Even Eddie. He told me about his life today and how he
grew up. It took everything I had not to take all the money in my wallet and
give it to him, but I was afraid to insult him.”

She nodded with a slight smile; her eyes were alight
with warmth. “You have it.”

“Have what?”

“The bug. One day here and I was hooked like you. I
wanted to adopt all the residents and give them everything I had. But I learned
that they didn’t want my charity. They want to learn to earn money for
themselves.” She paused as the little boy with the dinky car ran past us. “I
can see it on your face. I have a feeling I’ll be seeing you a lot around
here.” She stood up, taking her empty plate. “I’m glad to say that I was wrong
about you. I’ll see you later. Have fun cleaning the toilets,” she said with a
laugh.

I smiled, shook my head and stood with my plate in
hand. I turned around, almost bumping into Nate, who stood like a wall behind
me. The silverware clinked on my dish.

He was staring at me oddly, his vibrant blue eyes
intense. The scowl was gone, replaced by a look of shock and confusion.

“What?” I asked nervously.

“Follow me. I’ll show you where we keep the cleaning
supplies.”

An hour later, I was putting the supplies away where
Nate had shown me. There were five bathrooms, one on the main level and two on
each of the upper levels. It didn’t take long to clean them. After Nate showed
me what to do, it was easy. I wouldn’t say I enjoyed the chore. It just wasn’t
as bad as I thought. When I made my way back into the kitchen, I could see
everyone was busy making dinner.

Nate saw me and stepped over to where I stood in the
doorway. “We can handle things here. Julia is waiting for you in the common
area. When you’re done with her, come back and you can help serve dinner.”

I smiled, surprised to find myself enjoying the work.
I’d never had a purpose before today. I woke up, went to school, practiced
cheerleading and hung out with my friends. I never did anything that mattered.
Sure, if I wasn’t here to serve the food, no one would notice, but it made me
feel good that I had helped. “Sure, see you later.” I turned and went to meet
Julia.

The common area was really an oversized living room,
complete with a variety of sofas and armchairs, all arranged around an enormous
flat-screen TV. When I stepped inside the room, all eyes focused on me. “Okay,
ladies, I’d like you to meet Megan Banks. She’s going to help with wardrobe.
Let her know what you are interested in wearing and your sizes,” Julia said
from where she sat on a lounge chair.

I greeted three teenagers and four women, all mothers
and daughters. I couldn’t remember any of their names except one—Mia. She was a
little friendlier. The scowl was gone, but there wasn’t a smile either.

I perched on the end of a suede sofa. “Did you tell
them about my idea?” I asked. Julia nodded with a smile, letting me know I
could discuss it. “Actually, I thought I would just bring in everything I can
find tomorrow and then you can pick what you want.” Everyone agreed and after
Julia discussed what they should say in the interviews I went back to help
serve.

After dinner we sang “Happy Birthday” to Frank and
everyone stuffed themselves with cake. Eddie and I paired up again, cleaning up
the dining room. Just as I was putting the dessert dishes away, Eddie asked,
“Are you going out with Nate tonight?”

Nate was standing near the stove talking to a resident
named Albert. When he heard his name, he looked over and stared at Eddie with
his eyes wide, subtly shaking his head.

“Why would I go out with Nate?” I stood up on tiptoes,
sliding a few small dishes into the cupboard.

Eddie smiled, glancing over at the two men talking. Ignoring
Nate’s attempts to silence him, he answered, “Whenever we get a new volunteer,
Nate usually takes them out to dinner to thank them.”

I could see why Nate didn’t want that announced out
loud. Obviously, he had a problem with me. But I was fine with that. I had
enjoyed my time here and intended to come back as much as possible.

“She’s probably too tired to go anywhere,” Nate replied,
walking over to us after Albert had moved on. I was tempted to let him off the
hook, but I wasn’t in the giving mood.

“No, I’m not tired,” I lied. “But it’s obvious that
you don’t like me and I’m not interested in spending time where I’m not
wanted.” Finished with the dishes, I picked up my bag and spun around. “See you
tomorrow, Eddie.”

He waved with a grin as I walked out to my car.

Just as I was about to drive away, Nate ran out of the
building and leaned into my open window, his sun-streaked bangs falling into
his eyes. “If you want, I’d like to take you out. You did a great job today.” The
words were forced, as if they were hard to say.

“No thanks.”

I drove out of the lot, looking through my rearview
mirror at him.

He was still standing in the same spot I had left him,
staring after me.

Lunch

“So how was it?” Mona asked, stepping out onto the
patio. I was in the hot tub trying to soothe my screaming muscles and aching
limbs.

“It was awesome. Except that I’m so tired I could
sleep for a week.”

She laughed, very hard. Her high-pitched chortle
echoed in the night.

“Yeah, I know it’s funny.” I paused, waiting for her
to finish. “Okay, enough,” I grumbled when her laughter only increased. I laid
my head back against the lip of the tub, looking up at the sky, waiting for her
to stop.

She rubbed her eyes. “Sorry, I couldn’t help it.” She
sat on the patio chair next to the tub and glanced at our pool. The light
glowing from inside the water and the flickering patio lanterns made it pretty
and relaxing at night. “I knew you would enjoy it.”

I sat up, turning my head to face her, water sloshing
up and over the top of the tub. “How did you know?”

“I watch you ramble around this big old house. Ever
since you were a child, you’ve always been missing something in your life. But
lately, it’s seems worse, like you’re lost, looking for your place in the
world. I can see that you’re not happy.” Her voice was full of compassion as
she lifted her hand to brush my face with her finger. “You need to see that
there are other people out there, other than spoiled trust fund babies. You
need to be around normal people who have to work for a living. Honestly, who
would you rather be around: the people you met today, or your
so-called
friends that you’re covering for?”

I returned my gaze upwards, taking in the dark sky and
sparkling lights as I thought about my answer. It was true. I couldn’t have a
five-minute conversation with Jenny or Shane without them annoying me. And
although I considered Mandy my best friend it sometime seemed that she used me
for her benefit. She wanted me with Brandon because he was Chris’s friend. But
what about what I wanted?

The people I met today were sincere and real, a
contrast to almost everyone in my life. Not a fake one in the bunch. It was
refreshing not to have to guess if there was a hidden meaning behind a smile or
word. These people were straightforward and spoke their minds. I had found
myself talking to some of the residents, getting their stories on how they
ended up at Riley House. But the one that really touched me was Eddie’s. I
couldn’t imagine growing up like he did. The idea of having to steal to help
feed his siblings was utterly heartbreaking. Instead of feeling sorry for
himself, he chose to stay on volunteering and help others after his own
community service was over. “You’re right, but aren’t you always?”

“Yes, I am,” she said with a sigh. “It’s so true.”

The night was peaceful and quiet. I felt as though the
stars were out and glittering just for me. Why was I in such a good mood?
Wasn’t I supposed to be complaining about my community service? Maybe Julia was
right and I was hooked. “Hey, Mona, how would you like to raid my parents’
closet? I’m going to give old work suits they never wear anymore to the people
at Riley House. And I’m not going to tell them until I’ve already done it.
Won’t that be fun? I love ticking my mother off.”

A laugh slipped out and Mona quickly covered her mouth
to stop it. “Meg, you really shouldn’t try and pick fights with them.”

“Why not? Otherwise they don’t even notice me. Where
are they anyway? I need to know how long I have.”

“Some charity event. Haven’t you talked to them
today?”

“Nope. I haven’t seen or heard from my mother since I
left last night. Or my father since I called from jail.”

“Honey.” The word was laced with love and concern as
she touched my hand that was resting on the edge of the hot tub.

“Don’t worry, I’m fine. But I am in the mood to raid
their closet. Want to help me?” I asked her, standing and picking up my towel.
Water dripped off my arm onto the wooden deck, creating an odd pattern.

“Alright, I’ll help. But if they ask, I was at home watching
a game show.”

I laughed at her as I dried myself off. Together we
slipped into my room so I could change out of my bathing suit.

A few hours later, I had four garment bags loaded with
at least four suits each. I hung them up in my car and then headed to my room
to go through my closet.

The next day Eddie helped me unload my bags. They were
piled on the tables in the center’s dining room. The women and teenage girls
were going through them like it was Christmas morning. The laughter and squeals
had a few of the men and children running in to see what the commotion was
about. They only laughed harder at the men who didn’t understand how women felt
about clothes, especially free designer ones. Julia and I stood back watching.
I felt a warm, happy glow inside me. I couldn’t remember the last time I felt
this good.

Julia turned to me with a huge grin on her face. “You
did a good thing,” she said wrapping her arm around my shoulder. We stayed that
way for a while, enjoying the girls’ excitement.

I turned my head at the sound of a noise behind me.
Through the glass in the French door, I thought I saw Nate’s reflection
watching me. I blinked and he was gone.