Read Online Finding Home by Aine Kelley - Free Book Online Page A

read my mind. Her lips curve into one of the biggest smiles I’ve ever seen. Playfully, she taps me on my shoulder. “Yes, Ben, to answer your unspoken question, I haven’t had sex in over a year.”
    “Umm okay.” I try to sound positive and upbeat, but it comes out all wrong. “Good for you, I guess. Fuck! I mean shoot! Ah … I really don’t know what to say about all this.” She looks at me funny, as if she’s trying to decide what to make of my response. I feel my nerves creep in again. The fact that she tells me like it is exciting. Shrugging her shoulders, she goes back to looking out the window. Just when I think she’ll be silent the rest of the ride, she surprises me.
    “Well, now you know a tiny bit about my shitty relationships and lack of a sex life, it’s only fair that I ask you about yours.” I can see that she’s studying my face to gauge my reaction. I try to play it cool, but she’s got me in knots.
    “I’m doing okay. I take each day as it comes, but I’m trying to put myself out there again.” Her eyes squint briefly at my declaration before returning to normal.
    “That’s great, Ben. I’m glad that you’re healing. I know it’s been a struggle for you. Beth was lucky to have your love.” Her voice sounds like a mixture of happy and sad, and it tugs at the hole in my heart. I clear my throat to try to change the subject.
    “So. Over a year, huh?”
    “Deflect much?” She looks in my direction and smiles with intent. “So you know how long it’s been for me. It’s only fair I ask how long it’s been for you.”
    The car begins to swerve into the other lane, and I have to abruptly pull the wheels straight. “Sorry. You caught me off guard there.” I feel funny answering her, but it’s only fair. “Ahh … well … Beth is the last person I slept with, and she died two years ago. So, I’m sure you can do the math.” Chewing on my bottom lip, I glance over at her. She doesn’t seem surprised by my revelation. In fact, her eyes express an understanding that reaches deep.
    “I thought a year is a long time, but you’ve got me beat on that one! Is it hard?”
    My body overtakes me again as the car jerks. “Wh—what did you say?” I try not to look down because I can feel a slight bulge emerging.
    “Is everything okay?”
    She must be freaked out over my sudden lack of driving skills. She probably thinks I’m going to drive off the road. Get it together ! “I’m fine. What was the question?”
    “I said, is it hard, you know, going that long without sex? ‘Cause I wonder if I’ll make it that long.” Definitely feel something down there .
    She reaches for her backpack and pats it. “But I’ve got Bob, so I’m doing okay.”
    “I don’t know. Some days I miss her like crazy, and I just want to hold her again, just to touch her one more time.” My body shifts slightly so that I can see her face. Her expression tells me nothing. “And who’s Bob? I thought you said you weren’t dating anyone.”
    She starts to smile, a mischievous glint in her eyes. She’s still gripping her bag.
    “Oh crap, is Bob in your luggage? Is he a pet or something? Do we need to let it out?”
    She turns her body sideways to look me dead on. “No, Bob is fine in my luggage. He does not need to come out.”
    I’m intrigued now. “Is Bob some kind of stuffed animal or blanket that you hold? Or is he your diary?”
    She bursts out laughing. “What am I? Ten? This is too funny. I like this game. Keep guessing!”
    Her amusement is catchy, and I find myself laughing along with her. “Okay, it’s not a blanket or a pet. I don’t know. I give up. I can’t imagine who Bob is and how he can fit into your luggage.”
    Her hand comes up and playfully touches my hair. “Oh Ben, you silly boy, I’ll tell you, but you have to promise me you won’t freak out. Okay?”
    I nod like a moron. “Okay, I promise.”
    “Okay. You ready? Bob is my Battery-Operated-Boyfriend.”
    Her what?