His Dream Role Read Free

mother would know. She knew the ins and outs of many things when it came to charity. “What was your favorite book at that age?”
    â€œ The Little Engine That Could .”
    Even as a child she was prepared to save other children and make a difference. “Then I guess we’ll have to start with that one, won’t we?”
    â€œWho are you?” she asked, her voice so quiet it was nearly a whisper.
    â€œ The hoper of far-flung hopes and the dreamer of improbable dreams .”
    She leaned forward and propped her chin in her hand. He became uneasy beneath her scrutiny, so he stood. “I have to get going. I have rehearsal.”
    â€œSo you’re an actor.”
    He nodded. “Until next time.”
    â€œWait. What are you rehearsing?”
    â€œ A Christmas Carol . I’m Scrooge’s nephew, Fred.” Free left the coffee shop with a great sense of accomplishment. Not only had Samantha talked with him and asked him to sit with her, she’d told him about herself. Even he knew that if she wasn’t interested in him at all, she wouldn’t have bothered.

    Samantha finished her coffee and drove to her parents’ house in Lake Forest. The drive home always did something strange to her. She found comfort in the sights, but that nagging feeling still pulled at her. She hated feeling this way. It was time to put her foot down and be her own person.
    Instead of leaving her car parked in the circle drive, she pulled in near the garage to make it easier for her parents to put the car away. It wouldn’t be coming back to the city with her. She let herself into the house and called, “Mom?”
    â€œIn here, honey.”
    She followed her mom’s voice to the kitchen. She found it funny that her mom so often sat in the room, because Sam couldn’t remember a time her mother ever cooked.
    â€œHi, Mom.” Sam walked through the room and kissed her mom on the cheek.
    Vanessa closed the book she had on the table and removed her reading glasses. “What are you doing home? We didn’t expect to see you until the holidays after finals.”
    Her mom acted like the drive from the city took days. She came home occasionally on the weekends just to visit, but her mom seemed to forget that.
    â€œI’ve made some decisions and I want to talk to you and Dad about them.”
    â€œYour father’s not home yet. I don’t know when he will be. Why don’t you stay for dinner and wait with me?”
    â€œI can’t. I have studying to do.” She sat across from her mom. Nerves roiled and the coffee in her stomach splashed uneasily. “I’m leaving my car here.”
    â€œIs there something wrong with it? I can call the mechanic now.” Vanessa reached for her phone.
    â€œNo, Mom. It’s fine. It’s just ... I hate driving that expensive car when I’m working with people who aren’t sure where their next meal is coming from. I have twenty kids in the shelter right now who can’t count on Christmas.”
    â€œSweetheart, if you need a donation for your work, just ask. You don’t need to make some noble gesture. We’d be happy to help.”
    Sam sighed. “It’s not about donations, Mom. It’s about who I am. I need to stand on my own, to make my own life. I can’t do that if I’m driving your car and living in the apartment you pay for.”
    â€œThat’s ridiculous. Your father and I have worked hard to provide you with a good life. You can do whatever you want with your life, but you don’t have to throw away all of the advantages we gave you.”
    Sam pinched the bridge of her nose. “I’m not throwing away the advantages you’ve given me. I’m using my education to get the career I want. I just don’t feel right flaunting my family’s money in front of people who have nothing.”
    Her mother reached out and took her hand. “Money isn’t