Popcorn Love Read Free Page B

Allison
admitted. She didn’t like to go into detail on this particular
subject. “Let’s just say that a lot of stuff gets overlooked in the
system or doesn’t get looked into hard enough, and I want to help
correct that, or at least, I want to make strides in correcting
that.”
    Allison’s stomach lurched when Elena visibly
stiffened at the words. She should have just said she wanted to
help people or something, but she tended to ramble and give herself
away. She hoped Elena wouldn’t read too much into it, but the way
the woman’s smile slipped back into its earlier strained form made
Allison suspect otherwise.
    “And the other is simple,” Allison said, clearing her
throat. “I just really like to read.”
    “I see,” Elena said. “I enjoy reading as well. I have
quite the collection at home, so, perhaps, if I hire you, you may
find a book or two to entertain you while Lucas naps or once he has
gone to bed for the evening.”
    “Lucas?” Allison grinned. “Your son’s name is Lucas?
Is he the only one you’ve got? How old is he?”
    Elena smiled brightly, clearly unable to help
herself. “Yes, his name is Lucas. He is three, and yes, he is the
only child I have.”
    “Three.” Allison cooed. “That’s a great age. I bet
he’s adorable.”
    “Beyond, but he is also quite the handful.”
    “Most toddlers are. I’m sure I can handle him.”
    The way Elena narrowed her eyes gave Allison the
impression that the woman was a bit skeptical about that
statement.
    “How has he been with other babysitters?” Allison
asked.
    “I have never hired a babysitter before.” Elena
shifted in her seat. “My parents keep him when I cannot.”
    “Ah.” That explained a lot. Elena was obviously very
protective of her son, and parents tended to be a little skeptical
when starting out with babysitters anyway. “Well, hopefully I’ll be
a good fit.”
    “So, you like children?” Elena asked. “What I mean
is, do you actually enjoy caring for children or are you
simply in it for the money? Is this your first potential
babysitting job?”
    “The last family I babysat for moved across the
country. So, Lucas would be my one and only if you hired me, and
yes, I like kids. I love kids, actually.”
    “Oh? Do you have any siblings?”
    Allison laughed so hard that she snorted, and Elena
simply stared at her with a perplexed expression. “Sorry. It’s not
really funny, but yeah. I’ve had siblings before. If you count them
all up, in fact, then I had twenty-nine siblings by the time I was
sixteen.”
    The surprise in Elena’s widened eyes quickly gave way
to an understanding nod. “You’re a foster child.” She whispered the
words so softly that they were almost inaudible.
    Scratching at the back of her neck, Allison shrugged
to hide her discomfort. “Yup. I’m an orphan. Spent most of my life
in the system. Anyway, I don’t really like to talk about it, so if
we could move on to the next subject, that would be great.”
    “Yes, of course.” Elena glanced away and licked her
lips before turning back to Allison. “I apologize. I didn’t mean to
pry.”
    “You didn’t. You asked a perfectly acceptable
question and I answered it. That’s that.”
    “Very well.” Taking a quick peek at her watch, Elena
sighed. “I’m terribly sorry, but I should be on my way. I am
already late in returning to work.”
    “Oh, right.” Allison nodded and forced a smile.
“Yeah, I get it. I have my next class in an hour anyway.” She stood
as Elena did and stretched out a hand. “Well, uh, it was nice to
meet you, Elena.”
    “You as well, Allison.” With a firm shake of
Allison’s hand, Elena collected her things and laid several bills
on the table. “I will take care of lunch.”
    “You don’t have to do that, but thanks. I appreciate
it.”
    Elena nodded in answer and turned to leave, but she
whirled around again when Allison called her name. She began
walking over until they were a little closer than