Wherever You Go Read Online Free Page A

people, not even Rob's best friend.

Chapter Three
     
    Ms. Granger, a woman from senior services, was our dinner guest that Friday night. Everyone was on their best behavior, following Mom's example. Then again, Mom always acted nervous around official people. This lady appeared totally harmless, though. From her supercurly brown hair and little round glasses to her square-heeled shoes, she seemed pretty nice—like someone's favorite first grade teacher.
    "How are you doing living with your daughter?" she asked Grandpa Aldo.
    Grandpa didn't respond—he was busy digging into his mashed potatoes.
    "You like it here, Papa?" Mom prompted, flashing a smile.
    "Oh, yes," he said.
    "That's wonderful to hear." Ms. Granger set down her fork and took a sip from her water glass. "Thank you very much for asking me to stay for dinner. It's delicious, Mrs. Mullen."
    "Oh, no. That's my Holly's cooking. I work most nights."
    It wasn't any big deal. I'd thrown some chicken thighs in the oven after school.
    "It's very good, Holly." Ms. Granger lifted a forkful of potatoes to her mouth. "I haven't had a homemade supper in a long time."
    "She learned a lot from my mother," Mom said, glancing over at my grandpa.
    "I wish I had," Ms. Granger said, laughing. "Unfortunately our family was more of the microwave-dinner variety."
    "What made you want to become a social worker?" I asked.
    Ms. Granger wiped her mouth with her paper napkin and floated it back down over her generous lap. "I got into social work because I wanted to help people. I work with the elderly because I was close to my grandparents. I've been with the senior center now for about ten years."
    "Interesting," I said, mashing a little lump of potato with the back of my fork.
    Ms. Granger gave me a little wink. "Not very. But it's common for people to wonder why folks get into my profession." She paused, turning toward Mom. "So, let's talk about your family now. Once I met Aldo at the center this week, I really wanted to see how you all were getting along over here."
    "I'm very happy to be with
la mia famiglia,
" said Grandpa.
    "That's good. And how is the caregiving going?" she asked. "You're helping with medications, bathing, getting him to appointments?"
    "Right now Holly's helping me with the day-to-day," Mom said, her cheeks pinking up. "I work a lot of hours. Have to work a half shift tonight even," she said.
    Ms. Granger nodded. "It's tough to be a single mom these days. If you don't mind my asking, is the girls' father still involved?"
    Mom's face went stony. "That's a whole other conversation, Ms. Granger."
    "Sure, sure. Just trying to get a picture of the family dynamic." She set down her silverware on the plate and pushed it slightly forward on the table. "So, going back to careem"back togiving—Holly, how are you managing to balance school and taking care of Aldo?"
    "And me," piped up Lena. "She watches me, too. She has since I was a baby, practically."
    I shrugged. "It's all right."
    "And you still have time for activities? I heard that you were attending a grief-counseling group. Are you still able to go to that?"
    My cheeks felt hot. "Um, I don't understand what that has to do with anything."
    "Sorry. Being nosy is part of my job," Ms. Granger said, unfazed. "I just want to make sure that Aldo's getting adequate care here—and also that it's not too much for the family to handle."
    "There's really no alternative, so we're managing," Mom said.
    Ms. Granger said, "Actually, Aldo's government health plan would help defray the cost of a permanent care facility. At least a small portion."
    "I want to be here," Grandpa Aldo said, slamming his hand on the table. His face was stormy, his eyebrows drawn.
    Ms. Granger turned to him and said softly, "Yes, we understand. Don't worry. We're just discussing options."
    "Family takes care of family," Mom said. "I've heard horror stories about those facilities."
    "There are some good ones in the Northwest, and quite frankly, when your