Sienna opened her mouth.
“She hasn’t,” Riley declared. “Can we please have something on the back porch, Finley?”
“Yes, but you can’t go near the pool until Master Noah gets home.”
“We promise we won’t.”
Sienna giggled when Riley dragged her down a long hallway and out a door. She gawked at the splendor. It was like a dream or like something out of a magazine. The pool was filled with cool, crystal-clean water, but the waterfall behind it made it magical. There was seating everywhere and even what looked like a kitchen and bar off to the side.
The breath left her lungs when Riley pulled her into her arms and hugged her tightly.
“I’m so glad you’re here finally, but I’m sad because I know the only reason you’re here is that your mom died.”
Tears burned her eyelids as she nodded against Riley’s shoulder. She soaked up the human contact. It wasn’t something she had ever gotten a lot of, and it was something she craved more than anything.
Finley came out another door with a tray full of food. His brow puckered when he saw them both crying. He set the tray down. “Miss Riley, is there anything I can do?” he asked.
Riley let go of her and turned to him. “No,” she said. “Her mom died.”
More tears filled her eyes as the man looked at her in sympathy.
“I’m so sorry for your loss, dear. If there is anything I can do, just say the word.”
Sienna shook her head. “Thank you, but no. I just wanted to stop by and see Riley.”
“What?” Riley asked. “No, you’re not leaving. You’re staying here.”
“No. I would never do that. I know we still write to each other, but we haven't seen each other in years. I’ve got to find a place to live and a job.”
Riley shook her head and got that stubborn look in her eyes. “Because of your uncle?”
Finely interrupted her before Riley started arguing.
“Might I suggest something, miss? How about you wait until Master Noah gets home? Let him figure out the best route to take?”
Riley deflated and smiled brightly. “You’re absolutely right. Thank you for your help, Finley.”
“You’re welcome, miss. Is there anything else I can do at the moment?”
“No,” Riley said.
“Call if you need me.”
“Thank you, Finley.”
The man disappeared into the house, and Sienna turned to Riley as she was taking things off the tray and setting them on a table nearby. Sienna dropped her backpack and sat. Her mouth filled with saliva at all the delicious-looking food.
“Dig in,” Riley said as she took bites out of her bowl of fruit. The best fruit she’d ever had.
She wondered if it actually was the food or the freedom she had that made it that much sweeter?