Page 12 of O Goalie Night
My shoulders sag. It sounds completely ungrateful, even to me, but I don’t want to stay in a hotel. They’re fine for short trips but not for extended periods. I want to have access to a kitchen, be able to do laundry, and not have to hear people moving around at all hours of the day and night.
Not to mention, hotels are very expensive. I certainly can’t afford to stay in one for an extended amount of time. I know Ben will offer to foot the bill, but I hate the idea of taking a handout from my successful brother.
But beggars can’t be choosers and I can’t think of another solution.
“Okay,” I manage to force a small smile. “Thanks, Ben.”
“You can stay here.”
At that, the two youngest Michaels children both turn to Foster and in perfect unison say, “What?”
He hesitates, as if unsure of himself. Leaning his weight back against the countertop like he’s on unsteady ground, he seems almost uncomfortable as the sudden centre of attention.
“For the week, at least.” He looks at me and then to Ben. “We leave tonight for eight days of away games. Her stuff is already here.” He meets my eye for a brief moment before looking away and shrugging. “You’re welcome to stay, if you want.”
“Yeah?” Ben asks him before turning back to me. “What do you think?”
I hesitate. This move was about me becoming more independent and after being here less than twenty-four hours, I feel like more of a burden than ever. “I think it’s too much to ask.”
“You didn’t ask, I offered,” Foster insists, giving me a faint smile. “You’ll have the place to yourself. You can even use one of my cars to get around, if you’d like.”
My brother gawks at him. “But you never let me drive your rides.”
“She knows the wifi password, too.”
Ben gasps. “You told her your wifi password?”
“I did.”
“I’ve been asking you for it for years.”
“I’m aware.” Foster deadpans before throwing me a wink and turning back to the bacon on the stove.
Ben scowls and I try not to laugh. I feel torn aboutFoster’s offer. I already feel like such a nuisance, but to stay here for a week? That’s a very big imposition.
On the other hand, it’s close to my new job and I’d be much more comfortable here than at a hotel. And being able to use his car would be so helpful.
“Well?” Ben asks, waiting for my answer.
Having an extra week to find a place would make my life so much easier. Besides, I wouldn’t want to offend my host by turning down such a generous offer.
Foster remains facing the frying pan, but his head tilts to the side like he’s listening to hear what I’ll decide.
“I’d like to stay here.” I can’t be certain, but I could swear Foster’s face breaks into a grin before turning away again.
“That settles it, then.” Ben claps his hands together. “Fozzie and I will go on the road, you’ll stay here, and no one will tell Mom and Dad what I did or didn’t do.”
Leave it to Ben to frame the situation around him. Heaven forbid his golden boy image be tarnished in the eyes of our parents. I’ve always found it impossible to stay mad at my brother and it’s just as annoying now as it was when we were younger.
“I really am glad you’re here, Bug.”
“Thanks, Ben. Me too.”
“And I’m sorry. Maybe I was being a bit of an asshole.”
“You definitely were,” Foster says without looking over as he grabs plates from a cupboard.
Ben glances over his shoulder at his friend before he whispers to me, “I need you to tell me what the wifi password is.”
