My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Garrett, but pushes the thought to the back of her mind. Samantha theorizes that her mother hit Mr. After returning home, Jase tells Samantha that his father has been injured in a hit-and-run and is in critical condition in the hospital. Both assure Samantha they haven’t caused any damage. She awakes to a sudden thud after Samantha inquires, Clay tells Grace to drive away. Grace volunteers to drive home after drinking, and Samantha passes out in the car. A few days later, Samantha joins a political event. He ends up quitting, explaining that Clay-the political advisor-was a manipulative boss who sought to win by destroying the political opponent’s career through character attacks. Samantha and Jase continue dating, as Tim works hard on Grace’s campaign. Rejecting her demand, Samantha brings Jase back to formally introduce him to her mother and validate their relationship. Grace is furious at Samantha, and forbids her from seeing him again.

A few days later, Jase runs into Grace while visiting Samantha. In exchange for the job, the store owner requires Tim to go to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Meanwhile, they help Tim get a job working for Grace’s campaign, as well as at a local hardware store. Samantha denies that she has, and they fall asleep together, deciding to take their relationship slowly. A few nights later, Jase sneaks through Samantha’s bedroom window and asks her why she has kept him a secret. Samantha spills the details of her relationship to Nan, who expresses jealousy, stating that it is unfair how few problems Samantha has. On a road trip with Tim that goes awry, Tim gets drunk and passes out. Samantha hides the relationship from even her best friend, Nan Mason Nan has her own suffering relationship, exacerbated by her college applications and her brother Tim’s drug abuse problems. Jase and Samantha continue to get closer and frequently go on secret dates. Garrett asks Samantha to babysit the younger kids, and she agrees despite knowing her mother’s objections. A few days later, he invites her into his house, where she is surprised at his family’s disorganized and crowded life. Irritated, she withdraws to her private spot on the roof. One night, Samantha discovers her mom and her young political advisor making out. Grace is now a state senator running for reelection and Tracy waitresses in Martha’s Vineyard to save money before starting college in the fall. Samantha is on summer break before her last year of high school. The novel then jumps 10 years into the future.

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick