He didn’t want to go down that road with Rita again. They had gone back and forth with several banks for over a year, and nothinghad come of his promise from the G.I. Bill. They were still crammed into the back room of Great-aunt Reese’s house.
“You winning the award at Penn and outshining them white folks is enough for me.” He drained the beer and then carried the empty toward the bedroom door.
“That your second beer?” Rita called as he moved down the steps.
“I’m done for the night, you don’t have to worry.”
Two beers for Ozzie was like drinking water. But she had put him on a two-drink maximum, and he knew if he wanted to keep the peace, he couldn’t carry another beer upstairs. In the dining room, Ozzie listened for movement and then pulled open the bottom drawer of the buffet. Underneath a white tablecloth lay a fifth of Four Roses bourbon. Ozzie cracked it open and then took a few swigs, just enough to help him sleep, he reasoned. Then he lifted the glass lid from the dish meant for candy but which contained mixed nuts in the corner of the buffet. Ozzie crunched on a handful to mask the smell on his breath.
When he reached the bedroom, Rita had changed into her nightgown and was turning over on her side. “Penn don’t operate on CP Time, baby, so please be on time.”
Ozzie flipped off the lights. “I hear you, woman, and I’ll be there.”
CHAPTER 47Prince Frederick, MD, January 1966
SOPHIA
On the first Sunday of the New Year, Unc picked Sophia up from the farm and drove her back to Forest. Much to Sophia’s surprise, Ma Deary had grunted a simple goodbye, but she hadn’t prohibited Sophia from leaving.
When he pulled up to the stately wrought-iron gates with “West Oak Forest Academy” stenciled in gold, Unc blew a long whistle through his teeth. “Woo-wee, this place is nice. Rusty, girl, you living like them Kennedys,” he teased, and popped his collar.
Sophia smiled. “It’s been a good experience so far,” she said, trying not to think of Patty and the humiliation she’d suffered in that locker room.
Unc slipped from behind the wheel and grabbed her suitcase out of the trunk of the car. Sophia checked the front seat, making sure she had everything, and then stood beside him in the roundabout. Side by side, they remained in silence as they watched teary-eyed mothers in shearling, fox, and beaver furs hug teens goodbye before driving away in luxury cars. He handed Sophia her tattered bag.
“Thanks for the ride, Unc. I don’t think Ma Deary would havedriven me. She doesn’t seem to have forgiven me for choosing Forest over staying home and helping with the farm.”
“Any time.” He put his hands in his leather coat pockets. “Don’t be so hard on Deary. She’d never wish you any harm.”
Sophia pressed her lips together. Ma Deary was his sister; he’d always see the bright side. Sophia stood waiting for him to get back in the car, but instead, he pulled off his sunglasses and took a step closer.
“That question you asked me back at the house? Where you come from and all?”
Sophia’s eyes brightened. Did Unc know something more?
“Be careful digging up skeletons of the past. I don’t want you getting hurt. Just forget about it and move forward. You’ve got a good opportunity here. Use that energy to focus on your schoolwork. Hear?”
Sophia nodded and then gave him a hug. “Unc, thanks again.”
“See you on your next break.” He walked to the driver’s side of the car. “When is that?”
“April.”
“Until then, be cool.” He waved as he cranked the engine of his Chevy Impala. Then he turned up the volume to “The Girl’s Alright with Me” by the Temptations. People stopped mid-conversation, and all eyes were on Unc as he pulled away from the school.
Sophia watched him go. She knew that he meant well, but she also knew she was going to find her birth mother no matter what it took.
When Sophia reached her dorm room, she found Willa, who was wearing a camel-colored turtleneck and a pair of slim-fit pants tapered at the ankle. Her hair had been cut into a stylish bob, and she squealed when she saw Sophia.
“You look fantastic.” Sophia threw her arms around Willa.
“Thanks.” Willa stepped back. “How was your Christmas break? Did everything work out with your family?”
“Yes, it turned out really well.”
“And your mom?”
Sophia had forgotten that she had told Willa about being afraid to return to the farm. “She was fine. The boys were happy to see me, and my uncle drove me back. Why are you so dressed up?” she asked, changing the subject as she placed her suitcase on her bed with the notion of unpacking.
