“No.” She shook her head, perplexed. “Clinton saidyoucalled for a loan against my next advance.”
“We already talked about that.”
“I don’t remember—”
“During our last visit.” He crossed his arms over his black tie. “You saw the damage on my car.”
“That was over a year ago...”
“Apparently my entire engine was ruined,” he said. “I needed to purchase a new automobile.”
“You didn’t have enough money saved?”
“I’m sorry, Olivia, I thought we discussed it. Either way, I didn’t think it would be a problem. Ruthie and I shared everything.”
“But I’m not Ruthie, and we agreed to keep our accounts separate.” Graham used to handle their financial matters, but she’d done well enough with her money since his death. She didn’t need or want Simon to intrude when they continued to live apart. Maybe one day, if they chose to combine their households, they would develop a better plan for their accounting.
“I’m sorry,” he said again. “I overstepped.”
“I’m not trying to be selfish, Simon, but I’ve never taken a loan on my writing income. If you didn’t have enough to purchase a car, I would have withdrawn the money from my savings account.”
He looked surprised that she had such a significant nest egg in reserve, but she rarely traveled and had no need of the latest fashions or new furniture. Since the success ofLavender Ridge, she’d been able to save her royalty income from book sales. In a few years, if she planned well, a portion of it would go right back out for Eli’s education.
“Please don’t contact Clinton again.”
He studied her face. “Have you eaten today?”
Had she? She thought back to her quick departure from the motel and the confusing drive. She couldn’t remember eating anything today or even last night.
“You’re hungry,” he said, alarm etched in his gaze. “No one can think clearly when they’ve neglected to feed themselves.”
She wanted to explode at the diversion, but perhaps he was right. Her mind was quite muddied.
“Let’s put the talk about money behind us,” she said, grateful for his apology and concern. “I’d like to spend some time in Winfield now. Meet your family and friends.”
He took her hand. “I’ve actually been meaning to phone you, but I didn’t know how to break this news.”
He looked more tired than the last time she’d seen him, his eyes red. Something was weighing on him, and she’d been so intent on her own frustration that she hadn’t noticed earlier. “Break what news?”
“Let’s find a place to eat first,” he said. “Then I’ll explain.”
“I want to know now, Simon.”
“Are you certain?”
She nodded, wishing she could collapse again on her kitchen chair.
“All right.” He took a deep breath. “I received a letter from the government.”
Goosebumps shot up her arms. “What kind of letter?”
“A draft notice.”
She reached for the branch of a nearby tree, trying to steady herself. They’d discussed the possibility months ago, but she never thought the military would actually contact him. What benefit would he, a professor and writer, be as a soldier?
“There has to be a mistake.”
“Unfortunately, there’s not. The world is going to hell, Olivia, and they’re calling up every able-bodied man to fight against the evil.”
