I could see that the young woman was desperate to leave, and her smile never reached the homesickness pained in her eyes.
Otilia beamed, itching to tell me her news too. “Ma’am, the manager down at the print shop said he’d consider me. Last year, I stopped in twice, begging the old codger for a job. But now, I just filled out my first application, and he looked pleased.” She bent over and cupped a hand and whispered in my ear, “That copper I helped with his lessons is taking me on a real honest-to-God date. Picking me up at the library and escorting me to a matinee at the movie house next week.”
They talked a few more minutes before saying their goodbyes.
I watched the crowds of people passing as I sipped on my lemonade. Many had shopping bags in their hands. Up and down the streets, shop bells rang. I studied why the seamstress at the barber shop had fretted about the government destroying it all.
I shook my head at the absurd idea of such. Know’d that the government man wouldn’t make the mistake of loosening their fat wallet to lose fatter tax dollars from these shops. But one never know’d the foolishness they might entertain.
The sun was warm, and I swatted away a thirsty bee as I finished my drink and placed it in the trash can beside me.
Turning back to the storefront window, I saw there was about twenty-five minutes before it was time to pick up the suit.
Exhausted from last night’s restless sleep, and the new sights and sounds of the lively streets, I sat on the bench and pulled Odette’s book out of the paper bag. Enjoying the rest, I opened the pages and began reading under the shade of the shop’s awning.
I paused to admire the beautiful colored illustrations and stopped to read “Wynken, Blynken, and Nod.” When I finished “Jest Fore Christmas,” I looked up, ticking off numbers.Why, the babe would be due around Christmas.
My mind drifted to Jackson, Honey, and this new life tucked safe inside. I reread the pages, relishing the idea of a Christmas babe as I daydreamed about family.
Somewhere, a radio played: “Goodnight, my love, the tired old moon is descending…”
Thirty-Nine
I dropped the book when rowdy children whizzed past my bench, the hot breezes and playful shrieks stirring me back to the present.
The store’s clock showed I had only fifteen minutes left to pick up the suit.
Pa’s words of long ago crashed down on me:A sneaky time thief is in them books.
I jumped up and hurried toward the tailor’s.
After walking several blocks, I stopped and silently cursed, remembering I’d left Odette’s book on the bench.
The sidewalks were filling, and I paused to read the names of business signs, looking for the ice cream and soda shop. I passed several along the way, but they didn’t look familiar. I turned and walked back, searching. Not finding the store, I spun around again, rushing through the crowds.
At last, I spotted the bench and snatched up the book.
When I glanced inside, it showed I had only nine minutes until Mr. Hamilton’s closed.
Looking up and down the sidewalks, I grew more perplexed as panic splintered across my chest.Which way was the building?I prayed the tailor would keep his shop open a few minutes more.
I had to try.
Each step brought more terror.
If I was late, Reverend would not have the suit for his sermon tomorrow, and I hadn’t kept my word to Mrs. Claxton.
Would the Claxtons sic the law on me?
I began to run down the blocks, weaving in and out of the growing foot traffic, my clunky prison shoes pinched and growing tighter with each stomp against the pavement.
Confused, I paused to stare up at the names of the buildings and twirled around. Once and then again. The business district filled quickly with folks getting off work, eager to spend weekly paychecks to shop and dine. Automobiles parked alongside curbs, and traffic was heavy as horns and engines sounded in the streets.
I could still make it.
Catching my breath, I turned to a man walking a small terrier. “Sir, please, I’m looking for the Mammoth Life, the tailor—”
“Darlin’, why, you’re headed the wrong way.”
