“What do you mean?”
“Only that you seem citified, that’s all.”
She looked at him with folded arms and raised eyebrows. “I’m not uppity, if that’s what you mean.”
“I didn’t mean it like that. I only meant that this way of life must seem strange compared to what you’re used to.”
Her expression softened, and her lips turned up in a half smile. “I won’t argue with you there.” She lifted the glass to her lips and took another drink. “But it’s nice in its own way.”
Outside, rain hammered down as the storm rolled on.
Ever curious, he asked her what life was like in Ohio.
“Not unlike here when you venture outside the city. My family lives on the outskirts of downtown, in Upper Arlington. Mother is a nurse, and my father is the president of a bank. I wish I could tell you it’s a wonderful life, but the truth is it’s rather exhausting. My parents, God love them, they’re decent people, but all they care about is appearance and where they rank in Columbus’s social circle. As for me, ever since I was little, my life has been very structured.”
Her description of life in the big city surprised Jack, who had always imagined it far more glamorous. “What about school? Are you in college?”
She nodded. “I just finished my freshman year at Indiana University where I’m studying astronomy.”
“You mean like the moon and stars?”
“Exactly.”
“Interesting.”
She beamed at his remark. “Oh, it is. Ever since I was a little girl, my dream has been to follow in Maria Mitchell’s footsteps and become a professor of astronomy. Have you heard of her?”
Jack shook his head.
“That’s okay. Not many people have. She was the first female astronomer in the United States,” she explained. “But she’s a tough act to follow. Most professors are men. Mother says I’ll have to be twice as smart and work three times as hard just to have a chance, but I’m up to the challenge.”
Jack found her ambition impressive. “Is that why your life is so structured, because of all the studying?”
She nodded, staring into her glass. “I realize part of it is self-inflicted, but my parents’ expectations are just as high as mine, if not higher. Which is why I’ve been looking forward to this summer.” She took a breath. “For the first time in as long as I can remember, I can finally let my hair down and have fun.”
Jack couldn’t believe his luck. Not only was Ellie gorgeous, but she was intelligent, easy to talk to, and enjoyed the water. And if that weren’t enough, she didn’t seem to mind his accent or the fact that he wasn’t as educated as her. He pinched himself to make sure he wasn’t dreaming.
Eventually, the rain slacked, but they waited a while longer on account of the lightning.
“Tell me about your parents,” said Ellie, turning the conversation to Jack. “Are they any better than mine?”
Jack twisted uncomfortably in his chair, trying to suppress the emotions her question evoked. “Well, I only have the one,” he admitted. “Mama works for a man in Dandridge named Cliff Sturgill who runs the largest produce business in the county.” He swallowed hard, breaking the news to her about his father. “Daddy died in the war when I was ten.”
“I’m sorry,” Ellie said quietly. “I had a cousin who died in France. I guess the war touched us all in some way. Was it difficult growing up with only one parent?”
“At times, but I’m lucky to have someone like Mama. She’s taken good care of me. That’s why when I get a little older and start making some real money, I’m going to return the favor.”
When the storm passed, Jack walked Ellie home and promised they’d resume their search for arrowheads another day.
CHAPTERFOUR
Blackberry Cobbler
Clara Sutton sat in the kitchen, eating blackberry cobbler, when Ellie walked through the front door. “Was that Jack Bennett I saw you with just now?”
“Yes, it was.” Ellie moved into the kitchen and took a seat at the table. “He says he knows you.”
Clara nodded. “I’ve known that young’un since he was knee high to a grasshopper.”
