“Since our lease is up in September, it’s more than he’s obligated to offer us,” Daddy added, “but I don’t know where we’ll get the money.”
“There’s time,” I said, trying to sound cheerful.
Grace frowned at me. “Where will we come up with that kind of money by May?”
“Let’s not ruin today with more talk of the orphanage,” Mama said. “This is our problem, not yours.”
“Itisour problem,” Grace said. “It’s my fault.”
Daddy put his arm around her. “Don’t ever shy away from telling the truth, even if it’s risky. We’ll figure something out.”
The next pilot took off behind me, and we all turned to look.
“Let’s talk about this later,” I said, forcing a smile to makethem forget about our troubles. “Grace, come with me. I’ll introduce you to some of the aviators. It will be good for your article.”
She didn’t look ready to meet anyone—not after the news about J. B. Thurston.
“Enjoy the rest of the show,” I said to Mama and Daddy as I pulled Grace away. “We’ll meet up with you later.” I blew kisses at them as we moved toward the hangar.
“I can’t believe what Thurston is trying to do,” Grace said, almost in denial. “It’s all my fault.”
“Stop that,” I told her as I tugged her along. “We can talk about this later. Right now, I want you—”
“How will we come up with the money? And what if Thurston doesn’t stop at displacing the orphans? What if he tries to get revenge in other ways?”
My own concern was making me feel frustrated, but I couldn’t do anything about it right now. “I’ll come up with a plan. I promise.”
I had to change the topic or she’d ruin the whole day with her worry.
“I know you’re mad at me about flying,” I said, though I hated to remind her. “You might as well get it out now.”
“How could you be so foolish?” she demanded, quickly shifting her focus, as I knew she would. “Flying is dangerous.”
“Living in Salem is dangerous,” I countered. “Getting in an automobile or on a train has risks.Lifeis a constant chance. Why not live it to the fullest?”
Grace scowled as we walked over the grassy field toward the hangar where Luc would be preparing for his race. “This is different, and you know it. You seem adamant on breaking every rule and pushing every boundary.”
I hugged her arm. “God knew what He was doing when He made me this way. He’ll take care of me.” I wasn’t a hundred percent certain I believed that, but I said it anyway.
Grace rarely rolled her eyes, but she did so now. “A ridiculous excuse for your carelessness.”
“I’m not careless,” I protested with a laugh. “Just exciting and spontaneous. It’s the only way I can survive the unending days in Salem.”
I hated to even think about waking up there tomorrow. I loathed the hard work and drudgery and abhorred the strict rules and confining expectations. I couldn’t wait for our birthday in October when I would never have to return there again.
“There he is,” I said the moment I saw Luc. He was attractive in his dark blue suit and tie, a flat cap on backward. Even if I hadn’t been in love with him, he would have stood out to me in a crowd.
“Who?” Grace asked.
“Lucas Voland. You’ve heard of him, haven’t you?”
“Who hasn’t? We saw him at the air show in New York last summer.”
“That’s right. He taught me to fly.”
“He’sthe one responsible for your carelessness?”
“Don’t take your frustration out on him. He’s simply my teacher.”
