Page 57 of Knowing Amelia

“I have an offer for you,” I say once inside Logan’s truck. I need to think about something other than abs and compassion, forearms and sincerity. Something other than Logan’s dimple and the way my heart does strange things around him. Because at this rate, I’m not falling; I’m catapulting for Logan.

He glances my way, then back to the road. “What kind of offer?”

“I’ll give you a little gift if we can visit a few other places.”

“Where else do you want to go?”

“I need a clothing store. My options are limited. I can fit into a few of Amelia’s things, but not enough. This…” I motion down to my black skirt. “…and what I wore yesterday are pretty much my only work clothes. Also, someplace to get caller ID. Maybe a pawn shop?” I groan. “I need caller ID and a few other essentials, like shampoo.” I hold up a few strands of my hair, examining the ends.

“Liv, you know I’ll take you anywhere you want to go. You don’t owe me anything.”

I focus on the road ahead and nibble on my inner cheek. “I know. But I want to give you this.”

“You’ve got my attention. What is it?”

I pull Amelia’s brown-bound journal from my purse. “I thought we could read an entry or two on the way there.” I wait for him to laugh at me. To call me silly. When he doesn’t, I ask, “Would you like that?”

He peeks at me again, making my stomach flip. Then his eyes dart down to the book in my hands. “I would.”

Twenty-Two

July 4, 1955

It’s midnight. Aunt Lila calls this the devil’s hour. I know I should be in bed, but I can’t sleep.

What a day! I’ve had a non-boring day, and in Ganesworth! I went to work this morning on a secret mission, my stomach full of jumping beans. I was so anxious that when Aunt Lila asked me if I wanted eggs this morning, I practically yelled, “No!” at her. I couldn’t help it. I felt like she could see right through me. As if she knew I was up to something.

The minute I set foot in the gallery, I ran to the welcome book. I found Seth’s name easily, and he did record his address. It isn’t far from the gallery. I know it’s not exactly appropriate to go see a boy without being invited, but my curious mind had already formed a plan. With my nerves on edge, I also knew I wouldn’t be able to wait until after work. The three hours it took until my lunch hour were agonizing enough. Two people came into the gallery to distract me. Two! That’s it! Could this place be any duller?

I gave myself a full hour lunch today, certain that Uncle Herb wouldn’t find out. The chances of someone coming into the gallery weren’t likely. I walked the five blocks to Seth’s house. The outdoor air seemed to ease my anxiousness. Maybe I should have been more timid. But I felt brave knocking on a stranger’s door. Until his mother answered. Then I wanted to hide under a rock. She must think I’m completely unladylike. I know I shouldn’t have called on Seth at home. Still, I convinced myself in that minute that I wasn’t there to get her approval, but to find out about Aunt Lila’s displeasure with Seth from Seth himself.

So, I forced a smile on my face and said to the woman, “May I see Seth?”

Without any emotion in her eyes to hint at what she might be thinking, she said, “He’s working.”

My heart plummeted. Working. When would I work up that much courage again? Though I’m sure my disappointment was evident, she offered no return time. So, I left. What else could I do? I’m not completely inept.

I started my walk back to the store, utterly disappointed, when I saw him! I felt just like Nancy Drew. On the trail!

I crossed to the other side of the road and quickened my pace. When he looked up and saw me, I waved—dumbly. Still, he waved back. When we reached one another, I realized I was down to forty-five minutes of my hour lunch and knew that honesty would be my best bet.

I told him, “I just came from your house.”

He was shocked. I wish I could have photographed his face and the smile that slowly produced. I think he was pleased.

“I need to ask you a question,” I said, mustering my courage once more.

But Seth made it easy. He asked, “Can I accompany you back to the shop?”

I decided I didn’t have time to waste. So, on the way, I got right into things. “My aunt told me to stay clear of you, Seth Garrison. Why would she do that?” My head ran off before he had even a second to answer. “Did you do something awful? Something illegal? Or possibly immoral?” He just doesn’t seem like the kind of man to do some awful Aunt-Lila-opposed thing.

When he didn’t answer right away, I couldn’t help myself. “Are you dangerous?” I should have hidden the awe in my voice, but I was too anxious for an answer. I’ve never had a conversation with a precarious person before. It sounds exciting.

However, he laughed at me. Right then and there. Fine, so he isn’t dangerous. Once back at the gallery, I took him to the back room where I eat my lunch and asked my question again.

And he answered. “Several years ago, my grandfather and your grandfather worked together. They had a falling out. Your grandpa made some poor business choices. Choices that cost my grandfather his entire company.” He sighs. “My grandfather made sure that everyone in town knew what yours had done. To the point that most of your family moved out of town.”

Our families haven’t been friendly ever since. He doesn’t know much more than that.