Free Among the Living by Jonathan Rabb Page A

it such, but he couldn’t and so kept it to himself.
    It wasn’t all that much of a shock then when, at week’s end, he saw her again at the ice-cream shop just a few blocks from the house. Goldah had developed a taste for malteds, a perfectly wonderful American treat that he gave himself each night after dinner. Ice cream was off the menu at the Jesler’s most evenings — meat the main course — and, as Goldah was too tired to wait the three hours for the kosher rules to kick in, he snuck away to Leopold’s for a little walk and a thick chocolate malted.
    She was at a booth in the back, with two other young women, when he stepped into the shop. Goldah picked a seat at the far end of the counter that happened to be nearest her. He had gotten in the habit of bringing a newspaper with him to read as he drank, and tonight he made sure to read throughevery last article. He was dangerously close to the back page when he saw the three women begin to get up. Goldah turned on his stool just as Miss De la Parra was standing.
    The hat was smaller this time, a dark blue, leaving her face free and open below it. He was once again caught by the paleness of her skin but now he noticed the small brown birthmark just below the left eye. On a different face the mark would have drawn attention. Here it served only to amplify the quality of the rest.
    She caught him staring; she smiled and stepped over. Goldah stood.
    “Hello again, Mr. Goldah.”
    “Hello.”
    “Eva De la Parra. We met at the shoe store.” Her voice was warm and assured and just as he had remembered it.
    “Yes, of course,” he said. “It’s where I seem to meet everyone.”
    “In stocking feet.”
    “Hazard of the trade.”
    “I hope you don’t remember mine.”
    There was something so wonderfully bright in this familiarity, he thought. It wasn’t scattered or small talk but ease, the kind that made Goldah feel no less bold.
    “How could I forget them?” he said.
    Her smile widened. “I see you’ve discovered one of our favorite pastimes.”
    “Yes. It’s quite wonderful. Terribly sweet.”
    “That’s the best part. I like the chocolate as well. And I see you enjoy our local newspaper.”
    “I do. Yes.”
    “Well, thank goodness for that. My father is one of the editors. It would be quite disappointing if you didn’t.” A thoughtcame to her. “I believe I read you were also in newspapers at one time. I could introduce you, if you like?”
    “I should like that very much. Thank you.”
    She seemed to want to say more but her friends appeared behind her and she quickly introduced them. “We’re off to the movies,” she said. “The new William Powell. Have you seen it?”
    “I haven’t, no,” said Goldah. “It sounds quite wonderful.”
    He watched as her smile reappeared — a quiet, thoughtful smile — and she said, “Yes, it does.” She nodded at his glass. “You should have another. Treat yourself. I would.” The smile stayed in her eyes as she offered her goodbyes. Goldah watched her walk to the door like so much untried promise and ordered himself another of the same.

    The second State Department letter arrived two days later, a confirmation of the appointment in a week. It put Pearl on edge. Even so, Goldah told the Jeslers he wouldn’t be joining them for services again. And, again, Pearl managed to accept it, this time on her own.
    Instead, the next morning Goldah returned to the store with Raymond. It was something of a surprise for Jacob as Goldah had spent the week learning the ropes. The boy didn’t like it.
    “He knows we can handle it just fine, don’t he?” A hint of accusation laced the young voice as the face grew redder. “Mr. Jesler knows I can handle it just fine?”
    “Son,” Calvin said evenly, “if Mr. Ike wants to come in, he wants to come in. That’s nothing to do with you.”
    “First it’s you coming and helping on Saturdays, and now Ike. Does he think I’m not up to it? Because I am. I am