Free Among the Living by Jonathan Rabb Page B

.”
    Goldah said, “I didn’t tell Abe I was coming, Jacob. He doesn’t know I’m here.”
    “He didn’t send you?”
    “No.”
    Jacob tried not to show too much relief at this. “Well that’s different, then” — and, with a bit more air in his lungs — “that shows initiative to me, Ike. I can appreciate that.”
    Calvin said, “Yes, I’m sure he’s glad you appreciate him, son. Ain’t that why you here, Mr. Ike?”
    Goldah did his best to ignore Calvin’s gaze and spent the morning shelving and spraying shoes. By eleven o’clock his jacket and tie were long off and his shirt wet through as he handed boxes up to Calvin on a ladder.
    “I think maybe I should clean myself up,” Goldah said. “In case Jacob needs me out front.”
    “In case Jacob needs you,” Calvin said before snorting a harmless laugh. He stepped to the floor. “You don’t think it’s clear as glass why you come in this morning? I just want to know why you so certain she’s coming back?”
    “Are you any less certain?” said Goldah.
    “No. I’m just asking why you is.”
    At ten past eleven Miss Eva De la Parra walked into the store. She was alone. Jacob started toward her but Calvin placed a light hand on the boy’s arm and said, “I think Mr. Ike’s going to take this one, son.”
    Goldah was already moving through the aisle. He imagined the penny just now dropping for the boy.
    Miss De la Parra stood by one of the shelves, looking at the shoes, and seemed to know just when to turn.
    “Well, hello again, Mr. Goldah.”
    “Hello.” He knew he’d spoken with too much eagerness. “Did you enjoy your movie?”
    “I did, thank you. Did you have your second milk shake?”
    “I did indeed.”
    “Good for you. I’m glad to hear it. You should know I’ve had quite a few compliments on the shoes I bought last week. Please tell your young man he has excellent taste.”
    “I will, of course.” Goldah almost forgot why he had stepped over. “Would you be looking for another pair?”
    She held his gaze for what seemed a very pleasant passage of time and then, as if an afterthought, smiled. “No, I don’t believe I would.”
    Goldah felt a momentary lightness in his head. He had spent so little time with women — young women — that he found her candor both remarkable and terrifying. But this was America. Women were permitted their boldness. What else was he meant to expect?
    She said, “I’ve taken the liberty of putting some clippings together from the paper. Editorials my father has written, politics and so forth. I thought you might find them of interest.”
    It was only then that Goldah noticed the large envelope she was carrying. She held it out to him and he had no choice but to take it. He tried not to show his disappointment. He said, “You’re very kind.”
    “If you should have any questions, I’d be happy to answer them.”
    Moments of courage require so very little — a lie of hope, a piece of sugar for the dying — and Goldah said, “Perhaps you’d care to take me through them now?” He was hoping to see more in her expression. “I have a break and there’s a very nice square around the corner. Unless, of course, this isn’t the time?”
    She hesitated. Goldah felt the lightness return to his head when she said, “All right. That would be very nice.”
    Outside the sky was moving in thick, white clouds. Rain had come midweek and brought a cooling to the air. It felt almost breathable. Had he been standing still, Goldah might not have felt his perspiration, but this was early August. His chest sweltered under the jacket and tie.
    They walked in silence, stilted only for him as she seemed completely untouched by the heat or the sudden realization that they were together. They moved past storefronts and people out for a morning shop. No one seemed to take notice of them, which suited Goldah just fine. They came to a crosswalk and she said, “Do you mean the square down here?”
    He might have.