Page 74 of Magnolia Summer

“Yes. How did you know? She’s asleep in my room.”

“I drove her here. Thanks for letting her stay.”

“She’s welcome as long as she needs a place.”

“It could mean trouble for you if her father finds out she’s here.”

“I’m not afraid of him.” It was true, she wasn’t—not afraid for herself, anyway.

“Did Almira tell you what happened this morning?” The hesitation in his voice raised prickles of alarm on the back of her neck.

“What do you mean? She only said that her father found out she was with child, that she was afraid he would do something terrible to her, so she ran away.”

Truett nodded several times.

“What’s going on, Truett? Why aren’t you looking at me?”

“I am looking at you.”

Celia darted her hand toward him and snatched off his hat before he could react. The light from the windows behind them streamed over the side of his face.

Celia emitted an involuntary squeak. Truett’s eye was black and blue. The eyelid was swollen half-shut, and his cheekbone was purple.

“What happened?” Her voice sounded strangled as she choked on the lump in her throat. She reached toward his face but didn’t touch him. Even a light touch would probably cause him pain.

“It’s nothing. Just a bruise.”

He shrank into the shadows so she couldn’t see it anymore. She grabbed him by the arm and pulled him toward her, into the light. “I want to see it.”

“No.” He pulled back.

“Let me see it!” She jumped up and grabbed him by both arms. She tugged, trying to pull him out of his chair. She couldn’t even budge him, but he sighed, hung his head, and stood up.

Taking hold of his chin, she turned his head toward the light.

“Someone hit you.” She leaned closer. “Have you been fighting?”

“Uh, not exactly.”

“What happened?”

“I don’t want to tell you.”

Celia realized she was standing closer to him than propriety allowed. Not to mention that they were alone together, late at night. If anyone caught them, her reputation would be ruined.

“Please tell me. Why can’t you tell me?” She couldn’t disguise the anxiety and anger in her voice. Why was he keeping a secret from her?

He stared down at his feet. “Telling you serves no good purpose. It doesn’t matter what happened.”

“It matters to me. Tell me.”

“I can’t tell you.”

She grabbed his upper arms. He didn’t budge.

“Tell me.” She ground out the words between clenched teeth.

He leaned his head back and let his eyes roll back in his head. Then he sighed. Again. He finally looked her in the eye and took hold of her, so that they were both holding each other’s arms.