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“You’ve been to New York, does the water taste different?”
“Uh, wait, you’ve never been to New York? Likenever?” I guess I should be embarrassed by my lack of world experience, but in front of her, I’m not. When I shake my head, she says, “Then thathasto be our next epic adventure. As soon as we get back we’re riding the train into Manhattan, having bagels for breakfast and pizza for lunch.”
“I’m in. Um, speaking of getting home, are you going to check in with them? It’s getting dark, so maybe…”
“Yeah, I guess I should.”
“I’m going to stretch, maybe take a walk around the block.”
She nods, so I know she’s grateful for the privacy. I’m doing this for her, but it’s also for me. If my name comes up—which I’m sure it will—I don’t want to hear what her parents have to say. I’ve already been shit on enough times this week.
She’s leaning on the hood, typing into her phone when I come back ten minutes later. Acting like there’s nothing to report, she says, “So if you’re truly up for this, it’s a seven-hour drive, which will land us in Pennsylvania at around four in the morning.”
“Sounds like a plan. We can park a little ways from the address and close our eyes until the sun comes up.”
“Or grab a coffee and hold off on wrecking this woman’s life until at least seven-thirty or eight.”
“See, you’re always coming up with good ideas.”
I start the car and get myself off the local streets before I ask how it went.
“Um, my mother was kind of frantic when I said I’d be home tomorrow, but my dad was ok about it.”
“That’s it? Did thy ask where you were, what you’re doing, who you’re with?”
She looks at me and ticks off one finger for each as she answers, “Yes, yes and yes.”
“I’m kind of dying of suspense, but talk when you’re ready.”
“I cut to the chase. Told them I was sorry for what I said as I was walking out the door.” She senses me turning my head in question and raises her palm in adon’t askgesture. “It was a rotten thing to say. Anyway, I told them I’ve known about being adopted for a few months and I was pretty mad they’ve kept it from me. I also told them where we are, and they kind of put two and two together.”
“What did they say?”
“My mother was crying so hard I could barely understand what she was saying.” And Sarah is speaking through her own tears when she says, “I know they’re both sorry. I’m not even mad at them. I mean, I guess I am, but I don’t want them thinking I’m looking for my real parents so that I can ditch them.” Looking to me, she emphasizes, “Theyaremy real parents.”
“Did you tell them that?”
“More or less. I told them this is something I have to do, and it’s something I want to do on my own.”
“And they were ok with me…with you?”
“I know my father doesn’t dislike you.” When she sees me raise an eyebrow, she says, “He’s on your side, I know it. He has a lot of respect for your uncle, and he knows you had nothing to do with stealing from the club. When I asked him what was happening, he brushed me off, said we’d talk when I get home. My momwascrying in the background, so…”
“Honestly, I couldn’t care less if your dad thinks I’m innocent, or anyone else for that matter.”
“I care. I care what my parents think, what Thomson believes…I care what the world thinks about you.”
“But don’t you get it? Why am I eveninthis position? I have to prove my innocence? No one would everdareaccuse a kid like Parker of theft. Parker, or Logan? They’d have to walk right by Thomson with a case of lobster in hand, and even then, he’d probably assume they were authorized to take it. People like me, though…the help? It’s just assumed that we’re guilty.” Now I’m riled up, so I press the point. “Someone has toproveParker is guilty, because he’s presumed innocent, whileIhave to prove I’m innocent. It’s fucked up.”
“I agree with you.”
“And what’s more? Those jackasses at the club will conveniently forget about this little dust up once they find out who stole all that stuff.”
“I’m not like them.”
“I know you’re not. And I’m just pissed off, I didn’t mean to raise my voice like that.”
“It’s all right.” She looks to me with eyes that softens my hard edges. “I can take it.”
