Page 119 of I Am the Messenger

Page List


Font:  

I shake my head. "No, it doesn't feel like it." I look away and back at him. "I have to do something for you. Something good, I'd say, in your case."

"Why?"

I almost tell him I don't know, but I refuse to lie. "Because you need it."

Does he need a good turnout like Father O'Reilly?

I doubt it. Not twice.

"Maybe"--he comes closer--"you'll finish when you come back to see that free movie."

"All right," I agree.

"You can bring your girlfriend," he suggests. "You got a girl, Ed?"

I indulge the moment.

"Yes," I say. "I got a girl."

"Well, bring her along." He rubs his hands together. "Nothing like just you and your girl in front of the big screen." A mischievous laugh jumbles from his mouth now. "I used to love bringing the girls here myself when I was a kid. That's why I bought this place when I retired from building."

"Did you ever make any money out of it?"

"Oh, Christ no, I don't need it. I just like putting them on, watching them, sleeping a bit. The wife says if it keeps me out of strife, why not?"

"Fair enough."

"So when you think you'll make it back?"

"Tomorrow, maybe."

He gives me a catalog the size of an encyclopedia to look through and suggest a movie, but I don't need it.

"No, thanks," I explain to him. "I know what I want."

"Really? Already?"

I nod. "Cool Hand Luke."

He rubs his hands together again and grins. "Lovely choice. A great film. Paul Newman's outstanding, and George Kennedy, your namesake--unforgettable. Seven-thirty tomorrow?"

"Beautiful."

"Great, I'll see you and your girl tomorrow then. What's her name, this girl of yours?"

"Audrey."

"Ah, lovely."

I'm about to leave when I realize I have no idea of this man's name.

He apologizes. "Oh, I'm very sorry, Ed. My name's Bernie. Bernie Price."

"Well, n

ice to meet you, Bernie." I make my way out.

"Same here," he says. "I'm glad you came."


Tags: Markus Zusak Young Adult