No Daughter of the South Read Online Free Page A

remembers with a certain perverse fondness the bathrooms and drinking fountains marked “colored.” At least in that time and place, she says, it was clear what she was up against.
     
    I told Jerry I’d figure some way to get a good article out of the trip, but he was doubtful.
    “Tampa? Who cares about Tampa? Why don’t you go to Miami? Things are happening in Miami.”
    “Unh-uh. Tampa.”
    “So, what’s there? Night clubs, fashion, big money, culture?”
    “Unh-uh. But there is something…”
    “What?”
    “Hot dog vendors.”
    “Laurie, love, you want to write a piece on hot dog vendors, go to the corner out there. Abdul. Northeast corner. Tell him I sent you.”
    “These are very young women, you know, with firm thighs and nice tans and aerobicized muscles. They set their stands out beside the highway, and they all wear those thong bathing suits.”
    “I’m beginning to get the picture.”
    “Yeah, and they stand with their backsides to the cars. Seems that it is often necessary for them to bend way over their carts to reach things, and...”
    “Hmmm. Maybe I better go check this story out myself.”
    “No way, Jerry.”
    I left my apartment very early and dropped by Sammy’s on my way to the airport. I knew she wouldn’t be home. She was off at The Birthing Place delivering a baby. I’d spoken to her earlier on the phone and we’d whispered some things that would serve to keep me perking along nice and warm until I got back to her.
    So, why was I stopping to say goodbye to her apartment ? A few rooms in a building? I was accustomed to following my impulses, but up until I met Sammy, I’d understood them better. Up until then, they’d been pretty simple, dealing mainly with food, drink, and sex.
    Elena answered the door. She had a textbook in one hand and Rachel tucked under her other arm. She smiled when she saw me. “Laurie!” I liked the soft, slightly foreign way she pronounced my name. It made me feel European and mysterious. “You go to airport station soon, yes? I am so pleased you visit before your journey.”
    She dropped the book face down on the table in the hall, careful not to lose her place. She headed back into the apartment, with Rachel still under her arm. She obviously assumed I meant to come in and stay awhile.
    I stood in the entrance for a moment, not ready to go all the way in. Annie was alternately practicing the violin and arguing with Sarah. Elena was trying to finish cooking dinner with Rachel on her hip. Sarah was whining that she needed help with her puzzle, and Elena called from the kitchen, “Get Laurie to help you.” I felt a sour pang in my stomach.
    But I stepped in. I’m doing this for Sammy, I told myself. It’s just one of those good manners things. You’re nice to your lover’s family.
    I sat on the floor beside Sarah and helped her fit the pieces of her puzzle together. I wanted to be bored by it, to be doing it just for Sarah, and, by extension, for Sammy. Actually, it was fun. I didn’t do many puzzles as a child, and none as an adult. I sat there with the smell of dinner cooking, and Annie squeaking and scratching away on her violin. I picked up pieces that didn’t look like they belonged together at all. I didn’t really think about it; I just held them in my hand. Something about the weight and feel of each piece in my hand told me where to put it. Each time I was rewarded with that nice little snap as I fitted each piece into its place. It was immensely relaxing, satisfying. Something like I imagined the practice of meditation to be, although that’s one thing I’ve never gotten around to trying.
    Sarah and I worked in companionable silence. She’s a striking child, with golden skin and startling green eyes. Both Annie and Rachel are a warm brown, like Sammy. They all three have different fathers. I studied the girls out of the corner of my eyes, and kept working on the puzzle. I thought, I’ll never figure out all the pieces of Sammy.