Rebel's Tag Read Free

you?”
    She laughs. “Yes, we do. But we also provide light therapy.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?” Indi asks.
    â€œAll of our lighting is full spectrum, which makes it feel like being in the sun. Many of our clients come in on rainy days just to cheer up.”
    â€œOh, yeah,” Indi says. “I’ve heard of that. Some people get depressed when it’s gloomy outside, so they use special lights to make them feel better.”
    Goldy nods. “Exactly. Now I’ll get that lemonade for you.”
    I guess I’m getting lemonade too, whether I like it or not. I flip open the menu but can’t focus on it. I’m thinking that Grandpa Max must have come here often and maybe I look like him? Was he depressed? Why else would he hang out in this place?
    â€œI love it here,” Indi says. “If the food is good, I’m coming back for sure.”
    â€œYou’re not depressed,” I say.
    â€œNo, but this really is an upper.” She leans toward me and lowers her voice. “So when are you going to ask for Joe?”
    I drop my gaze to the menu. “I thought maybe we’d eat first.”
    â€œI think you should ask right away,” Indi says. “I mean, what if they get really busy? Then he might not have time to talk to you.”
    As usual, she’s right. So when Goldy returns, I ask her if Joe is around. She looks surprised but just asks for my name. When I tell her it’s Sam Connor, her mouth rounds into an
O
and she hurries off again.
    â€œMan,” I say, “we didn’t even get to order our food.”
    â€œShe’ll be back,” Indi says.

chapter four
    Goldy doesn’t come back. Instead, a huge man emerges from the kitchen and strides toward us wearing a wide smile—complete with teeth. He’s carrying something made out of dark wood. When he reaches our table, he sets the wooden thing on the floor and stretches out his hand. I get to my feet before taking his hand. I don’t usually have great manners, but there’s something about him that makes me stand up.
    â€œSam Connor!” he booms. “About time we met! Pleased to meet you, boy. I’m Joe.” His grip on my hand is crushing. Part of me feels like a weak little kid, but I hold on. I don’t even flinch when he releases my hand and slaps me on the shoulder.
    â€œLook at you!” he says. “I can see Max in you, all right.” He keeps grinning as he points toward the thing. “For you, from your grandfather. And if I’m not mistaken, you’re going to need a burger. One for your friend too?”
    â€œUh, yeah. Sure. I mean, yes, please. At least, I think so.” I’m talking like an idiot.
    Indi pipes up, “A burger would be great. Thank you.”
    â€œComing right up. Sam, your grandpa always says the world is a better place when met on a full stomach. Did you know he says that?”
    â€œNo, no I didn’t,” I stammer.
    â€œWell, that’s one of his sayings. There’s wisdom in that, don’t you think?” Joe asks.
    â€œI never thought about it,” I say.
    â€œNo?” Joe wags a finger at me. “Maybe you should. Max told me he had some poor times as a kid and going hungry made everything harder.”
    â€œI didn’t know that.”
    â€œNo? Well, he never talked about it much. He also says there’s more than one way of starving to death.” Joe gives me a parting pat on the head, and then he’s gone. Leaving me with what? I stare at my grandpa’s gift and I don’t get it. It looks like...
    â€œWhat a beautiful cradle,” Indi coos.
    Crap. That’s what I thought it looked like. I glare at Indi. “You want it?”
    â€œWhat?” she asks.
    â€œDo you want it? I don’t want it. Talk about retarded. What am I supposed to do with a cradle?”
    â€œI don’t know, Sam. But it’s not retarded. I’ll bet