When Autumn Leaves: A Novel Read Free Page B

workshop.
    Justy wiped his hands on his apron. “Oh hello, Ellie. I thought it might be you.”
    Ellie’s mouth shot open. She quickly shut it again, but she was sure the man had seen it. Something was wrong. Firstly and most obviously, Justy had recognized her even though he hadn’t seen her in years. The way he said hello wasn’t like he had just happened to surmise from a phone call that it must be her. He had greeted her as if he knew exactly who she was. As if he not only saw her, invisible Ellie, he knew her.
    “Ellie? Everything all right, dear?”
    Ellie felt the flush of pure embarrassment spread and warm her already rosy cheeks. “Oh. Yes, Justy. It’s just I can’t imagine how you would remember me. It’s been such a long while since I’ve been in here.”
    “Well now, I suppose I have a thing for faces, especially those that are as pretty as yours. No, now don’t go looking away. Your virtue is safe from me, my dear.”
    Again Ellie was horrified. How was it that she had no control over her face? “Oh no, Justy, I didn’t think that . . . I know you weren’t . . .”
    Justy chuckled warmly. “I know, I know. I was just having a bit of fun. So let’s see what you’ve got in that bag. There isn’t a pair of shoes in this world that I can’t work the Old Bluehorn magic into.”
    Ellie pulled her old shoes out of her tote and put them into Justy’s hands.
    “Well, they may look worse for the wear, but these are good, solid shoes, here.” He laughed, and turned one of the shoes around to examine the heel. “I think you understand what I’m saying, don’t you? About the way something looks different from how it really is?”
    Ellie wanted to speak to this strange old man who remembered her name; she wanted to tell him, “Yes! Yes! I know exactly what you mean, look at me! No, don’t look at me, close your eyes and imagine who I might be and that would be closer to the truth of it!” But of course she could not get the words out.
    Justy must have sensed this. “Well, they will require a bit of work. You sure you don’t want to give them a proper burial and choose something from the shop? I’ll give you a discount.”
    “Oh no, Justy. That’s very kind, I don’t really think . . . I just . . . maybe next year.” How could she tell him that she thought his shoes were too beautiful for her without sounding like she was fishing for a contradiction? “Um. Isn’t there anything you can do with these old ones?”
    “Yes, I think I can figure something out. Don’t you worry. I understand you’ll be wanting these for tonight?”
    “That would be great, if you could manage it. I was hoping to pick them up after work. I’m sure you’re really busy, and I feel terrible for asking you to do this on such short notice.”
    “Don’t you worry a bit, Ellie my dear. I’m always up for a challenge. Tell me, this isn’t your first Solstice Lighting, is it?” Justy leaned toward her almost conspiratorially.
    “Oh no, I’ve been going since I moved here.” Ellie was suddenly aware of the time. If she didn’t leave soon she was going to be late for work.
    “And how long is that? If you don’t mind me asking.”
    “No, I don’t mind.” She twitched, though, and realized she was running her fingers over her watch. “I guess about seven years, since I graduated from college.”
    “Why Avening? Why not Vancouver or Seattle or even New York City, for that matter?”
    Again, Ellie was startled by this conversation. “Well, let’s see. I went to Victoria for university. After I graduated, I was going to drive to Arizona to visit my dad. He moved there after my mother passed. I thought I would maybe stay with him a while, see what my next move was going to be. I loaded up the car and somehow . . .” Ellie momentarily placed her fingers over her mouth, not to stop the words from coming, but out of habit. It was often something she did when she was thinking. Her eyes widened and she looked at