Page 25 of Creeping Beautiful

I get that. I totally understand that. You’re a private person.

Yes. I am.

That’s fine. But you know why you’re here, right? You know how you got here to Old Home. You know why Adam brought you here. And you know why McKay is here. Right?

They explained it to me.

Now I want you to explain it back to me. OK? Just so we’re all on the same page.

Why do I have to answer your questions? How come you don’t have to answer my questions?

Well… you haven’t asked me any questions, Indie Anna.

Don’t call me that. I hate it. Adam said it’s a trailer trash name. And I don’t know what that means, but it doesn’t sound nice.

It’s a state, you crazy girl. It’s got nothing to do with trailer trash.

Well… what is trailer trash, exactly? Like… old newspapers and stuff?

No. It’s… not important. And don’t use that saying anymore. I don’t like it.

It’s mean, then. Isn’t it?

It’s mean. Yeah. But Indiana is a place. It’s a state here in the US. Up north near the lakes. But if you don’t want me to call you Indie Anna, then I won’t. I’ll call you Indie, like everyone else.

No… it’s fine. You can call me that. But no one else can.

I feel special.

You should. I don’t make exceptions for most people.

I’m truly honored. Now tell me why—

No. You have to answer my questions first. Then maybe I will answer yours.

OK. Ask me anything.

Why did you let them buy me?

You know why. You weren’t mine. But I think the question you’re really asking is… why did I let them take you?

Yes. You told me we were friends back on the island. And then… poof. They took me and you stayed behind.

I’m going away to medical school. I told you that back on the island. I can’t be here with you all the time. But I told you I would keep track of you and here I am. And… I would like to add that I’m the one who got Adam to buy you. I did that so you’d be taken care of.

How did you get him to buy me?

I talked to him before the auction started.

Is that old guy your grandfather?

Mm-hm. He is. I spent a lot of time on that island growing up.

But they never put you in a cage and sold you.

No. My grandfather is too important. I’m… special. Like Adam.

What’s that mean?