Chapter 21

“Yes, he does, doesn’t he? I was afraid he’d have a hard time making the adjustment from rural Louisiana to urban Atlanta.”

“Lydia says that she thinks he’ll be able to testify by the time his father goes on trial,” I said.

“Good,” Gran said. “Facing his father in court and testifying should do wonders for his self-esteem. Speaking of wonders, he’s already doing wonders for the grounds.”

“True,” I said. “He seems to have a natural talent for plants.”

“He’s also extremely eager to earn his keep, as the saying goes,” Philip said.

“His sixteenth birthday is just a few weeks away,” I said, “and you know what that means.”

“What?” Philip said.

“It’s time for a driver’s license, of course.”

“Oh. I hadn’t thought about that.”

“Well, you’d better start thinking about it, because I can assure you Steve is.”

“Why? Has he said something?”

“Of course not, but what kid doesn’t yearn for the perceived freedom that a driver’s license promises? I certainly remember that, don’t you?”