Burning Down the House by Jane Mendelsohn Read Free Book Online Page A

and two phones atop the desk. Patrizia tapped him on the shoulder and waited. Steve typed away and listened and read and did not look up. Poppy could hear a faint whistling and clanking from some antique faraway pipes. Other than that there was only the sound of Steve’s tapping fingers.
    When he was finished he took off the headphones and turned around. He looked at Patrizia and then he looked at Poppy and then turned back to his laptop and he read over what he had written on the screen. He nodded and shut the computer and stood up letting the book fall to the floor and paying no attention to it. He kicked it slightly as he maneuvered from between the chair and the desk. The book ended up open and askew on the floor, pages side down, flat and praying that it would not be kicked again.
    —
    Steve took large steps over to Poppy and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Then he motioned to two upholstered chairs at one end of the room facing a fireplace and led the way in that direction. Patrizia headed out of the room and closed a door behind her. Sit down, Steve said.
    Poppy sat in one chair and Steve remained standing, leaning against the fireplace. He had a commanding presence, but he was not in good shape. He wheezed very slightly as he arranged his body against the mantel. So you have essentially completed your studies, he said.
    What studies? said Poppy.
    Your schooling. Your education.
    —
    Poppy looked up at Steve. She sat cross-legged on the wide seat of the chair and pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. I want to work, she said.
    Work, he said.
    Yes. Be out in the world. Begin my life.
    You have a life. It began seventeen years ago.
    I mean my real life.
    What do you think your real life is?
    I don’t know. I have to go out and find it.
    Where do you think it will be found?
    If I knew that I wouldn’t have to look for it.
    What kind of work do you want to do?
    What you do.
    What I do?
    Yes. I want to work in real estate.
    He stared at her.
    Isn’t that what you do? she said.
    I suppose that is what they call it.
    Steve squinted at her. Do you have any idea what I really do?
    Make deals, build buildings, move money around. I don’t know. That’s what I have to learn. It seems practical to just get started soon.
    —
    Steve sighed and nodded. He walked over to the other chair and fitted himself into the seat with his legs stretched out far ahead of him like oars off the side of a boat. He was floating, for a moment, preparing to change direction. Holding the oars in the current to shift the vessel. In taking a new tack he would be playing a different role. It was as if he had been sailing in a fierce regatta and now he had decided to gently glide in a canoe.
    —
    He tilted his big chin downward and nodded his head. He appeared to be changing his mind.
    I admire your spunk, sweet Poppy, I really do, he said in a mellow voice. But there’s no reason to rush. Why don’t you want to go to college first: get an education, have fun, then you can come work for me?
    Poppy looked at Steve. He had his eyes shut. Poppy pushed her hair back behind her ear again. She licked her lips and looked over at the corner of the ceiling. I’m sick of people my own age.
    I’m afraid you’re stuck with them, for now. But they will get older. Whom would you prefer to spend time with?
    You.
    Steve leaned his head back and smiled. Ah, he said. Flattery will get you everywhere.
    I’m not flattering you. It’s true.
    He slowly rearranged his body and twisted and leaned forward in his chair so that his face was suddenly enormous to her. He looked very deeply into her eyes.
    Bravest little girl I have ever known. No one in this family has endured as much as you have. Your mother sick, then dying when you were so young. Ever since the day you were born I have considered myself your father. Did you know that?
    Yes.
    And it’s what your mother wanted. She fought and died in that hospital room and you were the most valiant little soldier.