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Show Inside Out, 75 "Oh, no," I said lightly, "I can't. I'd love to, but I really can't. I've got to get to the library today." Dad was at a full stop now, facing me with his hands on his hips. Leslie stepped over and continued with the sandwiches silently. No, far be it for her to get involved. "I think you can spare us a day, Andli. You can go to the library tomorrow." I kept my eyes on the toaster. There was no way I was going to be stuck in the car with them for three hours each way when I knew there was probably new information waiting for me if I could just get to the library. Maybe even something from Mom! "I've got to go today, " I said. "Because I can't start on my work until I do the researchers." "What work?" Dad asked, his voice that icy-patient that meant trouble. "What is it you need to work on? And when is it due?" "It's OK," said Leslie, softly. I about choked on my pop-tart. She always left the room when Dad and I argued. She never got involved. "It's OK," she said again. "If she doesn't want to come, she'd be miserable with us. She's a teenager, Eric. She doesn't want to be with us all day on a Saturday." Dad turned to her. "She always used to love the cheese factory," he said. "That's when I was a kid, Dad," I said, still facing away. I didn't want to look at Leslie. Then I felt Leslie's hand on my back. It burned. "Sometime, could I introduce you to Bill, Andli?" she said softly. "I really think you two would like each other. He's got your sense of humor." Leslie's step-father hadn't been able to come to the wedding because he'd had a harder time recovering from knee |