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Show 53 "Look, the way my father acted just now was disgusting. But I know what was gnawing at him, so I'll try to explain, even though there's no excuse for what he said." Andy dug his fingers through his dark blond hair, rumpling it. "See, Karl, just before supper, Veronica and Emil told my old man that after they get married and move to a place of their own, Emil's brother Vaclav is going to board with them. That means my old man*11 not only lose Veronica's wages from her job, but he'll lose both Emil's board and Vaclav's board, too, that they been paying to stay with us." When Karl looked puzzled, Andy said, "I guess you don't understand. Your pop has a good job and makes decent pay. My old man's a laborer. After eighteen years in the mill, he's still doing the same dumb job he started with. No promotions, because he's a Hunky and can't speak English right. Anyway, the mills are slow just now, worse than just the usual summer slump, and my father's scared to death that he'll get laid off. He's trying to buy this house, and if he can't make the payments, he'll lose everything." Searching Andy's face, because Andy never lied to him, Karl asked, "So what did you father say about me?" Andy scowled. "He said you eat over at our house an awful lot, and if you want to keep on eating with us, you better start paying for your eats like the boarders do." "Oh." Karl grew hot with embarrassment. "Listen, that's just my old man, don't let it get to you," |