Read Online Just Plain Sadie by Amy Lillard - Free Book Online Page A

on a rush of air, only then realizing that she had forgotten to breathe as well.
    â€œThanks.” His voice sounded hoarse. He cleared his throat as Sadie became all too aware that she was sitting way too close.
    She sat back away from him, suddenly mindful that Daniel was sitting at the table with them.
    Her gaze met Ezra’s, but she couldn’t read his expression. Did he feel it too? That draw? That pull? Or was she merely seeing something where nothing existed? After all, they both understood that this really wasn’t a date. So why did it feel like one now?
    Needing something to do, she took another sip of her cocoa, trying to put things into perspective and failing.
    â€œSadie, I—” Ezra started, but was cut short by the sound of a car pulling up outside.
    â€œIt looks like you have more company coming,” Sadie said.
    Ezra didn’t act surprised, but he did glance at the clock over the kitchen sink as if someone had arrived right on time.
    A knock sounded at the back door, and the other man from the auction let himself in. Sadie couldn’t remember his name, but Ezra quickly introduced him as his cousin, Logan.
    Logan’s blue eyes studied her intently, though he didn’t say what was obviously on his mind: What was the Amish girl doing in this Mennonite house?
    Sadie wasn’t about to explain herself. Nor did Ezra have to explain himself to his cousin. It wasn’t like they were doing anything wrong.
    â€œI came to tell you that we’re on tonight,” Logan said.
    â€œOn?” Ezra asked.
    Sadie sipped her hot chocolate and pretended not to listen intently to their conversation. Across from her, Daniel swung his legs and sipped his drink.
    â€œRobert got us the rec center again.”
    â€œAnother volleyball tournament?” Ezra asked.
    That was one thing that the Mennonites and the Amish shared, a love of volleyball.
    Logan smiled mischievously. “Nope. This time around we’re going to play kickball.”
    â€œWhat happened to the singing?” Ezra shook his head. “Never mind. I don’t want to know.”
    â€œKickball.” Logan waggled his eyebrows as if that would entice Ezra to come.
    â€œI think I’ll pass.”
    Logan looked from Sadie to Ezra then back again. “Whatever you say, cousin.”
    He started toward the door, but Sadie had a feeling the conversation between them wasn’t over. It seemed that Logan didn’t like her being at Ezra’s house. But why? There wasn’t anything going on between them. Couldn’t an Amish girl and a Mennonite guy hang out and be friends? Were their beliefs so far apart that innocent friendliness was a stretch?
    Sadie waited until Logan had gone before looking back at Ezra. “I don’t think he likes me.” She wasn’t sure why she said it. It wasn’t that voicing the words would change the facts.
    â€œHe’s weird like that.”
    That might be the case, but after experiencing his mother’s frown, Sadie had a feeling that he wasn’t the only one.
    * * *
    Ezra pulled his truck to a stop in front of Kauffman’s Family Restaurant. The sun had set long ago, leaving them shrouded in darkness. He left the engine running, and Sadie knew he was headed back to Taylor Creek, back to his world, back to the Mennonites. “Thanks for coming to get us.”
    â€œNo problem. I enjoyed myself.”
    â€œMe too.” A painful heartbeat passed, then Sadie released her seat belt. “Come on, Daniel,” she said, releasing his as well. Her actions felt stiff and uncomfortable as she opened the truck door and slid to the ground, then helped Daniel down beside her.
    â€œI really did have a good time,” Ezra said. “I’m sorry about Logan.” He shook his head, but Sadie understood. The Amish and the Mennonites had split hundreds of years ago over the issue of shunning. From there the changes increased. The