he still insists on doing most of the presswork himself.
Although Scott tries to help him out in the pressroom, it's
not the best use of Scott's time when he's trying to become a
serious journalist."
"I'd be glad to help out in the pressroom-that is, if
Clyde will let me. Honestly, Maggie, I'm willing to do what-
ever it takes to prove to him that I've changed."
"I believe you, Gavin." She studied him carefully. "But
can I ask you something very bluntly?"
at "Yeah, sure, anything. Go for it. I had to get used to this
rehab."
Looking for YouAllMy Life169
"Well, I know it'll be on Clyde's mind.. and mine too."
She wasn't sure how to ask, other than just to cut to the
chase. Besides, she wanted to closely observe Gavin's initial
reaction. "Okay, the thing is, I need to know if you're just
trying to get into Clyde's good graces in order to secure an
inheritance."
She studied him carefully. Gavin looked down at his feet
for a moment. She suspected that her question might have
hurt his feelings, but then he looked back up, his gaze evenly
meeting hers. "That's a fair question, Maggie, and under the
circumstances it 5 not all that surprising." He cleared his
throat and continued. "I know you'll find this hard to believe,
but money has become a lot less important to me since I quit
drinking. Suddenly I've become a lot more interested in get-
ting a real life. You know what I mean, a life with family and
friends, and hopefully finding work that I enjoy. I feel like I'm
starting all over again. Only this time, I'd like to do it right."
She felt his genuineness and smiled at him. "Good. I'll
talk to Clyde about the job."
Relief washed over his face. "Thanks. I appreciate it."
"Now," she glanced at her watch, "it's quitting time."
"Well, thanks again for everything." He rose to leave,
and she wondered where he'd go, where he'd stay. She con-
sidered offering to help Out, but then wondered if that was
such a good idea. But in the same instant, she recalled some-
thing she'd heard Michael say recently about how when they
helped people in need, it was like helping Jesus. Gavin cer-
tainly seemed to be in need.
"Um.. as you know," she began with some uncertainty,
we have extra room at my house. I mean, the top floor
hasn't been totally renovated yet, but it's not all that bad
either. You could stay up there for a while, if you want.. that
is, until you figure things Out."
"Are you serious?" He was incredulous. "You'd put me
up at your house?"
"Well, we're not a bed-and-breakfast yet. And you might
need to be on your own for meals-"
170Melody Carlson
"I wouldn't expect you to feed me or anything. Don't