So Much Riding On It

Mr. Beard is etched in my memory...tall, thin, crew cut with a small bald spot, and natty in a white dress shirt. Probably on his way home from work. Mr. Beard was stopping to look at my aunt and uncle's pink and ivory '57 Chevy. My aunt told me that If we were going to go on the planned vacation tomorrow, she had to sell the Chevy today. And she and I couldn't let on. She talked and I willed Mr. Beard to buy the car.