The Chair Read Online Free PDF Page B

water.”
    “Really? Why not?”
    Corin grimaced. “That’s a long story we probably don’t have time for today.”
    “Okay.” Brittan leaned against the back of the chair so his feet stuck out and he closed his eyes. “I feel a little sleepy.” A peaceful look settled on his face.
    “Even though I’ve been through it hundreds of times, it still scares me when an asthma attack hits.” Tracie leaned over and brushed Brittan’s head. “I think this is the fastest he’s ever recovered.”
    “He’ll be okay now?”
    “Fine. Until the next time he runs.” She smiled her sad smile again, then spun to her right and looked down aisle two. “Now, I’d love to see if you have any other baseball treasures from the 1950s and 60s.”
    “I might have a few things.” Corin motioned with his hand down the aisle. “After you.”
    Ten minutes later they returned to Brittan with a LIFE magazine with Ted Williams on the cover and a signed Joe DiMaggio auto card.
    Brittan’s eyes were still closed and his breathing was deep and rhythmic.
    “I think he might have fallen asleep.”
    “Brittan?”
    The boy’s eyes fluttered open and widened as he stared at the magazine. “Wow, where did you get that?”
    “I don’t have a lot of baseball things, but this is definitely a classic. It’s the issue from September 1941 and even has pictures inside of Ted’s famous swing.” Corin opened the magazine and held it out for the boy. “Take a look.”
    “Is that his signature?” The boy glanced back and forth between Corin and his mom.
    “The genuine article.”
    “What’s an our tickle?”
    Corin laughed again. “You’re a great kid, Brittan.”
    “Thanks, I think you’re a great mister.”
    Tracie said, “Thanks for your kindness toward Brittan. Most people don’t know what to say when he has one of his attacks.”
    “My pleasure. I hope he grows out of it someday.”
    “Me too.”
    Tracie turned back to Brittan and gazed at her son. So did Corin. Innocent, full of wonder and anticipation. How did you protect a kid like Brittan, or any kid, from the ravages life would pitch at them?
    “He looks good in that chair and it’s beautiful. I don’t see a price tag on it. Is it for sale?”
    “It should be soon. I think.” He hadn’t decided whether he would sell it or not. But he needed the cash. The elderly lady’s statement floated back to him about the chair being for him, but he batted the thought away. “I just got the piece in and need to determine how much it’s worth.”
    “Well, I doubt we’d be able to afford it, but we can at least dream, right? It would look good in Brittan’s room. When do you think you’ll be ready to put the chair up for sale?”
    “It should be ready for purchase in two or three days at the most.”
    “There’s something special about it, don’t you think?” She ran her fingers down the back of the chair.
    “I don’t know. Maybe.”
    Tracie gathered up the baseball antiques, walked over to Corin’s sales counter, and set them down.
    Corin glanced at Brittan, then strolled behind his sales counter and rang up the items. “Four hundred thirty-seven dollars and eighty-two cents.”
    “Oh yes.” Tracie’s face flushed and she stared at her purse. “I should have asked. We can’t—”
    Brittan’s face pinched together but he didn’t say anything.
    “Wait, I forgot to tell you about our discount.” Corin smiled. “You didn’t realize this, but anyone who becomes Grand Champion Baseball Trivia Quiz Master of the Entire Universe gets a 70 percent discount on anything in the store.”
    “What?” Brittan said from across the room. “So I helped with my mom’s finances?”
    “You did, champ. Nice work.”
    “No.” Tracie looked up and whispered, “You don’t have to do that. I know these things are valuable and you’re in business to make money.” She fumbled in her purse, her fingers bumping against what looked like a VISA card. “They have to