Page 64 of Texas Splendor
“Houston and I will sit in the back,” Amelia said.
“No, Dallas and I are taller. We’ll sit in the back,” Dee offered.
“No, Dee, this is your dream—”
“But I want you to see—”
Austin tugged on Loree’s hand. “Come on,” he whispered. “We’ll just sit in the back.”
He guided her toward the far side. As they sat, he kept his hand wrapped around hers. She heard his low chuckle. “Guess I started this by wanting to sit by you.”
“I’m grateful you did because I really didn’t want to sit by anyone else.”
He trailed his finger along her jaw. “I’m glad. Loree, I’m sorry it was so awkward down there, with people staring and whispering. They’re just not used to me being home yet.”
“My home could give us the things we need.”
“I want you to have things that youwantnot just things that you need.”
“That’s it!” Dallas roared. “Everyone has five seconds to plant their butts in a seat. Anyone left standing at the end of that time goes over the balcony.”
A mad scramble ensued.
“Come on, Rawley,” Maggie cried as she pulled him to a seat in front.
She plopped down in front of Austin. He tapped her shoulder. “Trade places with Rawley so your Aunt Loree can see.”
She and Rawley switched chairs. While the remaining adults discussed the seating arrangements, Maggie turned and looked at Austin. “Can me and Rawley spit over the side of the balcony?”
“Sure, especially if your Uncle Cameron is sitting down there.”
“He ain’t. They got balcony seats, too.” She pointed to the side. “They’re right there.”
Loree watched as Austin’s gaze followed the direction of Maggie’s finger. He stiffened. Cameron and Becky were sitting alone in the balcony next to theirs.
“You don’t like Uncle Cameron anymore, do you?” Maggie asked.
Austin jerked his head around and stared at her. Amelia put her hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “Turn around, young lady.” She gave Austin an apologetic smile before taking her seat beside Maggie. Houston settled in beside her.
Dee sat beside Loree and laughed lightly. “I didn’t realize that was going to be such an ordeal.” She patted Dallas’s knee. “You handled the situation very well.”
“Next time, everybody gets their own balcony.”
A man walked onto the stage, and a hush fell over the audience.
“Ladies and gentlemen! The Royal Shakespearean Theater is honored to be in your lovely town. Tonight’s performance isRomeo and Juliet.”
He walked off the stage. The curtains slowly began to open, but Loree found she had no interest in the play. She wondered what thoughts preyed on her husband’s mind. His hand had tightened around hers when Maggie had asked her question. His grip had yet to loosen. He stared straight ahead, but she didn’t think he was paying any more attention to the play than she was. She leaned toward him. “I want to go outside.”
He jerked his head around, and even in the shadows, she saw the concern etched in his face. His hand closed more tightly around hers. “You all right?”
She nodded slightly. “I just need a breath of fresh air.”
He leaned low around her and whispered to Dallas, “We’re gonna step outside for a few minutes.”
Rawley twisted around in his chair. “Can I go?”
Dallas gave a quick nod and stood. Austin helped Loree to her feet and they worked their way between the chairs.
