A Texas Family Reunion by Judy Christenberry Read Free Book Online Page A

said.
    “I can put their food in takeaway boxes if—”
    “No, thanks, but you can bring us two Chocolate Thunders from Down Under, though.”
    “Yes, sir, right away.” The waiter took Pete’s and Susan’s plates from the table. They didn’t object.
    Five minutes later, just before the dessert was served, Susan tried to cut another piece of steak and realized her plate was gone. “What happened to our food?” she asked.
    David grinned. “We got tired of waiting and ordered dessert. We told the waiter to take your plates away.”
    “Oh. Were we eating too slowly?” she asked.
    Pete immediately apologized. “I’m sorry, Susan and I were…we were talking about work.”
    “It’s nice that you have something in common,” David said blandly.
    Alex almost choked, and David helpfully pounded her back.
    “Th-thank you, David!” she gasped. “Sorry, my drink went down the wrong way.”
    At that moment the two desserts arrived with four spoons.
    “We thought two would be enough. These are meant to be shared.” David picked up his spoon and pulled oneof the desserts between him and Alex, leaving the other one to Pete and Susan.
    “Perfect,” Pete said as he picked up a spoon and handed it to Susan. “I love these,” he added, looking into her eyes.
    “Oh…I do, too.”
    David heard Alex’s swiftly indrawn breath between those two comments. He squeezed her hand and offered her a bite of ice-cream-and-brownie out of his spoon.
    She took the bite. “Thank you. Mmm, it’s good.”
    He smiled. “Yeah, perfect ending to a perfect night.”
    “So my behavior didn’t disappoint you?” Alex asked, raising one eyebrow.
    “No, Alex, it didn’t. I…and Susan, owe you one. Feel free to collect at any time.” When she said nothing, he added, “I’ll even explain to the cop why you went out with me.”
    He expected her to reject his offer, but with a laugh, she said, “Not necessary.”
    Her answer caught his attention. But he didn’t ask her to explain. Not then. He would wait until he took her home.
     
    A LEX KNEW she’d made a mistake.
    She hadn’t wanted to tell David about her breakup. Mainly because she felt like a fool, believing Neil had actually loved her. All he’d loved was himself.
    Throughout the years, whenever she’d done something or made a decision to do something, she’d always checked out his reaction. She didn’t want to see his reaction this time, though she was proud she’d chosen to end her relationship with Neil.
    She was afraid he’d feel pity, and she didn’t want his pity.
    Continuing to eat the dessert long after she’d had enough, she avoided conversation. She wished she could catch a ride with Pete when it came time to leave. But she knew Susan would never forgive her if she tried such a thing.
    David insisted on paying the bill, telling Pete it was a family celebration. Then he said, “But you could do me a favor.”
    “Sure, pal, anything.”
    “Well, it’s kind of late, and I wondered if you could run Susan home. That way, we could all get home sooner.”
    Susan made a perfunctory protest, but Pete’s eager willingness reassured her.
    The other two sped out of the restaurant. David and Alex left in a more leisurely style.
    “He certainly took the bait, didn’t he?” Alex said.
    Again David heard something in her voice. “You sound envious. That can’t be true.”
    “Of course not,” she said, warning herself to be more careful. “But I don’t think we’ll need to play this game again.”
    “Why do you say that?” David asked as he followed her out of the restaurant.
    “Because Pete didn’t seem the least resistant to Susan’s charms. Unless you want to start a matchmaking firm, I’d guess we’re out of the business.” Alex tried to look happy.
    “Yeah,” David said. She hoped he really agreed.
    They rode in silence to her condo. When he stopped the car, Alex said, “Thanks for the ride,” and tried to open her car door.
    But David had