The Last Cowboy In Texas (9 page)

And, to her discomfort, his eyes had fixed on her bosom the entire time. She wondered when he’d get around to asking for a date. He must have read her thoughts. “Are you doing anything this evening, Paige?”

“No. Other than putting my feet up on a hassock and reveling in the latest television nonsense.”

“Would you care to go to Branson with me? We could take in a musical performance or perhaps a movie. And dinner, of course; especially dinner. I need professional cuisine.”

“I don’t know. Will Aggie be going along with us?”

“I doubt it. I gave her the forms for placing the Gamines on the Federal Candidate list. They’ll take days to complete.” His focus lifted to lock on her eyes. “She’s so dedicated, you know. I don’t want to interrupt something as important as this. So, what do you think?”

“I’m not sure. Dinner would be fine, I suppose. I just don’t want it to look like I’m personally involved with you and Aggie on this issue.”

“I’d hardly call dining personal involvement.”

“Well, okay. I’ll need to go home to change clothes.”

“Why don’t I follow you? When you’re ready, I’ll drive us to my place so I can change.”

“Where are you staying?”

“In Reeds Spring.”

“The same unit as-”

“I’m in unit twelve, Paige. It would hardly be proper for me to room with my student, now would it?”

“Hardly.”

* * *

After they’d finished their business talk, JT said, “Hey,
Troy
, I got an idee. You like young country. Why don’t you take in my show tonight? My treat.” The singer pulled two tickets from his pearl-buttoned shirt pocket.

“That’s really nice of you, JT, but I don’t have a date.”

“You don’t? Well, I bet I can fix you up with one of my groupies, fer as that goes.”

Troy
had an idea, something Paige wouldn’t like one bit. Aggie would love going with him. “Hey, maybe I can round up a date after all. I know a gal who might be available.”

“Great. These tickets’ll get you in the reserve section. You want, I can introduce you during the show.”

“I don’t know whether that’s a good idea.”

“Well, there’s lots of folks ‘round that knows ‘bout you already, man. I just thought you’d like some more publicity fer your project. Up to you.”

“You’re absolutely right, JT. That would be great.”

“See you tonight. And don’t forget, you promised me first dibs when your development’s ready to go.”

“I won’t forget.”
Troy
watched the tall trim singer swagger down the sidewalk.

* * *

The finale of Brahms’ First Symphony flowed from Carlson’s radio when she came out to his vehicle. She’d decided on a dress rather than slacks and blouse. The cool slinky fabric flowing around her legs felt exhilarating. Her habit had long been to only wear dresses for church and formal occasions but it seemed right to dress this way tonight.

“You look marvelous, my dear,” Steve said. “If you don’t mind my saying so, there’s a feminine side to you I hadn’t expected after our first meeting.”

Her face heated. If her femininity was so obvious to him, why hadn’t anyone else ever mentioned it? Troy Roberts, for example. “I’m surprised you noticed. But thanks.”

“My pleasure, I assure you. Well, shall we go?”

Carlson held the door of his Highlander. She climbed in, marveling that the interior was spotless. He was the antithesis of what she’d expected, other than his appearance and lofty mannerisms.

He pulled up in front of his unit and invited her to come in while he changed but she declined. The door had barely shut behind him when a familiar car pulled up at unit eleven. A bright red Lexus. Paige dropped low in the seat and watched
Troy
knock on the door.

She was about to open the door and shout an insult but Aggie appeared, smiling.
Troy
disappeared inside. Before either of them reappeared, Steve came out of his room, wearing semi-authentic western clothes. Paige stifled a laugh at the bandana around his neck.

“Well, my dear, that didn’t take too long, did it?”

“Not at all. My, don’t you look like a cowboy?”

“I thought it best to dress for the locale. You know, when in Branson, dress as the Bransonites do. Or do they call themselves Bransonians?”

Ignoring his question, she said, “One thing for sure, you won’t give any of them the impression you’re from the big city. Are you familiar with the restaurants down here?”

“No. I’d hoped you could recommend something.”

“Do you eat meat?”

Carlson chuckled. “If you mean, am I a vegetarian, the answer is no. I love steak to tell you the truth.”

“Then we’re in for a treat. Branson has several great steakhouses. Let’s go. I’m getting hungry thinking about it.”

* * *

Aggie stepped out just as Carlson drove away, turned back to
Troy
and said, “That was Steve—uh, Dr. Carlson. Did you see who was with him?”

“No. Who?”

“Paige.”

“Paige with Carlson? That doesn’t make sense.”

Her face darkened into a glower. “Oh yes it does. Well, I’ve got to hand it to him. He certainly works fast.”

“What do you mean?”

She stared into his eyes for a split second, then smiled. “Never mind. It isn’t important. I’ve got the man I want to be with right beside me.”

She locked her arm in his and let him lead her to his car. “This is wonderful, getting to go to a show with you.”

“Compliments of Jason Tawdry.”

“Is he a special friend of yours?”

“I guess you could say that. We’ve got business dealings and in the process we’ve grown to like each other. So you could say that makes him special.”

“Is he married?”

“Nope. Free as a bird, and keeps on the wing, but I suspect he wants to settle down soon. He’s planning a hillside mansion, says it’ll be complete with a nursery. That no doubt means he’ll be looking for a special lady to fill his house with babies.”

Aggie gave no response, her eyes having gone distant the instant he mentioned nursery.
Troy
helped her into his car and they headed for Branson in total silence.

* * *

Paige had had a chance to assess her companion more thoroughly during dinner. Apparently in his mid-forties, Steve was charming and masculine. He had something else going for him, too. Self-confidence. The man was so damn cocksure of himself.

“Would you like to go to a movie, Paige?”

“I don’t think so. I hate the crowds at movie theaters.”

“Well then, why don’t we avail ourselves of some of the wonderful music that’s everywhere around us down here?”

“Sounds good to me. Did you have anything in mind?”

“I was thinking I’d like to take in Jason Tawdry’s show. I hear he’s a top young country talent. Has a new hit song.”

“I heard that, too, but this surprises me. I would have taken you for more of an Andy Williams fan.”

“You’re right. Williams is more my style but I assumed you might like something more current. Shall we head for the Down Home Country Barn?”

“Lead the way. It should be fun.”

* * *

Halfway through the show, the stage darkened and a small spotlight flashed from left to right and up and down, then centered on a couple in the middle of the front row.

Troy
and Aggie.

Paige let out a gasp when the star of the show introduced the couple to the audience as special friends of his.
Troy
’s face was bright red when he stood reluctantly, acknowledging the applause. Paige couldn’t help seeing Aggie kiss
Troy
just before the light faded to black.

Steve Carlson had seen it as well. “Hey, that was my Aggie kissing Roberts. I don’t understand.”

“Well, I do. And I don’t think you should claim she’s exactly
your
Aggie, Dr. Carlson.”

“I—uh, I just meant—uh, that she’s my student.”

“Oh come on, Steve. I know all about your adulterous affair with your so-called student. Does your wife know about her? How many others have there been?”

The show had resumed and Carlson’s strangled response was drowned out by the swelling sound of the music chorus. She’d seen his eyes, though. Guilty as sin.

He’s a classic two-timer. And if I were willing, he’d even two-time his current amour for a fling with me. Would that make him a three-timer? Well this jerk’s going to think some kind of timer when I get through with him.

She did a slow burn through the entire final act. When it was over, Carlson got to his feet. “My, that was something.”

“It certainly was.” She didn’t mean the music.

Neither did he, apparently. “I can’t get over the fact that Aggie would forego her paperwork for an evening out. Or, that she’d spend it with a low-life like Roberts.”

“Watch who you’re calling low-life, Dr. Carlson. I didn’t hear your answer when I accused you of cheating on your wife but it doesn’t matter. What does matter is that you’d cheat on your sexy little mistress with me in a Branson minute if I gave you the chance. In my book, that makes you low-life of the evening, even if I hate
Troy
for what he’s doing.”

Carlson batted his eyes angrily. He clearly didn’t appreciate being dressed down. His next question stunned her. “Why would you hate Troy Roberts? What is he to you?”

She couldn’t get a reply out of her brain, much less her mouth but sputtered, saying nothing. When she spun away from Carlson, Jason Tawdry was standing in the aisle with one arm over
Troy
’s shoulder and the other around Aggie’s waist.

Paige said, “Well look there, Steve. Now the legendary star is the one befriending your protégé. Shall we go over and greet them?”

“I suppose it won’t hurt.”

“You’re wrong about that. If
Troy
says anything at all, I’ll put a hurt on him you won’t believe.”

“Dr. Carlson,”
Troy
shouted, “and Paige Turner, I’d like you to meet a dear friend of mine. This is Jason Tawdry.”

“We know,
Troy
,” Paige snarled. “We just saw his show. Jason, you have a marvelous voice. I loved your performance.”

“Thank you, Mizz Turner. Any friend of
Troy
’s a friend of mine. And I’d be mighty proud if you’d just call me JT.”

“Well, JT, any friend of
Troy
’s is a special friend indeed.” She grimaced.

While they exchanged greetings, she watched the eye contact between professor and student. Not exactly loving.

“What do you think, Steve?” Aggie’s face glowed, her eyes like lasers as she stared Carlson down. “Isn’t JT about the handsomest man you’ve ever seen in your life?”

“Oh, yes. Handsome and very talented. My congratulations, Mr. Tawdry. An excellent evening’s entertainment, to be sure.”

“Well, y’all wanta party? I always have a little get-together after the show. Y’all are invited if ya’d like.”

Troy
said, “What do you think, Aggie?”

“I think I’d like that.”