Chapter 27
Scarlett wiped some tears on her cheek and arrived on foot to the barbeque. She walked as if in a dream. Suellen rushed to her side at once, quickly chiding her for coming so late and then putting on a quick smile and beckoning for her to join them at the table. She could hardly eat but she managed a few bites before pushing away the plate. Her eyes wandered to Rhett but she could no longer be satisfied to know if he was enjoying himself or not. She somehow no longer cared. There seemed to be greater needs- things that needed to be set right ,right away.
When the meal was over and everyone were deep in conversation, Scarlett called Wade aside.
"Wade, honey- listen-" Scarlett looked squarely into her son's face. "I..I've just realized something. You know I asked you to manage Frank's store once you were done with college but- I think I've given some consideration to what your Aunt Melanie said-"
Wade's eyebrows shot up in quick surprise. But he remained silent and watchful.
Scarlett tried to laugh. "During my early years, we hardly needed lawyers. But the..the world..is constantly changing." Scarlett's voice trembled but she kept smiling. "And.. we do need lawyers for so many things-"
"Mother, what are you saying?"
"I'm saying that you can study law-if that is what you really want-"
Wade looked away for a moment and then looked at Scarlett. She smiled. He quickly nodded, trying to supress his happiness. Then after a few seconds of struggle, she awkwardly reached for his hand and he gripped it tight. Then he ran back to be with Beau. Her eyes followed him back to his seat and then rested on Rhett. Rhett had watched the whole thing. His expression of disinterest was unchanged.