Page 100 of Sweet T

“With.”

Twenty-One

Tucker was getting dressed when his phone rang.

“Hello.”

“What are you wearing?”

“Aren’t you busy with customers?”

“Nope. Chuck and Brody are working the bar right now.” Shelly’s tone lilted as if relaxing on vacation. “This is nice. We should hire more people.”

“I’ll consult with payroll. Wait. Never mind. They say no.”

“Haha.”

“I’m wearing dark jeans, my nice boots, and a button down.”

“Wear that paisley print shirt I made you last Christmas.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I know going from solid to plaid is about as bold as you get, but it’s a beautiful shirt, T, if I do say so myself. You need to wear it.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“What kind of flowers did you send?”

“Flowers?”

“Yes, flowers. It’s customary to send flowers on opening night, especially if you’re dating one of the leads. Also, break a leg.”

“If these boots get any more uncomfortable, that’s not out of the realm of possibility.”

“No, silly. Break a leg is good luck for actors.”

“Yeah. I heard Daddy say it this morning.”

“Yay, Big Britches! Anyway, you should have sent flowers backstage. Now, what you need to do is just take them. You can give them to him during curtain call.”

“What’s that? It’s like you’re speaking in code.”

“Curtain call is after the play, when they come out to bow. Just walk up and hand the flowers to Evan after he bows. That’s all you’ve got to do.”

“Yeah? Maybe if I had some.”

“I’ll call Buddy Jordan Florist right now. I saw Mary Alice today. They’re working late because of your daddy’s wedding. Just swing by and pick it up on your way.”

“Will do. Thanks, Shel.”

“It’s all good, brother-boy. That’s what sisters are for. Oh, and wear your blazer.”

“What the fuck? It’s a hundred degrees!”

“You can take it off inside places... the car, the theatre.”

“Do not ask me to wear a tie.”