Lone Star Read Online Free PDF Page A

dreaming of going for years, but Blake and Mason just thought of it today. Lang sat and watched her daughter like a bird watching the world. One never knew what the Langbird was thinking until she sang.
    â€œIsn’t going away to college enough for you?” Lang said quietly.
    Chloe clasped her hands. She didn’t want to look into her mother’s face. She knew how hard it must have been for herparents to let her go away to school. “I’ve been dreaming of Europe since I was little,” she said, almost whispered. “Way before college.”
    â€œSometimes circumstances change, and we have to dream a different dream,” said Lang. There was only a breath after that, and no change in expression to reflect the colossal wreck from which life had to be rebuilt, Capezio shoe by Linzer tart. “College away is a big step, not to mention an enormous expense, even with the scholarship they’re giving you.”
    â€œI know, Mom. Exactly. And then work and study and more work and study, and when else could I ever do it?”
    â€œOh, I don’t know, let’s see, how about—four years from now? Or never. Either way is good with me.”
    â€œThat’s what I want for my graduation present,” Chloe declared boldly. “A trip to Europe.”
    â€œGraduation present. Really. I thought you wanted a laptop.”
    â€œI’ll use our old one. I’ll take the desktop.”
    â€œYou certainly will not. All my family-tree files are on it.”
    â€œI thought you were baking now? Oh, and yes, the files are permanently embedded in that one desktop computer. You’re right. They can never be moved.”
    â€œDo you know what happens after you make a choice to be sarcastic to the woman who gave you life?”
    Chloe softened her tone. What was happening here was just preface. The real meat of her mother’s argument was still to come. But this time Chloe wanted a different resolution. This time she wanted her way, not Lang’s way. “Mom, what’s the big deal? I’ll be eighteen when we go.” When, not if. What a clever play on words! What a clever girl.
    â€œYes, because that solves all the problems. And don’t use the word when with me, young lady.”
    Ahh! “What problems? We want to go to Europe for a few weeks. We’ll walk around, visit beautiful churches, eat delicious food, go to the beach, experience things we’ve never experienced before—”
    â€œThat’s what I’m afraid of.”
    â€œAnd then come home,” Chloe went on as if not hearing, “and Blake will write a beautiful story that will win first prize.”
    â€œThe boy has many skills. Do you think writing is one of them?”
    â€œA minute ago you thought it was!”
    â€œDon’t yell. Oh, and by the way,” Lang said, “Europe is a big place. It’s not Rhode Island. Or Acadia National Park. Where in Europe were you four thinking of visiting? You mentioned church and beach. That could be anywhere.”
    â€œBarcelona.”
    Her mother groaned. “Barcelona. That’s your idea. That’s where you want to go?”
    â€œWe’ve never been to Spain. And it’s on the water.”
    â€œSo is Maine. And you’ve never been to Belgium either.”
    â€œWho wants to go to Belgium? What kind of story can one possibly write about Belgium? Or Maine?”
    Lang shook her head. “There is so much you don’t know.”
    â€œThat’s why I want to go to Europe. So I can find out.”
    â€œYou’re going to learn about life lying on a filthy beach? Okay, riddle me this,” Lang said. “Where do you plan to sleep?”
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œAm I not being clear? You’re planning to go with your boyfriend, your best friend, and her boyfriend. Where are the four of you going to sleep in this Barcelona?”
    Chloe tried not to stammer.