INT. HARDIN’S HOUSE - NIGHT

HARDIN

Think you’re goin’ somewhere?

AMBER

Nathan Winer’s takin’ me to the show.

HARDIN

No, he’s not.

AMBER

Yes, he is. Mama’s done said I could go.

HARDIN

Mama don’t call the shots around here and never did, if memory serves. 83.

AMBER

Well, she calls them with me. You’re not my daddy.

HARDIN

I’m damn sure not, and never claimed to be. Hardin’s reflection approaches until his bulk fills the frame, wrapping itself around her from behind. Each hand cups a breast. Feeling helpless, Amber pretends to struggle.

AMBER

Quit it. Hardin does not.

AMBER

Mama’s crazy. She’ll kill you one of these days.

HARDIN

(massaging her breasts) I’m like a cat - I take a lot a’ killin’.

AMBER

I’m a grown woman, Dallas. And if I’m of a mind to pick up and leave here with Nathan Winer or anyone else I want to, you can’t stop me.

HARDIN

I just did, and it didn’t hurt a bit, did it? He twists her body toward him forcefully, but she keeps her face turned away.

AMBER

Quit it... Quit it, Dallas...

HARDIN

You think I don’t know? You think I’m gonna let you throw yourself away on some redneck with dirty fingernails and no idy at all what he’s got? He releases her, stepping back to light a CIGARETTE. 84.

HARDIN

Throw your things in a suitcase. As long as you’re all dressed up, we might as well go somewhere.

AMBER

Go where?

HARDIN

You’ll see when we get there.

AMBER

If you think I’m going anywhere with you, you’re badly mistaken.

HARDIN

Get it packed, or you’ll by God go without it. He turns on his heel and leaves the room just as Pearl enters. She looks at Amber. Neither says anything.