His fists clenched so hard his knuckles went white. His once-straight spine curved forward slightly, coiled tight, his stare boring into Mabel on the stage.
Mary was clearly rattled too.
She twisted toward him, one hand pressing down on his rigid arm, her lips moving rapidly as she whispered something urgent.
Dean didn't seem to hear a word. His chest heaved violently.
Growing desperate, Mary reached under the table and seized his hand, her fingers locking around his palm, fighting to contain the explosion building inside him.
From the stage, I saw it all with perfect clarity.
Mabel had reached me now, still looking dazed.
I handed her the oversized award plaque and the ceremonial car key. Her hands trembled as she took them.
"Th-thank you, Chairman Dickerson... thank you to the company..."
She was so overwhelmed she could barely string words together.
"You earned it."
I smiled, shook her hand, and gave her shoulder a light pat.
The applause continued below. People rose to their feet, cheering.
Mabel clutched her prizes, her face flushed apple-red, bowing again and again.
After stammering through her acceptance speech, she floated off the stage in a happy fog, still hugging the award.