Red, White & Royal Blue

by Casey McQuiston

Lake LBJ?” “Nora?” Alex says. “Lake LBJ,” Nora says, “or Lake Lyndon B. Johnson, is one of six reservoirs formed by dams on the Colorado River known as the Texas Highland Lakes. Made possible by LBJ enacting the Rural Electrification Act when he was president. And LBJ had a place out here.” “That’s true,” Alex says. “Also, fun fact: LBJ was obsessed with his own dick,” Nora adds. “He called it Jumbo and would whip it out all the time. Like, in front of colleagues, reporters, anybody.” “Also true.” “American politics,” Henry says. “Truly fascinating.” “You wanna talk, Henry VIII?” Alex says. “Anyway,” Henry says airily, “how long have you lot come out here?” “Dad bought it when he and Mom split up, so when I was twelve,” Alex tells him. “He wanted to have a place close to us after he moved. We used to spend so much time here in the summers.” “Aw, Alex, remember when you got drunk for the first time out here?” June says. “Strawberry daiquiris all day.” “You threw up so much,” she says fondly. They pull into a driveway flanked by thick trees and drive up to the house at the top of the hill, the same old vibrant orange exterior and smooth arches, tall cactuses and aloe plants.