Chapter 1 ~ The Whole Night
The long, ten-hour flight from Heathrow to Dallas was drawing to a close and the plane had descended just low enough for Sue Ellen to start to recognize some landmarks along the outskirts of the city. The pilot came on the public address system and announced they were approaching their final descent.
“Temperature on the ground is 102 with a heat index of 113. We expect a on-time arrival, landing in 20 minutes.”
The rest was white noise to Sue Ellen. She sat upright and leaned forward to the window, rested her chin on her hand. This was exciting. She spied the downtown skyline in the distance. The cloverleaf shaped expressway interchange. She found herself unable to contain her grin as the plane descended lower and lower.
“I’m home.”
“Ugh, the humidity,” Sue Ellen mumbled under her breath, and silently reminded herself it might take a little time to get reacclimated to the thick, oppressive Texas heat she had missed so much.
The limousine chauffeur greeted her and stored her luggage in the trunk before opening the passenger door, and offering to assist her into the vehicle. Then, having taken his seat behind the wheel, he signaled the ride was about to begin.
The commute from the airport to The Elysia where she’d secured a penthouse suite was a haze as she varied between resting back in appreciation of the air conditioning and leaning forward to peek out the window, noting a few changes here and there since she had last visited. She took it all in and felt a range of emotions. There was a time, not terribly long ago, when she was at the pinnacle of society in Dallas. Now? Where would she fit in? Suddenly everything seemed surreal and far larger than she remembered it. And Sue Ellen, tucked away in the back seat of the limousine, felt very small.
Feeling much refreshed after a long shower, Sue Ellen emerged from the bedroom and sank into the sofa. A little disoriented when she first arrived, she didn’t really notice much about her accommodations until now. The suite was modern but tasteful, nothing garish, her favorite part being the private rooftop terrace that provided an expansive view of the Dallas skyline. Yes, this would do for now.
Remembering she was famished, she opted to have her dinner within the confines of her penthouse suite and rang downstairs for room service.
While she waited, her eyes found the hotel stationery and weighted pen. She lifted both from the table and set about making a to-do list. It wasn’t an overwhelmingly long list but a couple of items would require a great deal of detail.
1. Visit John Ross
2. Purchase vehicle
3. Hire realtor
4. Purchase new home
5. Furnish new home
6. New wardrobe
Over dinner, she studied the list, reading aloud from the fourth line item. “Purchase new home.”
She pondered that for a moment. What seemed surreal earlier was very clear to her now. My home. One of my choosing. And every single thing in it down to the kitchen towels will be selected by me.
Following her dinner, Sue Ellen had a renewed sense of vigor and mulled over what to do with what was left of her first day back in town. From her cozy seat on the sofa, she gazed out the window. Though jetlagged, she did not want the evening to go to waste. This first night of true independence in her entire life. This night was special. She did not know where she would go or what she would do. But of one thing she was certain. She was not going to spend it cooped up indoors.
Hopping up from the sofa, she went to the king suite to change into something for going out. Browsing the selections she had brought along with her, she chose a chic, lightweight midi length dress that gathered at the waist, accentuating her slim figure. Navy with a creamy botanical pattern and matching navy slingback pumps.
With nowhere to go, and no particular place to really be other than her walk, Sue Ellen meandered about downtown. Allowing her legs to guide her, she took in the scenery. The blistering heat, almost suffocating when she took those first steps out from the airport earlier, exhilarated her now. She did not know what the future held but whatever it was, she was optimistic about it. She knew she belonged here. Belonged so much, in fact, that when she passed by the Ewing Building, her only acknowledgment of it was a fleeting upward-tilted glance before continuing on her way.
Looking down at her watch, Sue Ellen noted it was getting late and she should probably start heading back. She had a big day tomorrow. Reaching the intersection of Main and Field Streets, she pressed the pedestrian walk button and proceeded to wait.
From behind, she caught the wafting laughter of several indistinctive albeit varying levels of intoxicated male voices, followed by “Alright fellas, I’ll have Harv draw it up in the mornin’.”
There was no mistaking that one. Sue Ellen knew that voice. Too well. Steeling her spine, she ever so slowly turned only her head in the direction from where the voice came. Damn.
She checked the crosswalk light. Much to her chagrin it was still flashing ‘DON’T WALK’. Running into him was inevitable. She knew there was going to be times they had no choice but to share the same space due to John Ross. She had no qualms about that. But to encounter him tonight? Incredible.
She watched as he pulled his Stetson low and started to wherever he’d left his vehicle, more than likely in the parking garage of the Ewing Building.
JR looked about him. He glanced to his right.
Damn.
At the first sight of her, he froze momentarily. Then, recovering quickly, he whispered under his breath, “Well, I’ll be damned.”
Sue Ellen greeted him cordially. She could play nice. “Hello, JR.”
As he ambled his way over to where she stood at the curb, Sue Ellen found herself very aware of his presence. JR didn’t just walk. He swaggered. And it could be disarming.
“Sue Ellen,” he began, making no attempt to conceal his sarcasm. “What brings you to Dallas? That lowlife you’re married to shooting another one of his B-movies here?”
If that was how it was to be, she was prepared to take it as far as it would go. “I do distinctly recall he didn’t exactly have A-list material to work with the last time he based a film here.”
She delivered the finish. “It was about you, after all.”
At that, JR diverted the subject. “John Ross hasn’t mentioned anything about you coming to Dallas? Does know you’re in town?”
“No,” she shook her head slightly. “I was hoping to surprise him.”
“I see. Well, I suppose he’ll like that.”
He’d gone after her full force and then just as quickly backed down and became genial. Almost. For how long would he be able to resist the temptation to send another barb her way? When he chose, he could have the personality of a copperhead, and you never knew when he was going to strike. Sue Ellen looked directly into his eyes when they conversed in attempt to detect it.
“How long are you in Dallas for? A week? Month?”
Sue Ellen hadn’t anticipated having this discussion here, nor did she want to. Checking her watch again, she said, “It’s getting awfully late. And I – I should probably get going.”
“You’re on foot,” he noted. “How far from here are you staying anyway?”
Gesturing with her purse, she motioned down the street. “The Elysia.”
“You’ve got quite a ways to go and you’re out here all alone.” JR looked at her a moment, then offered, “I could escort you back. That is – if that’s alright with you.”
She didn’t respond right away. He was being almost chivalrous. Though she was certain there was a motive behind it, she was confused as to what his intention was.
“Sue Ellen?”
“Ye-yes, I heard you,” she stumbled. “I…I suppose that would be alright. It is late, after all.”
“Well then,” JR began, offered Sue Ellen his arm. “Shall we?”
In response, she gave him a light slap on the arm with her purse. “Not on your life, JR. But nice try.”
The two of them walked, side by side, their pace leisurely. Sue Ellen’s guard was up. He wouldn’t allow the fact she had come to Dallas alone go for too long. The thought had barely entered her head when he began to pry again. “You didn’t mention why Don isn’t with you.”
She hesitated for a second before turning to face him. “So many questions about me. Yet, you haven’t offered up a single thing about yourself.”
“True,” JR nodded affirmatively. “But I don’t recall you asking either.”
“What were you doing in town so late? Who were those men you were with? I didn’t recognize any of them.”
“Business.”
“Care to elaborate?” she asked. She then rolled her eyes before adding, “Or do I even want to know?”
“Well, I don’t know what you’ve seen in the papers on your side of the pond, but independents like me have been in a mode of survival for quite a while now.”
“I’ve kept up some.”
He shook his head in disgust. “Been a game of outlast. Some of the ones you know went belly-up. Terrible.”
“And how does Ewing Oil fit into all this?”
“Well, after that little deal I put together today, pretty damn good. See, I convinced a half dozen other independents to consolidate our land – What that’s gonna do is it’s going to allow us to drill multiple sites, side by side and cut our overhead in half. And that’s not all.”
Sue Ellen couldn’t hide her grin nor could she contain herself from teasing him. “That sounds too honorable for you. Are you feeling okay?”
Unfazed, he played along with her gentle ribbing. “Oh, you know me. Always looking out for everyone’s best interests.”
“And a hefty profit margin for you too, I’m sure,” she teased.
The distance between the two of them and The Elysia was quickly evaporating as they continued to converse, trading a light-hearted barb here and there. It didn’t go beyond Sue Ellen’s notice they’d been mostly amiable with one another. Almost as if they were old friends instead of twice-divorced exes. And before either of them realized it, they were standing before the entryway of Sue Ellen’s hotel.
She glanced upward and surveyed the porte-cochere. “This is where I get off.”
“Guess so.” He thought for a moment, added, “I know you have no reason to believe me. But it’s good to see you, Sue Ellen.”
She wasn’t certain of the sincerity of his words. But even if he wasn’t, she approved. Hearing him say he’d been glad to see her felt good, whether he meant it or not. A long time had passed since she had felt that way. “Thank you being such a polite, gentlemanly escort, JR.”
“No problem,” he replied. “Glad to do it.”
“Are you driving back to Southfork tonight?”
“No, I’m stayin’ at the condo tonight.”
“I see.” Sue Ellen fumbled for words. “Well, I – I probably shouldn’t keep you any longer.”
“Good night, Sue Ellen.”
“Good night.”
Sue Ellen stood watch as he turned to disappear into the night. She couldn’t put her finger on why, but she wasn’t ready for him to leave. Not yet. Though their time together was brief, and much to her surprise, she’d found herself enjoying his company. She watched him for a second longer. Just long enough for impulse to take over.
“JR.”
“Yes?” He wheeled round to face her.
“It’s terribly late.” She paused, choosing her words carefully. “But if you’re up to it - and promise to conduct yourself like a mature grown-up - There are some things that you and I probably need to discuss. Would you like to come up for a nightcap?”
His eyes seemed to be poring over every detail of her face as he pondered her invitation. Finally, he nodded, “I reckon I could.”
Then, gesturing toward the doors in a sweeping motion, he announced, “Ladies first.”
She proceeded inside ahead of him. Just as she entered the vestibule, she felt the light brush of his fingertips against her back, guiding her.
“Hands off,” she admonished, wagging her index finger at him.
JR cleared his throat, smirked slightly. “My apologies, Darlin’. Won’t happen again.”
The elevator ride up to the penthouse was relatively silent, and both kept their attention fixed above as the floor numbers changed. There was a loaded silence between. It wasn’t that it was awkward. Far removed, something just felt…natural. A fact that told Sue Ellen it may not be easy to retreat from the line she had just crossed.
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“The bar is over there,” Sue Ellen gestured with her hand, sliding out of her heels.
Once they were in closed quarters together, she felt a little boxed in. Making her way across the spacious living area, she stopped when she came to the expansive oak patio doors leading out to the terrace and opened them.
“Mind if we sit outside?”
JR finished pouring his drink and followed. “That’ll be just fine.”
“Have a seat.”
JR followed her lead and, drink in hand, settled into the low-slung barrel armchair directly across from her. For a brief spell, neither spoke. Across the neutral space that separated them, they simply studied one another.
Finally, JR took the initiative. “How many days are you in town for? A week? Month?”
Sue Ellen tensed her jaw. “What would you say if I told you indefinitely?”
She looked on as he absorbed her words, making a futile attempt at reading his face. But his expression was unreadable and gave her nothing.
He took a sip from his bourbon. “Is that a fact? Trouble in paradise?”
“Paradise,” She gave a wry laugh. “I suppose that all depends on one’s definition of the word.”
“Well, that’s a terrible shame. I’m sorry to hear that.”
Sue Ellen laughed out loud at his response. A real laugh. “I know just how much you mean that, JR.”
He chuckled a little himself then, inquired, “Are you calling my sincerity into question?”
“Oh, no.” She shook her head. “I’m not questioning it at all.”
“When you said ‘indefinitely’ earlier – I take it that means you’re here to stay?”
Sue Ellen shifted uncomfortably. “What about you, JR? I take it your own busy love life is going well?”
JR flicked a glance at the corner and back to her. “To answer your question, there’s no one in my life at the moment.”
Sue Ellen pounced. “Not even in the interest of the vast Ewing Oil empire?” Leaning forward, she added, “How very fascinating.”
“How long do you intend to stay on here? The hotel, I mean.”
“I honestly don’t have a particular time frame. But definitely until I find something permanent.” Her words hung. “You know, JR, I can’t help noticing my geography seems to be of great interest to you. Any reason why?”
He took another sip. “Well hell, Darlin’, I’m just surprised is all.”
She had to give him that much. “Yes, I suppose you’re right.”
Tightening she lips for a moment, she remarked, “We’re a fine pair, aren’t we? Three failed marriages. Each.”
JR replaced his glass on the table. “Yeah, well…I wouldn’t exactly call all of’em complete and total failures. Not two of them anyway.”
JR sat upright and proceeded to loosen his tie, freed himself from it. The top two buttons of his shirt came next. Looking on, she suspected she had made him uncomfortable and secretly wished she had kept the comment to herself.
He settled back in the chair again. Their eyes met across the space between them. For several seconds, neither looked away. The words sunk in. The highs and lows of long, volatile history they shared hung in the air.
Eventually, she broke the silence and agreed. “Not entirely.”
JR lounged back in the chair once more and Sue Ellen studied him carefully. She mused he looked too comfortable and perhaps a little pleased with himself. Reclined back, legs crossed leisurely at the ankles, he looked right at home. “You know,” he began. “If you don’t mind me saying, Sue Ellen…You look just fantastic.”
The unexpected compliment caught her off-guard and she was wary there was an ulterior motive behind it. There very well could have been. But it had been a long time since she’d been flattered by a man. Too long. And it felt good. Even from JR. Especially from him. No matter how turbulent their relationship had been over the years, for some reason she was unable to identify, she always wanted to look her best when in his presence. So she took it at face value.
“Thank you.”
Silence.
Sue Ellen did not return his compliment. Not verbally anyway. Instead, she regarded him quietly. You look good too, she said to herself. A little more gray at the temples. Another line or two around the eyes. Yet in a way, it didn’t age him. In fact, it suited him. He was every bit as handsome as he had ever been. And there was something else. She found him to be very, very alluring. No matter what evils had transpired between the two of them, being near him tonight was affirmation that she was still very much attracted to him.
Damn. Stop it.
Her thoughts then reverted to earlier in the night. To that moment when he’d attempted to guide her indoors by stroking his fingers along her back. She had scolded him for it. Now? Now, in hindsight, she wished she had allowed his hand to linger in that spot just a little while longer. For just a second. Maybe two. Just long enough so she could feel that little jolt of electricity it had sent up her spine once more.
Stop it.
“It just occurred to me, you’re still on London time. London is what, six hours ahead of Dallas?”
“Y-yes,” she stumbled. “This time of year anyway.”
“You alright, Sue Ellen?” he asked. “You seem distracted.”
Damn.
He knew something. But how much would remain a mystery for he gave away nothing.
“I’m fine, JR. I’m just a little-“
“You must be exhausted being up this long, especially after the flight and all.”
“I was,” she admitted. “But once I arrived in Dallas. I don’t know. I just got this rush of adrenaline and…“
“Wired but tired,” J.R. chuckled softly, finishing her sentence. “Maybe it’s a sign you’re where you belong.”
She considered the notion for a moment. “I think you’re right. But it’s different. When I was walking around tonight, I felt alien to it in a way, even though I’ve lived here for the better part of my life.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t worry about that. A few days here and it’ll be like you never left.”
He had taken the lead in the conversation and Sue Ellen was grateful for it. She could hear herself conversing with him but her attention was elsewhere. She thought of how her relationship with Don had become platonic early on in their marriage. And how, even when it wasn’t, she was emotionally disconnected and had left him mentally a long time ago. She even caught herself fantasizing. More than once. About him. She had cursed herself for it. Told herself she despised him. But was it possible to truly hate someone who had once held your heart so completely? Or was the truth that part of that long-gone affection was still there, always there, lurking beneath all that anger?
Nonchalantly gesturing at the empty lowball glass, JR interrupted her thoughts once more. “Mind if I have one more for the road.”
“Help yourself.”
One more for the road. He would be leaving soon. He’d disappear into the night and she’d be safe. Sheltered from the thoughts that threatened to cloud her reason. “Safe from myself,” she whispered.
But why did she feel disappointed? Sue Ellen watched JR make his way through the penthouse suite until he was out of sight.
Where were these feelings coming from? If she acted on them, then what? This had never been part of the plan. She thought of their chance meeting earlier. It had every reason to have turned out hostile. Yet here they were, affable and enjoying each other’s company. If she didn’t know better, she’d have sworn it was predestined that they’d meet up with one another. She recalled the adage ‘One turn on the trail’. Was this the turn?
His drink refreshed, JR returned to the terrace. It didn’t escape her he had undone another button on his shirt. Cuffs unbuttoned, turned back.
“This is late even for you, JR.”
“Yeah, and I’ve gotta get into office early in the morning - today.”
Sue Ellen offered, “JR, I don’t want you to feel obligated to stay on my account.”
He cast her a slight grin. “Is that my cue I’ve overstayed my welcome?”
“Not at all. You’ve been the perfect gentleman.” She hesitated. “I’ve enjoyed your company.”
His grin widened. “It’s good to see you, Sue Ellen.”
She eyed the lowball glass, aware J.R. had finished his drink. A visual reminder he was leaving. If she asked him to stay a while longer, would he? She didn’t want him to leave. At the same time, she didn’t want herself to want him to stay.
But if she did him to stay, where would that lead? The clandestine thoughts resurfaced and along with them came the irresistible longing for something she had not experienced in a long time. Too long. It was not due to lack of opportunity, however. There had been offers from others. But she had never felt inclined to act on them. She’d locked away that yearning for physical connection. Tucked it away into the far reaches of her mind and tried not to think about it. But sometimes...
Sometimes, when she was all alone, her mind went back in time. To that look that told her something special was about to happen. To memories of damp, tangled sheets. Racy whispers in the dark. Being vulnerable. Allowing herself to let go. The friction of skin upon skin. Giving pleasure. Receiving it. Staying up until dawn. Making love. With
him.
JR polished off his drink and stood up.
“Here, I’ll take that,” Sue Ellen reached for the tumbler. As she took it from him, their fingers brushed for just a second. But for long enough that she swallowed hard and took a deep breath. His eyes locked with hers once more and Sue Ellen saw something different in them now. Different, but familiar.
For several seconds, the room was still. Finally, JR spoke. “Guess I better get going.”
“I know,” Sue Ellen whispered. “I’ll see you out.”
Tumbler in hand, she trailed behind as J.R. ambled toward the door. If she truly wanted to act on her feelings, this was the time. Could she muster the courage to go through with it? Time was dwindling. She had about ten seconds to decide before he was gone, disappeared into the night.
10 seconds…
This is going to be another in a lengthy list of bad decisions.
9 seconds…
This man is dangerous.
8 seconds…
He might say no.
7 seconds…
He might say yes.
6 seconds…
I’ve always felt a little more alive when I’m with him.
5 seconds…
Does he have any idea that if he slid his hand down my back like he did earlier - I wouldn’t stop him this time.
4 seconds…
I desperately want to touch him. Just one more time.
3 seconds…
If I don’t do this…I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.
2 seconds…
I will hate myself tomorrow.
1 second…
I don’t give a damn.
Hat in one hand, JR grasped the door lever with the other. The time had come. Now. Do it.
“J.R.,” she whispered, her breath catching in her throat.
He turned to face her once. “Yes?”
“Stay.”
“The whole night?”
She fixed her gaze directly into his eyes. A soft exhale escaped her lips.
“The whole night.”
His hand slid behind her. And in a fluid motion, he ran his fingertips down the curve of her spine. Sue Ellen didn’t stop him this time.
The tumbler hit the floor.
