Away From His Hand Chapter 11

[forever9218]

Title: Away From His Hand - Chapter 11
Current Mood:
Current Music: Tangled Up in Blue by Bob Dylan
Author: forever9218
Pairing: Ennis and Jack
Genre: AU/Canon
Word Count: 5614

Disclaimer: Brokeback Mountain is the intellectual property of Ms. Annie Proulx. No money is being made from this work and no copyright infringement is intended. Just trying to paint new horizons for our beloved boys.

Dedication: To everyone here who still believes and is willing to be patient with the slowest writer that ever graced the planet.

Plot Summary: The year is 1977, and Jack is still playing by Ennis’ rules of meeting up once or twice a year for a “friendly” fishing trip. Never hope of anything more, and certainly no chance of living a sweet life together. This time, however, unlike all the years of missed opportunities, Jack is determined not to go down the mountain without some promises being made between them. Some kind of breakthrough that will lead to planning a future together in the real world, instead of just being stuck in an endless loop of pain and suffering, living separate and miserable lives. Both men feel in their bones that time is running out so they begin to talk, as an alternative to pointless arguing, and some progress is made, even though Ennis inevitably panics because he has no idea how to make this all work. When circumstances intervene and a wolf pup enters their lives, their world begins to change in many unexpected ways and suddenly the possibility of living a life together every day, doesn’t seem so impossible.

Previous Chapter: Jack and Ennis have just made love for the first time in Ennis’ bed. Holding Jack in his arms as he slumbers, Ennis is beginning to realize how much larger his life is becoming. Tomorrow, Jim will be driving him up to the Trailhead to pick up his abandoned truck that he had to leave there because of Jack’s concussion. He still doesn’t know where all of this domesticity is headed, but he’s allowing himself to gradually believe that somehow they can figure it out together.


Away From His Hand - Chapter 11

If Ennis had any second thoughts about the early morning drive up to Cottonwood Creek to retrieve his abandoned truck, he soon brushed the untapped fear aside once he realized that Jim had no ulterior motive to exploit the close quarter confinement. They already had been on the road for nearly two hours now and there had been not one attempt to pry or prod for anything personal or to pursue any semblance of coworker bonding. Every once in awhile Jim would make an offhand comment about the scenic landscape or grow excited over the occasional wildlife sighting, but never anything that even came close to something that might be considered intrusive or meddling. For the most part, the young man seemed content to simply sit back and listen to his fancy cassette deck, sometimes humming or mouthing the words, more times than not drumming his fingers on the steering wheel - his head bobbing up and down in sync with the seemingly endless loop on the assorted playlist.

Just like at the ranch, Jim continued to exhibit the kind of gentlemanly ways trusting mothers found praiseworthy and suspicious fathers examined with a too-good-to-be true watchful eye. After all, Ennis was a captive audience, the one who had come the night before, hat in hand, to ask for help. But, instead of taking advantage of the imbalance of power, the young man behaved as if Ennis was an invited guest who was doing him a special favor, even making sure to bring along homemade muffins and coffee when he reliably arrived at 5:30 a.m., ready to hit the road. Besides remembering to politely ask permission before hitting the power button on the tape deck in his own truck, Jim even kept the volume at a considerate level to maintain a relatively agreeable atmosphere in the enclosed cab. Most of the melodic tunes were unfamiliar to the older man’s ears, but even a stodgy, stick-in-the-mud like Ennis was able to make out a couple of songs by the Beatles, along with a wordy selection about some hotel in California that he remembered Junior had been playing nonstop for months. All in all, Ennis figured he could have been subjected to much more annoying forms of entertainment or even worse, polite conversation, so he wasn’t of a mind to complain about one of his traveling companion’s chosen diversions.

Looking out the side window, he smiled faintly when he thought about how he and Jack had made their own kind of music that morning, and how sweet sounding his man could be. Figuring he would be jittery about the road trip ahead, Jack had rolled over and nuzzled in close just as the light began to peek through the curtains and, without a word, took off the edge with a greet-the-day kiss and a practiced, enthusiastic blowjob. Fully inspired to make sure that Jack would not be left hanging in more ways than one, Ennis had gladly responded in kind, a few squeezes and clutches thrown in for good measure, before they both quietly stood up to get dressed and make the bed. He wasn’t sure why, but the thought crossed his mind that the collaborative task already appeared like a comfortable routine that was second nature to them both. Besides the newfound pleasure of having Jack Twist to wake up to in his own home, Ennis was more than pleased when the man carried a folded up blanket and pillow into the living room, deliberating placing the recognizable bedding on the sofa to give off the impression that was where he had spent the night.

“How long do ya think you’ll be?” Jack asked casually, sitting down on a nearby kitchen chair, the wolf pup curled up in his lap after having eaten some of the extra food Jim had provided the evening before.

Ennis shrugged, “Be back by early afternoon, I suppose. Need to stop by the store after that. Don’t have much here except for some peanut butter and canned goods. Jim said last night he would make a list of the kind of stuff that little guy’s gonna need so I’ll pick that up too. Nice of ‘im to put together that jar of food to hold the pup over ‘til I had a chance to go shoppin’ today. Didn’t he make ya a meatloaf sandwich or somethin’?”

“Yep. Tossed in some of that tasty homemade potato salad too. Has egg and celery in it, just how I like it. He’s a good kid.” With an unassuming motion, Jack brought out his wallet and handed over a couple of twenty dollar bills.

“Here ya go.”

Furrowing his brow, Ennis stared down at the near mint condition paper almost as if the common currency was an unidentified object dropped down from outer space.

“Whut’s that for?”

Jack chuckled, obviously amused by the stumped expression. “Last time I checked, groceries cost money, friend. Or, are ya gonna just use your good looks to support us?”

“I don’t need your money. I ain’t in the poor house, yet.”

Jack grimaced then rolled his eyes, determined not to escalate the heat. “Seems like I’ve been to this rodeo before, cowboy. Hope it doesn’t end the same way.”

“Whut’s that supposed to mean?”

With Jim expected any minute, Jack didn’t want to get into one of those age old arguments , which quickly could spiral out of control for no earthly purpose. On the other hand, he didn’t want Ennis to think he had no interest in the topic under discussion. Here was another one of those seemingly impenetrable obstacles that routinely blocked their ability to view each other as anything more than fuck buddies. Another example, in a long line of reasons, of why they continued to live separate and miserable lives after all these years. How could they build something permanent, if Ennis continued to look upon Jack as nothing other than an occasional accessory rather than a steady and respected ally?

“’Member when I asked if I could spare ya a loan that last day on Brokeback?”

Ennis took on an almost sick expression, obviously shaken by the heavyhearted memory. “Know I was wrong to hurt ya. Didn’t know what I was doin’.”

Jack scratched the top of the pup’s head, trying to find the right words and to steady his voice before saying them. The extra time definitely needed to mentally soften any hint of harshness from escaping. “Have no doubt ya regretted that punch, friend. But, I still don’t think you’re sorry ‘bout your stubborn, don’t-need-anyone-else ways.”

Jack rubbed the bridge of his nose, knowing this was another one of those pointless moments they often ended up chasing their tails. How were they going to ever move forward, if Ennis was unwilling to accept him as an equal partner in all ways? Jack wasn’t interested in becoming a roommate or in being a kept man. He had been stashing away money for years and wanted to invest in their future. Pooling their resources had to be part of the plan. They had traveled far too many years separately for them to have any pretense of starting from scratch. With Jim expected any minute, now wasn’t the time to pursue the subject with any depth, but he sure as hell wasn’t going to give in either.

“Stuff costs money, Ennis. Was thinkin’ maybe we should invite Jim over for steaks or somethin’ this Sunday. Show him our gratitude for his kindness. Pup’s an extra expense too.” He voice began to falter, not sure how to forge ahead until he suddenly hit upon what he thought might be a winning tactic. An approach he felt even a prideful, lone wolf like Ennis del Mar would understand. “Look, you’ve been taking care of me since I got injured. Don’t much fancy being a freeloader while I’m here. Wanna pull my own weight.” He paused, his eyes taking on a stormy cast, “L.D.’s always makin’ me feel like I’m a fuck up, just like my Daddy. Some kind of leech. Not a real man.” Jack slowly stood up and met the other man’s gaze. “Just want to contribute. Okay?”

Staring down at the money for more than a few uncomfortable seconds, Ennis heaved a deep sigh that signaled a benevolent surrender…at least, for now. “It’s too much.”

A broad smile flashed across Jack’s face before he folded up the two bills and flirtatiously shoved them into Ennis’ front pocket. “You can buy me some fancy flowers or one of them big boxes of chocolates, if that’ll make you feel better.”

A few mumbled words filled the air even though smoldering brown eyes instantly spread warmth between them. “You’re a pain in the ass. Ya know that, don’t ya?”

“Part of my charm, cowboy.” Jack beamed with the kind of open smile that never ceased to make Ennis’ stomach lurch with excitement.

“And, don’t forget.” Jack wiggled his eyebrows, “I like nuts in my candy.”

Ennis snorted, the tension in the room completely collapsing, “No surprise there. Maybe my new boyfriend can whip somethin’ up for me.”

Blue eyes widened with surprise. “I can’t believe ya just said that. You’re a real shithead.”

A lopsided grin appeared. The normally shy man obviously pleased with being able to go toe to toe with Jack in the smart mouth department. “Maybe so, but I’ll be a shithead with $40.00 bucks in my pocket.”

Jack burst out laughing, pleased that Ennis could joke about a topic that was usually off limits, figuring his man didn’t fully grasp the meaning behind the word he had just spoken. The word that had just hinted about how maybe women really didn’t do it for him, after all. That perhaps his attraction to Jack was no one shot thing.

“That’s true, friend. Guess that means I’ll have to settle for the flowers, instead. That is, unless old Jimmy’s got some other hidden talent I don’t know about.”

Jack flicked his thumb against Ennis’s cheek, determined to show nothing but fondness, at this point. He needed to let certain things go. Learn to accept that as they began to work things out, there just might be some things he would be unable to change. Jack had come to terms long ago with the joke the maker had played on him. He had been blessed with head turning good looks and a personality that drove the ladies wild, but it was the hardness and rough angles of a strong man that he needed to feel around him. Ennis might never accept that he was literally a man’s man, but Jack needed to learn to find a happy medium. Accept that as long as Ennis was at his side, the rest somehow would eventually fall into place. Some things were just mysterious. Like meeting the man you wanted to spend the rest of your life with up on a mountain top when you were nineteen. He couldn’t explain why they needed each other. They simply did.
_______________________

Ennis cleared his throat, not sure why he was initiating the conversation he had dreaded since Jack first proposed the idea of someone driving him back to the trailhead. He must be getting soft hanging around Jack so much. Or, maybe he was willing to chat because of the young man’s willingness to let Ennis set the pace. Take the reins. The truth was that Jim had asked for nothing, yet seemed more than happy to help him and Jack out. Easily giving his friendship with no strings attached.

“Pretty song.”

Jim turned his head slightly and noticed that Ennis was staring straight ahead, lost in thought.

“Yeah, it’s a classic. One of my favorites. Stripped down, and emotionally raw. Just how love should be,” Without even asking, he rewound the tape to replay the touching performance.

♬ ♪ And I love you so.
Though people ask me how,
How I’ve lived till now.
I tell them I don’t know.

I guess they understand
How lonely life has been.
But, life began again
The day you took my hand.

And, yes, I know how lonely life can be.
The shadows follow me, and the night won’t set me free.
But I don’t let the evening get me down
Now that you’re around me.

And you love me, too.
Your thoughts are just for me;
You set my spirit free.
I’m happy that you do.

The book of life is brief
And once a page is read,
All but love is dead.
That is my belief. ♬ ♪

Both of them remained quiet as if the words deserved each man’s own personal experience to interpret them correctly. The silence inside the cab only broken when the blank end of the tape ran out and the metallic clicking of the machine automatically switched to the other side. Both men visibly relieved for the upbeat rhythms and lyrics that followed. After an extended, uncomfortable pause, no one was more surprised than Ennis when the words just spilled out of his mouth.

“Funny how somethin that beautiful, makes you feel sad. I mean don’t those words say he’s found…ya know…the person he wants to be with?”

Jim nodded his head, understanding the other’s man confusion all too well. “Could be he’s tellin’ us how fragile love is. Finding it is one thing. Keeping it is another. Those shadows that follow him into the night could return at anytime. He wants us to know how precious love is. To not take it for granted. Life’s too short.”

“Hmm.”

Glancing over, Jim could see a crease form across his passenger’s brow, noting it was time to steer the conversation away from this hazardous cliff. “You think your truck’s gonna start, Ennis?”

“Uhm, hope so. After Jack and me been up in the mountains for a week or so, we sometimes have to use jumper cables to give it a boost. But, that’s only happened a few times.”

“That’s good. Don’t worry. If I’m needed to revive the patient, people say I’m pretty good with a can opener.”

Jim could see the blond head jerk up out of the corner of his eye, the agitation in the voice almost accusatory, “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Jim swallowed down his concern, not sure what button he had pushed, but obviously aware he had breached a sensitive spot. “Nothing, Ennis. Didn’t mean anything. I’m just good with my hands. I’ve always had a talent for mechanical things. Dad wanted me to go to MIT… be an engineer. Said that’s where the money was because ranching was for losers.” Suddenly realizing what he had just said, he quickly added, “My Dad’s pretty much an asshole though.”

Ennis was surprised at the first note of bitterness he had ever heard from the young man who had come looking for a job, seemingly from out of nowhere the year before. Even more taken aback that the predictably gregarious boy was openly directing that animus at his father. “Thought ya lost your folks? Said you didn’t have no family.”

“Nah, they still live in California. Central Valley, actually. But, you got my drift right when I said I’m on my own. I don’t have a family to my way of thinking. They threw me out when I was 17. Don’t have any brothers or sisters.”

Ennis didn’t know what to say. Five minutes earlier they had both been contented, enjoying the view, lost in their own little worlds, barely a word spoken between them. Now with an almost lightening speed, they had spoken about love and were discussing Jim’s personal life.

Shit. What the fuck just happened? This is why I don’t like to talk. Don’t want to be a hard-ass, but if I ask Jim about why he was thrown out, that opens the door for him to ask me about my life. He seems like a good kid. But, that’s because he thinks I’m just a guy he works with and that Jack’s only a fishin’ buddy. That….

“I’m gay, Ennis.”

Suddenly, Jim slowed the truck down and carefully pulled over to the side of the narrow road, turning off the ignition. “Hope you don’t mind, but I need to stretch my legs for a bit. Help yourself to some coffee and another blueberry muffin. Just need some fresh air. I won’t be too long.”

With that, the door creaked opened then slammed shut, leaving Ennis alone with only his thoughts and a glut of fears that were always threatening to boil over. Damn that Jack for talking him into this. All he wanted was to live quiet. Go to work at the break of dawn, come home at night. See the girls on weekends. Pay his bills on time. Be left alone. The only problem with this kind of bare minimum existence was that he couldn’t figure out how to live a quiet life with Jack Twist by his side. That’s why he had mostly settled for the man to live inside his heart. Be with him only once or twice a year away from the gawkers and haters. No one could leer or make judgments in the back of beyond. No one could draw uncomfortable conclusions or condemn them for their unnatural ways. The pressing problem was Jack had told him, on this trip, that this kind of life was no longer acceptable. He needed more. Needed Ennis to learn how to stay put when what he really wanted to do was run for the hills. Now, Jack was telling him he wanted a divorce and to leave Childress, Texas far behind. If Ennis couldn’t deal with Jim now, he certainly couldn’t hope to navigate all the complications a life with Jack Twist would inevitably pose. He felt like he was being tied up in knots. Like a zebra trying to hide in a herd of cattle. All this was going too fast. Jim was gay? How did he know he could trust Ennis with that kind of secret? And, what would make him open up to someone he hardly knew? Unless he thought…unless he thought….

“Ready to go?” Jim jumped back into the truck and started up the engine, acting like nothing had happened to warrant any further discussion.

Ennis looked over with an incredulous face, glowering as if Jim had grown another head. “No I’m not ready to go yet. You fuckin’ tell me you’re queer and then you want to just drive off like you’ve just told me your favorite dessert?”

Jim smirked, obviously amused with the quizzical expression staring back at him. “You’re right. Guess I’ve been holding back on ya. That would be strawberry shortcake.”

“This ain’t funny, son. You can’t just go ‘round tellin’ folks you’re gay like it’s no big deal. We’re not in looney California where anything goes. We’re in Wyoming where people think if you’re not married and have a couple of kids by the time you’re twenty, somethin’s wrong with ya.”

Jim draped his arms over the steering wheel and angled his head to the side to make some semblance of eye contact, the slow forming apology sincere and contrite. “I’m sorry, Ennis. Didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable. I’m a pretty good judge of character. Thought you wouldn’t care. I hope I’m not wrong.”

“’Course not. That is if whatya askin’ is will it change my opinion of ya? Cause it won’t. But, I do care about ya being a lot more stingy with that kind of public declaration. Lots of folks around these parts are not as friendly as they appear. Ya get what I’m sayin’?”

Jim adjusted his rearview mirror and slowly cocked his head from side to side, sucking in a shaky breath.

“Yeah, I understand what you’re saying. I haven’t told anyone else. Don’t have a mind to neither.”

Ennis nodded his approval, pleased that Jim was taking what he said to heart. Still he needed to go one step further and ask the obvious question, the one that had been gnawing at him since those two explosive words first left Jim’s mouth. “Why’d you tell me?”

Jim shrugged. “I wasn’t going to say anything until I met Jack last night.”

Once Jim saw how the older man’s placid expression changed in an instant, he quickly added the needed qualifier, “No, don’t mean that. It’s just that it gets pretty lonely out here. You’re always kind of standoffish and reclusive at the ranch. Didn’t even think you had a friend. Or, that you even talked.”

Ennis grunted, knowing the boy wasn’t that far from the truth.

“I actually thought you just made up that you were going fishing with someone so you didn’t seem so…, ya know?”

“Strange.”

Jim smiled. “Can you blame me?”

“Nope, can’t rightly say that I do. I get ya questionin’ my lack of friendliness.” Ennis looked him straight in the eye, his eyes screwed up just enough to communicate his annoyance. “But what does it say about me that ya didn’t think it was strange that I had an imaginary friend?”

The simple, but sensible implication caused Jim to blush with embarrassment.

“Sorry.”

“Don’t worry. Jack makes fun of my unfriendly ways all the time. Truth is he talks a blue streak as you probably noticed.”

An imperceptible softness flashed across Jim’s face. “Jack seems really nice. I could see how much he loves that pup. Hope they’re both doing alright?”

Ennis looked over and could instantly see the sincerity that was staring back at him. He wasn’t sure where it came from, but once he made the offer, he knew Jack would be pleased. “If you’re not doin’ nothin’ this Sunday, thought ya might like to come over for dinner. Have a few beers. Watch a ballgame on TV. We really appreciate ya helpin’ us out with the pup and drivin’ me back up here to get my truck.”

“That would be terrific! You sure it’s not too much trouble with Jack still recuperating.”

Ennis smiled immediately recognizing the excitement in the green eyes that already had grown to saucer-like proportions, like some kid at an amusement park.

“Jack actually suggested it.”

“That would be cool. Can I bring something?”

“Nah, don’t need nothin’.” Ennis caught himself as he recalled the talk he and Jack had that morning. “I mean we’ll take care of things. Wouldn’t be right to thank ya by having you supply the provisions for the feed. ‘Course, that may not matter none.”

“What do you mean?” the younger voice curious and laden with anticipation.

“The pace we’re goin’, might need to just shoot us a turkey by the time we finally reach that truck of mine.”

Jim looked over, not sure if Ennis was kidding, his body relaxing and a grin appearing once he saw the teasing quality in the other man’s eyes.

“Yeah? Well, don’t worry. If we don’t get back until Thanksgiving, I make a mean Winter Squash Souffle.”

Ennis chuckled, remembering his conversation with Jack this morning. “That right?”

Jim just smiled. Pleased he had actually pulled something out of the man that, for once, resembled anything other than a scowl.

Theatrically, pulling his cowboy hat down lower, and using his best caricature of a Wyoming accent, Jim’s face quickly assumed a comically exaggerated grim contortion. “Guess it’s time to get to ridin’ again, boss man. Got to get back in time to cook some vittles and get them doggies movin’.” He raised his voice like he was at a cattle auction. “Head ‘em up. Move ‘em out. Rawhide!” the idling engine revved up in an instant as they drove the final twenty minutes, faster than necessary, towards their ultimate destination. The phrase “rollin’, rollin’, rollin’” reverberating off the magnificently rugged mountain range of the Grand Tetons.

Ennis shook his head at the not unfamiliar enthusiastic outburst. Damn. Don’t take much to get this kid hootin’ and hollerin’.

Slouching down, he tipped his own hat over his eyes as if he was about to catch forty winks. Hootin’ and hollerin’. Shit. Reminds me of some other dumbass fool, waitin’ for me back home.
________________________

“Hey, Ennis.” Monroe stood behind the meat counter, wiping his hands on a nearby towel. “We’re running a special on Round Steaks today.”

“Mhm. They look good. Was thinkin’ ‘bout maybe some of them T-bones over there.”

“Yeah? You got something special coming up?”

Ennis squinted, wondering why the man was being so nosy. “Nothin’ special. Just wantin’ to try somethin’ different for a change.”

The other man chuckled nervously, not wanting to set off the hair trigger temper of Ennis Del Mar. “Didn’t mean anything, Ennis. Which one do you want?”

“Give me those three over there.”

“Three?”

“That’s what I said, didn’t I? I’d like 5 lbs. of ground beef and a couple of lbs. of them old fashioned hot dogs. Maybe a half slab of bacon too.”

“Alma didn’t mention the girls were coming over this weekend.”

Ennis glared at another obvious attempt to dig for information about his personal business. He didn’t understand why folks couldn’t just keep to themselves. Of course, given the man he was talking to at the moment, and the state of the Riverton social scene, such as it was, he figured the roundabout interrogation was probably not something he could avoid much longer. Monroe and Alma had been the talk of the town, dating now for over a year. She was still young, wanted to move on with her life and had always seemed to be smitten with her boss’s easy going ways. Monroe wasn’t a bad guy, but he still was in the enemy camp once he took up with his ex-wife. Junior already had told him how her mom was wearing an engagement ring and that the two had been making plans to marry in the fall. He wasn’t thrilled with another man trying to take his place when it came to his daughters, but his children deserved a nice, stable home and Monroe looked like a good and safe provider. After all, the man owned the Food Mart he was in right now and seemed to be turning a pretty good profit. He thought he remembered Alma saying that the guy had a college degree too. Having left high school at fifteen, there was no way Ennis could compete with that kind of material success.

Before he married Alma Beers back in 1963, she acted as if living a rural life and raising a family was all she needed for better or for worse. The only problem was that not too soon after taking those vows, a gradual discontent began to take shape while Ennis was off working twelve hour days, trying to be the good provider. Sure he was exhausted when he got home, but he tried to be a hands-on father and wouldn’t hesitate to help Alma with the girls when needed. At first, the warning signs were subtle, but Ennis couldn’t help noticing how she never missed an opportunity to talk about how lonely their lives were. Apparently, she felt isolated and believed the girls needed to make friends and have children to play with who were similar in age. When Jenny was born, the new justification was because of her asthma. Looking back now, he remembered that they had been married not even three years before she was scheming how to get him to move into town. She gave him a thousand reasons why that cramped apartment over the Laundromat would be better for their growing family, and he had to admit that he hoped, once they had relocated, that the pushing would stop. But, not much time had gone by before she began to refocus her attention on the subject of money. He had told her that they couldn’t afford city living. But, she wouldn’t listen. Now, his income wasn’t good enough so she took a job at the local supermarket. The one he was shopping at right now. Still, those were the days when Alma was relatively meek in comparison to the wife she later became. He never thought much about pinpointing exactly when her attitude actually took a dramatic U-turn, or when her requests became more harsh and bitter and her demands less of a nudge and more like a sledgehammer. He just felt the icy chill that continued to wrap around them and how he never seemed to be able to do anything right.

The day when Alma found out about Jack Twist she actually appeared genuinely excited to meet somebody from his past. But, that had changed pretty quickly too. He never understood the woman’s disfavor which, at times, seemed more like jealousy. Jack was everything Ennis was not. He couldn’t figure out why she didn’t like him. All Ennis ever did was work from morning until night. Now she didn’t even want him to see a friend once or twice a year. There was simply no pleasing her. In the end, he had come to terms with her just being a selfish woman who felt nothing but disdain for the man she had married. By the time they stood in front of that judge to dissolve what had pretty much already died a slow painful death years before, her mind-set was clear. Ennis was a loser. She could do better.

“Ennis. What are you doin’ here?” The petite figure with the disapproving, scrunched up face was all too familiar. So was the suspicious, almost lifeless tone.

He tipped his hat, automatically. “Afternoon, Alma. Need to get goin’. ”

“You got an awful lot of groceries there. Someone come to visit?”

“We’re not married any more, Alma. Not your concern.”

“What do you mean it’s not my concern? I….”

“Alma. I need you on Aisle 6, please.” Monroe was suddenly standing right in front of them, gently guiding Alma with his right arm away from the front door, obviously trying to avoid a public scene.

“But…”

“Ennis told me he’s got a sick horse he needs to tend to. Let him be. Have a good day, Ennis. Hope everything works out.”

Ennis felt like he had just been given a Get Out of Jail Free card, without even having to roll the dice. For once, there was no way he was going to drag his feet, or be paralyzed by indecision. Monroe had presented an escape hatch and he was damn well going to take it. He scooted the overflowing shopping cart out the front door, quickly offloading the five bags of groceries and placing the two cartons of beer on the floorboard. Most times, he usually would be the responsible consumer and roll the cart back inside, but he wasn’t of a mind to push his luck today. He had actually eluded the jaws of Alma Beers and survived the too-close-for-comfort encounter with no visible scars or need for chest compression.

He had time to relax a bit once he was safely inside the pickup, a slight screech of the tires to hasten his getaway as he pulled out of the parking lot. Nevertheless, all things considered, he couldn’t help but feel anxious about where this was all headed. Ennis Del Mar was no fool when it came to cold realities. Today’s confrontation was only the beginning of complications to come. Monroe was sure to tell her about his shopping spree so it wouldn’t be long before she started snooping around. There were going to be more questions, and he needed to figure out some answers. When Jack had put that blanket and pillow on his couch this morning, he was telling Ennis he would meet him half way. Now, Ennis had to do the same. Given his desolate background, there was no need for Ennis to take a backseat to anyone when it came to the perils and pitfalls of austerity or denial. He was already an expert in knowing how to live that kind of barren existence. On the other hand, learning to peacefully coexist with the prospect of better fortune and improved prosperity was a whole other challenge. Jack had made it clear this time. He wanted the whole loaf, not just a smattering of breadcrumbs. For that to happen, Ennis had to not only reassess his priorities, but to expect more of himself and others. Take stock of his belongings and determine what was irreplaceable.

Ennis could see that his life was beginning to expand in many ways. Two weeks ago all he had was a shabby hovel, a beaten down truck and Jack Twist once or twice a year. Now, it seemed like maybe he had made a new friend and Jack was going to be staying with him for the next month. Never mind the shared responsibility of a new wolf pup to raise properly. Maybe that was why his world seemed larger last night. Jack had been in his arms and somehow everything else seemed weightier. His father often said that, “If you got nothin', you don't need nothin',” and Ennis had spent his entire life thinking that was the smart way to live. Now he was starting to wonder, if maybe that was the cowardly way of doing things. If today was any kind of harbinger, perhaps it was time to admit he had needs other than living a rawboned existence. Jack Twist was waiting for him at home, and would be in his bed tonight, and for many more nights to come. Perhaps Alma had been right all along. He didn’t need to be so lonely anymore.

Tbc

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