Chapter ten of L&L
Author’s Note: Thank you so very much for my friend Kathy (kittie8571) who is the Beta of this story!
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Chapter Ten: The business partner
“Don’t forget to make the next left.” Ennis warned from the passenger seat.
“I learned how to drive a long time ago, honey.” Jack retorted softly.
“I’m just trying to help you.” Ennis said with a smile.
“You’re obviously trying to distract me.” Jack raised his eyebrows and made another complicated curve.
“I was not. I was just trying to help.”
“Nice help! You’re making me nervous.” Jack glanced at his boyfriend. “Why don’t you just call Veronica and keep yourself busy?”
“I don’t want to remember that I left poor Neve alone with her.” Ennis said honestly. “And she’s probably with her boyfriend by now.”
“Neve was much better and the vet said you could leave him with her with no worries. She’s giving him the pills and keeping an eye out for any changes. You have nothing to worry about.”
“Even so.” Ennis murmured mostly to himself.
Jack shook his head silently and kept his eyes on the road. Ennis fought the urge to sigh. He was still feeling bad about their fight the other day, but Jack was acting as if nothing had happened - as per his usual attitude after any fight - but Ennis was dealing with feelings of remorse, which he blamed entirely on stress.
“You’re quiet. I don’t like you quiet.” Ennis said, observing Jack closely after a few minutes of silence.
“I was thinking.” Jack said neutrally.
“Are you angry with me? I’m sorry I snapped at you like that yesterday. I’ve been nervous and edgy. It’s been difficult for me to accept all you’ve given me. And it’s not about your uncle -- your uncle was being friendly and I was acting like a fool.” Ennis said, all in one breath.
“No. It’s ok, honey. I’ve been quite selfish lately. I guess I’m not giving you time to deal with everything. I exaggerate sometimes and then realize later that it was stupid. The fight we had didn’t mean a thing to me.” Jack’s right hand came to rest on Ennis’s knee. “I’m happy you’re going with me, anyway.”
“Eyes on the road, baby.” Ennis said with a smile. “It didn’t mean anything to me either.”
“I’m trying to drive here.” Jack said happily.
“But you never told me, what’s really bothering you, then?”
“I was thinking about Robert. His photography school project is costing him too much money to start rolling and I’m worried for him.”
“You told me everything was fine with him last time you went to visit him.” Ennis said softly.
“He told me it was. He even refused to let me help him.” Jack said with his eyes still on the road.
“Yes, I remember that. You also told me you would find a way to lend him some money or something like that.”
“And I did so. Talked with the bank and made the transfer, then mentioning my father’s name, I asked them for information on Robert’s financial records. Let’s just say that he is in a very delicate situation. He’s currently making very little profit.” Jack said with genuine concern.
“Why am I not surprised? You’re like Daniel, you need to go beyond what was planned. You need to make sure you’re doing anything you can and then… you get yourself in extremely complex situations that you can get away from.” Ennis said it with a smile and Jack knew he actually liked that particular thing about him.
“I’m his best friend.” Jack said apologetic.
“He’ll be so mad when he finds out.” Ennis said remembering Robert’s temperament.
“That’s why we’re not going to tell him we know. We’re going to find a way to help him without making him suspect anything.” Jack glanced at Ennis to record his reaction.
“Now it's we! I just hope we’ll actually find an away to solve things, because right now, nothing is coming to my mind and Robert is not going to like that we’ve decided to work behind his back about this.”
“I was thinking more along the lines of contracting a publicity agent for the place, without letting Robert know. You know, call more clients to the school and help him get more money. That’s not really that sneaky.”
“Sounds good, baby… and I hate to be the one telling you this… but sometimes things simply don’t work and you need to keep that as an option too.” Ennis said trying to sound supportive despite his words.
“You’re right. And I know if you have this gut feeling about him…” Jack said breathing out loudly. “But it’s his dream… and what am I If I have money but do not use it to help my friends?”
“I understand. I would probably do the same thing if I were you.” Ennis said glancing at the landscape.
“You have. You helped more than your friends, Ennis. You helped an entire small town. We’re driving there this instant.” Jack said happily and there was something in his voice that told Ennis that he was proud about it.
He looked at Jack surprised, but his boyfriend’s blue eyes were already on the road again and suddenly it struck him that he should have never doubted Jack’s affection for the people or the place of the Del Mar ranch. But maybe the irrational fear of losing Jack had been there, forcing him to, once again, do something stupid.
“I can’t believe you’re here.” David said as he opened the door to the house.
Ennis and Jack had arrived five minutes ago, carrying the boxes filled with new equipment that Ennis brought with him from New York to the house. They'd had a nice trip, although quite silent. They both took the time to rethink their meaningless fight. Jack was suspicions that Ennis was nervous around him for another reasons and not just the usual tension between them, ever since they got back together. On the other hand, Ennis was felling bad for letting Veronica’s admission mess with his mind. Jack never really lied to him about who he was, never omitted that his family had money. But Ennis still felt uncomfortable with the new extent of that reality. He didn’t know if he was going to fit in the charity events, the magazine covers and the "millionaire" parties at the mansion. Not to mention all the influencial rich friends that he was sure Jack had avoided lately for his sake.
Ennis knew that he was what Jack wanted, but he desperately wanted to be what Jack needed. Resting his forehead against the glass window of the car, he suddenly wondered if Enrique Twist had ever felt this way, before he married his wife.
“Me either.” Ennis finally mumbled to David, while both of them moved to hug each other.
“Mr. Twist it's a pleasure to have you here, once again.” David said with a smile, shaking hands with him.
“The pleasure is mine.” Jack said honestly.
“I asked Deacon to do some errands for me in town, so that we could have some time on our own.”
“Thanks David.” Ennis said honestly as they moved to place the boxes on the floor of the living room.
“You’re planning on staying the whole weekend, so… I thought I should put both of you upstairs. Just like the last time, Ennis you stay in your old bedroom and Jack can have your parent’s old bedroom. There’s no other division on that floor, so you can have your privacy.” David said, obviously trying to make them comfortable.
“Thank you.” Jack said quietly and Ennis remained silent but exchanged a grateful glance with David.
“I’ll keep Deacon busy during the weekend, so that you two can walk around without worries. I still have to ask you to be careful anywhere outside the ranch. I…”
“I’m going to tell them that Jack is my business partner.” Ennis interrupted David.
“Good idea. It will also make people around here friendlier to Jack.” David said surprised.
“We thought so.” Jack said trying to ease Ennis’s embarrassment, which had started ever since David had talked about the sleeping arrangements.
“Mr. Twist, I know you’re used to …”
“I like this, just fine. It’s peaceful and comfortable. What more can anyone ask in life?” He said honestly.
“Even so, if you need anything I can always send Deacon to town.”
“I really don’t think it would be needed. I brought a lot of things with me.” Jack said pointing to the door, where on the other side their car had been parked.
“Don’t worry, Jack even went shopping for this weekend. I’m sure he has everything he needs.” Ennis looked relaxed for the first time since they had arrived. “You may even find out that he actually has something you might want to borrow.”
“Good.” David said smiling. “Jesus, I can’t believe it’s happening. I was losing all hope of ever seeing you here again.” David's tone demanded an explanation and Ennis tried not to look at Jack.
“We had a very busy couple of months. Jack had family problems…” Ennis was interrupted by Jack.
“My father died.” The tone was unreadable. “We couldn’t…”
“I’m so sorry Mr. Twist, I had no idea.” David said apologetic.
“It’s ok, you couldn’t possibly know.” Jack said sadly.
“Things got complicated and we couldn’t leave New York. I’m sorry David.” Ennis added.
“I completely understand.” David said with a sad smile. “It’s always complicated when someone close to you dies. How did your mother take it?”
“My mother died long time ago.” Jack said quietly, looking to the floor. “It’s just me now.”
“I’m very sorry Mr. Twist. I should have never asked such a question.” David said with sorrow.
“It’s ok, really. You had no idea.” Jack said sadly.
“At least you have good friends.” David added hopefully.
“Yeah, and I got Ennis.” Jack said smiling and looked at Ennis who was searching for something on the immaculate floor, his face blushed.
“I guess I made enough of a fool out of myself. Go put your things in the bedrooms and leave the boxes here. Lunch will be served soon and Deacon will be arriving at any minute too.”
“Ok, David.” Ennis said with a smile. ”And thanks. I couldn’t possibly do it without you.”
“This is your place, Ennis. I’m not doing much, and you deserve to be here for as long as you want, with anyone you want. I’m just making sure everybody remembers that, within the right time.”
“I know.” Ennis said noticing that Jack had already left to grab the bags from the car, probably to give them a bit of privacy.
“Everybody likes you and the ones who had seen Mr. Twist once or twice seem to like him too.” David said honestly, leaning against the wall. “If you tell them that he’s your business partner, they’re going to accept him easily and we'll have a lot less explaining to do.”
“I thought so too.” Ennis murmured.
“Deacon is going to love the news.” David looked at Ennis closely. “He has a very good impression of Mr. Twist.”
“That's not the only good news I have, but I’m afraid we must wait for lunch.” Ennis said with a smile.
“OK. I guess I can appreciate a little suspense too.” David moved to the kitchen without another word and Ennis heard Jack’s voice from the other side of the door, complaining about the size of the bags.
Jack climbed the stairs with a ghost of a smile on his lips. He truly liked David. The Texan man was the nearest thing he knew of Ennis’s family and sometimes he truly seemed to be Ennis’s brother. He had no problem in ordering Ennis around or asking personal questions, and Ennis seemed not to mind at all about that. It was as if they had some deeper connection. Jack thought it could be explained by the fact that they were much alike and had grown up together.
“Did you actually need to bring New York with you?” Ennis asked frustrated, trying to bring the bags to the top of the stairs.
“Come on, you knew I would. Last time I ruined all my clothes with mud and dust, so this time I came prepared.”
“Two days, Jack. Not a month or a life time. Two days.” Ennis said shaking his head walking down the hall to his old bedroom.
Ennis’s room was exactly as he remembered it. The simple single wooden bed, painted in light blue. The armoire on the other side of the room was full of old clothes, toys, books and other nice "junk" from when Ennis was a kid. There was a small window, where one could sit and stare at the neverending view of the ranch. And from the rug on the floor to the oversized poster of Queen on the wall, everything was perfectly in place. David and Mr. Deacon never walked around the second floor but liked to keep it perfectly clean for the times Ennis came to visit.
Jack especially liked of the armoire. Its doors were covered, on the inside, with photos and old newspaper clippings of different things Ennis seemed to enjoy back in his childhood. It was all about him. This room, so simple, so obviously lacking any type of modernity, was the very essence of Ennis. Jack had little to do but love it.
“What are you looking for?” Ennis asked curious, resting some of the bags on the floor.
“Where you hid your George Clooney poster, obviously.” Jack said with humor.
“I should have never told you that.” Ennis said moving away to his parents' old room.
“Don’t be like that, it’s just a little tease, nothing else. I had my share of pathetic crushes too.” Jack had followed him to the other room.
“And I’m sure you’re not going to confess them to me.” Ennis murmured leaving Jack’s bags on the floor, next to the big double bed.
“Maybe Robert will tell you next time you see him.” Jack sat on the bed, looking around the room.
The room was covered in wall-paper, similar to the one he had seen on the living room the first time he visited the ranch, but in a different color. The bed and armoire were made of light wood, almost matching the shade of wood on the floor. A big photo of an elderly relative was placed on top of the bed and the small drawers next to the bed were covered with family photos too. There was a big window on the other side of the wall. The pale cream curtains were waving at the pace of the hot breeze. Jack liked the simplicity that seemed to be everywhere in the ranch, it was refreshing.
“We should redecorate the mansion.” Jack said suddenly, when Ennis was moving to the door.
“We? I want to have nothing to do with that. I’m not much of a fan of decoration. Besides, it’s your house to make those decisions.”
“I want your opinion too. Isn’t it important that you like the place too? Aren’t we going to get grey and old together, like you said?” Jack said with a smile.
“Don’t get me wrong, but it’s difficult to accept that the mansion is now yours.” Ennis said matching Jack’s smile. “But tell me, why do you want to do it so suddenly?”
“You said it yourself, now and a few days ago, it’s difficult to be there and not remember my father. It was his house after all, I was living on my own apartment and he was all by himself inside those walls. I think it needs to be changed, so that it looks more like its new owner.” Jack looked at Ennis and dared to add something more. “Like its new owners.”
“You shouldn’t have taken that comment so seriously.” Ennis said, sitting on the bed too. He decided to say nothing about Jack’s response.
“I want to spend more time there and I want to do it with you. It’s where we belong! I know that, I feel it every time we there. But I don’t want you to feel pressured; we’ll reach that point in time. In the mean time, I want to make it easier for everybody for us to stay there more often.”
“I know that Matilda and Edward are not very happy about your almost complete absence.” Ennis said softly but he didn’t like the direction of the conversation.
“She told me it feels like I’m visiting every time at the mansion. And honestly I’ve been spending so much time at your place, I only go there to pick some clothes and visit them.”
“I think we should talk about what we want in the future.” Ennis said seriously and he grabbed Jack’s hand in his. “But you can ask me the impossible. I’m not moving into the mansion anytime sooner.” He didn’t like the way Jack sometimes pushed him about serious decisions. He needed time to make these important decisions.
“I know.” Jack said breathing out loudly. “I like your apartment, but I’m worried about the neighborhood. There’s also my apartment and just like I’ve said before, I can’t stay away from the mansion. It’s what’s left of my family history!”
Ennis wanted to ask about Jack’s mother side of the family. Veronica had told him that they were very rich; certainly they should have left him other houses in New York? Or maybe Enrique had them sold or rented? There was so much he wanted to ask about, but he kept feeling uncomfortable with the issue and the fact that Jack had never talked about it also didn’t help. Ennis had tried hard to remember all the conversation that had had about Jack’s family and yet he was sure Jack had never told him about his mother vast fortune. He hadn’t lied to him about it, but he had let him believe that his money came from the Twist work at the firm.
It wasn’t difficult to understand why Jack did, if back in the beginning of their relationship Ennis had ever dreamed about the amount of money Jack’s family had, he surely would have been frightened about it. But how could he have suspected it? Jack was so modest and down to earth, he was the only guy in the firm who used to bring chocolates for the cleaning ladies. Even Enrique seemed to have modest life for the amount of money he had lived with. There was something wrong about it, which left Ennis struggling between abruptly asking Jack about it and simply concluding that Veronica must have been mistaken.
He was also a bit irritated because he kept feeling that Jack was forcing him to move, forcing him to make decisions he wasn’t ready to do. He mentally forced himself to be silent and wait for the right moment to have this conversation. He didn’t want to ruin the weekend.
“I think we should talk when we get back on New York and can make clear decision.” Ennis finally said.
“You’re right.” Jack said softly. “We need time to think about this.”
They stayed silent for a couple more of minutes until the loud sound of the main door down stairs announced Deacon’s expected arrival. Ennis quickly moved up from the bed.
“Come on, let’s greet Deacon, I’m sure he’s going to be thrill with the news of our business partnership.” Ennis said offering a hand for Jack to sit up.
Jack looked at the offered hand and thought about what he was about the do for the rest of the weekend. The lies and the small discomforts. The guys he didn’t know but mock at him, the cold showers for lacking of hot water, the uncomfortable bed, the supposed story of his interest in Texas’s development, the constant high temperature...
“The things I have to do to…” Jack thought, accepting the hand offered. But the smile on his face was a completely different story.
Lunch had been another very pleasant meal at the Del Mar ranch. Deacon and David had been surprised and excited with the news Ennis had delivered. Even Jack had a difficult time pretending he wasn’t surprised by the news. It turns out that Ennis had decided to buy the lands of the nearest ranch, increasing immensely the extension of the lands of the Del Mar ranch. It would be possible to increase the calf numbers and maybe start thinking about breeding more horses too. Not to mention the number of new hands they would need to keep the new projects working. Obviously, Deacon - and Jack suspected that even David - had thought this was Jack’s fault, they thought it was his money making this new investment possible. Jack was about to set things right when Ennis himself told both men that this was all thanks to him. Jack managed to smile, although he also glared at Ennis, while Deacon patted his shoulder in evident adoration and Ennis smiled openly at him. He knew Ennis’s reasons as clearly as he knew where the money had come from. Mr. Hoz’s millionaire contract with Ennis was no secret at the firm and therefore no secret to Jack, who was, after all, the boss. The basketball player was far from knowing that his money was making a few Texan people happy.
After lunch they walked around the stables with Deacon and David, listening to the never ending stories of the local people. Jack especially liked when Deacon decided to gossip about the new priest and the changes he had brought to the locals. Small things that made the days and weeks of the workers around the ranch. Simple things that still have the importance they deserve for men like Deacon. David was a completely different story. Sure he had a couple of laughs about the new priest, but his conversation with Ennis was mostly about the profit of the ranch and the changes that they should start planning, now that they had new lands to work on. He had vision and didn’t refuse the help of machines and modern tools to obtain it. Deacon didn’t like it much, but easily ended up admitting that there were good reasons for embracing new ways of ranch work.
“I say you should go and ride around the new lands. I’m sure Mr. Twist wants to see them, right?” Deacon said when they were leaving the stables.
“I think he’s right. I have to go and make some quick calls… We can start working on those lands right now?” He asked Ennis concerned.
“Yes, we signed all the papers this Friday. Got the licenses and property papers with me. Unfortunately the old buildings no longer had much use, but you’re the one who should check that.”
“Yeah.” Jack added quickly.
“Good. I’m thinking about going there this afternoon with some other ranchers. They’re working on the water troughs of the south side right now. I’m worried about unexpected rain, with us being so near to the lake and all.”
“I have to check on the dam old spin feeder again. I’ll meet with you when it’s finished, right?” Deacon said shaking his head to David.
“Don’t tell me it’s the same one my father used to have problems with.” Ennis said fondly.
“The exact same one. God knows how it still works.” David smiled but turned to Jack. “I say you should go check the lands, but maybe not right now. The sun is up high and it’s impossible to stay on the horse for very long. Just go ride around the lake or something.”
“It’s ok, I had an idea.” Ennis said moving back to the stables.
“Just take Smith and Medusa.” David said and the sound of the tractor filled their ears a few minutes later, leaving Ennis and Jack with the horses.
They rode in silence. Silenced by the views of the beautiful ranch. Jack especially liked it. He considered it more precious for being an untouched beauty. Nature that has been that exact same way for many years before them. It surely was different from the modern beauty he had grown used to, made of hard steel and cold glass. The pure air was bliss and the sun was touching his skin with intensity so completely different from the one he experienced every day in New York.
Ennis was silently leading them to somewhere distant from the ranch, considering how long they had been riding. Jack had no idea where, but the brief glance they had shared before they mounted their horses, had told him that this was no ordinary ride. Jack had seen enough fire on Ennis’s eyes to keep him quiet until now. He didn’t want to ruin the moment.
They rode through a path of rock and sand until the landscape changed slightly to a combination of rocks and bushes. The sun was hot but there was humidity in the air, which was a surprise considering they were in Texas. Possibilities appeared in Jack’s mind, but he focused on following Ennis. Minutes later, a couple of trees appeared on the way and suddenly they were surrender by tall trees and vegetation. Ennis climbed down from his horse, surprising Jack, and tied the horse to a nearby tree.
Jack woke up from his trance and quickly mimicked Ennis’s movements. When he finished, he was surprised to find Ennis near a flood of water. They were a few meters away from a river. Ennis was already taking off his shoes, looking at the water. Jack could swear he was smiling, although from his point of view he couldn’t possibly see his face. But then he turned around and Jack saw him, the smile was there and he had a relaxed expression.
“I’ve been dreaming of taking you here of quite a long time.” He was already taking off his shirt and yet Jack didn’t move. Observing Ennis seemed to be enough at the moment.
“Really? Dreaming of me in this river?” Jack said when the capacity of speaking came back to him.
“Yeah. I used to come here whenever I had the chance. This is a very special place.” Ennis was already working on his jeans.
“I didn’t bring my swimming suit.” Jack said disappointed.
“Jack you don’t need one.” Ennis tossed his jeans to the ground.
“Swimming in underwear?”
“You’re such a city boy.” Ennis said almost laughing, he took off his boxers and moved to the water.
“Naked?” Jack said shocked. “What if someone sees us?”
“We're too far away from the ranch for most people and it’s still in the limits of my property. So no one would come here without permission.” Ennis was already in the water waist deep.
“What about the workers?” Jack asked, although he was already removing his tennis shoes
“Didn’t you heard David? They're all busy working and I’ve told you, this is too far for any of them to pass here.” He was swimming lazily and Jack was finding it hard to concentrate on his words. “They all know I like to come here and swim, they won’t disturb us.”
“So everyone will know that we swim here, naked?” Jack said taking off the last of his clothes.
“Friends do that, don’t they?” Ennis said smugly.
“I’m not so sure about business partners.” Jack said naked, looking at the small water plants growing near the rocks.
“Don’t be like that. You know I’m the first one to freak out when were about to get caught, but this is perfectly safe.” Ennis gave Jack a disarming smile. “I did say I had a particular dream…”
“You better make it good, Ennis Del Mar. This water is damn cold!” Jack said testing the temperature with his feet.
“As if you would miss this for the world.” Ennis said watching him entering the water. “Be careful with the rocks, they’re a bit slimy.”
“I honestly don’t remember the last time I swam in a river or in such cold water.” Jack shivered a bit and Ennis knew he was faking it.
“Come, I’ll warm you up.” Ennis said opening his arms out of the water.
“This is definitely safe, right?” Jack asked swimming closer.
“Definitely.” Ennis holding Jack against him. “Just like in my dream.”
Jack shivered but this time there were different reasons. The fact their bodies were warm in contrast with the cold water around them seemed to intensify the sensations coming from the places were their skins touched. Ennis's hands came to rest on his hips, barely touching, and their eyes locked for a second before they moved to kiss slowly. Their lips connected, while Jack’s hand moved in the direction of the wet blond hair he liked so much. He felt Ennis’s hands drawing comforting circles on his back, making him move even closer. Jack felt Ennis’s lips move to the right side of his neck and he let his hands move along Ennis’s back, feeling the wet skin under his fingers.
“I love to know that you’re here.” Ennis suddenly whispered in his ear. “I love to know that you’re here with me…”
Jack didn’t answer, but he felt Ennis moved lower, to grip his hard cock. He gasped in surprise and let out a low moan when Ennis’s hand moved in a slow pace. Just as he had suspected, he was beginning to like Ennis’s dream.
“Love you too.” Jack whispered against his boyfriends’ mouth.
They were kissing again and between the sensations in his mouth and the pleasure of having Ennis’s hand massaging the head of his cock, Jack’s knees were beginning to tremble. He was finding this little experience all too arousing. Thankfully Ennis seemed to take notice and moved them to fall on the grass and dirt, their feet still in the flowing water.
Jack took advantage of their new position to start his own administrations on his boyfriend cock, remembering to do it just like Ennis liked it. Their kiss was getting more forceful and needy, forcing them to stay even closer. Jack was surprised to feel his climax coming so soon and even more surprised to see the signs that Ennis was close too. But perhaps Ennis's dream had been a little more innocent then he had imagined it.
They cried each other's names a bit too loudly and held each other in the sun for what felt to be a long time. And after a bit more of swimming and kissing, Ennis and Jack rode their horses back to the ranch, both trying to hide the smiles on their faces and the contentment in their hearts.
By Sunday, everybody knew that Ennis Del Mar had found a business partner to help him with the investments on the Del Mar ranch. Actually, the whole town couldn’t stop talking about it. Jack Twist was the name everybody spoke about, but very few knew anything interesting about. And as usual in these small places, when you don’t know, you can always imagine. Soon the rumors about Jack’s expensive life style and gorgeous green eyes, were considered truthful knowledge. Not even the very few who had seen him from previous visits had been able to deny what most people thought was true. And since the mysterious man, who had brought so much happiness to their lives, was nowhere to be seen, those rumors only got worse. Some would say he had brought crystal cups from New York to use during his meals, others were gossiping about the construction of an enormous mansion on the new lands, where the green eyed man would stay in his future visits to the ranch.
David had no idea where these rumors had come from, but it seems that not even he was capable of setting things right. Jack and Ennis had found it all pretty amusing, but as the rumors went wild, they felt the need to make an appearance at town with fear that soon people would think Jack was the present incarnation of Dracula, or worse.
They both decided to go for a drink on Sunday late afternoon, a couple of hours before they left for New York. Ennis knew everybody and as long as they both acted naturally, people would be delightedl to finally get a glance at them.
Jack decided to wear his simplest and cheapest clothes and had told Deacon he was going to drink from the dirtiest cups. Ennis had tensed a bit, but as the four of them walked in the bar, he remembered that he was, after all, a son of that land. This he knew well.
“Good to see you.” A fat, black haired man, who seemed to be in charge of the drinks, told them just as they entered the old tavern.
“Yah there.” David said happily.
“I see that you’ve finally convinced our business men to come and have a glance at our small town.” The man was obviously observing Jack's every movement, memorizing the details for future days of gossip and he wasn’t the only one.
Everybody was looking at Jack. Not in a suspicious or dreadful sort of way, but with a real curiosity and a new fondness. These people wanted to know more about him, but most of all they wanted to like him.
“I’m sorry, we’ve been quite busy with the new lands.” Ennis said apologetically in what was a half truth.
“And let’s drink to that!” The man said giving them bottles of beers.
Jack who had smiled briefly at the man, engaged quickly in conversation with Deacon, mostly about the shops and houses they had seen on their way to the tavern. Jack, who was honestly interested in the conversation, didn’t notice the odd number of people who were obviously staring at him. Ennis waved and smiled at them discreetly, but they all quickly returned their attentions to his boyfriend, actually, his business partner.
“Ennis, let them watch.” David nearly whispered. “Once they’ve seen all they want to see, it’s no longer motive for gossip.”
“You’re right.” Ennis said, drinking from his bottle.
David was proved to be right, after a few more minutes people got less and less interested in the looks of Jack Twist. A few ranchers came and talked with Ennis and Jack. They both kept the story of the Texas’s investments and Jack’s genuine smile made it all more credible. They didn’t tell much, but filled in the blanks of the obvious. Jack was Ennis's colleague and friend, who, having a bit of money, decided to invest in his friend’s project, with the benefit that he could now enjoy the pleasures of owning a ranch in Texas. A few women came and talked with Jack and one or two even managed to ask him a couple of personal questions, to which Jack responded with the most dubious answers. Ennis and David observed it all from the corner of their eyes, sharing knowing smiles.
Eventually the afternoon ended up with David introducing his girlfriend Rachel, who worked in a shop just a couple of steps away from the tavern. They all laughed and had couple more of beers. It had been a nice afternoon, different from the ones Ennis and Jack were used to.
“I felt like I’ve just met your family.” Jack said to him when they were sitting on the tractor, with Deacon driving them back to the ranch.
“I guess you just did.” Ennis said with a smile and they both returned their attentions to the orange sunset on the calm lands of Texas, letting their hands discreetly touch each other.
Author: Finally another update my friends! My beta is recovering and we’re finally reading some of my old chapters (I wrote this one New Years Eve). I’m so excited about chapter 16, I hate to be a tease but it’s sooo rooomanticc:P I hope you’ll like the poll (for the ones reading o LJ -litania87). I’ll update as soon as I can…
On the next chapter: Is Ennis’s neighbourhood really safe? When our two favourite lawyers are confronted with the dangerous reality the consequences may change their relationship forever… Is Ennis going to move to another place? What secrets is Jack still hiding about his mother’s fortune? The usual action with a few more surprises on the next chapter!
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