Right (59) By Littlewing1957
The driver rolled down the right side window of the truck and called out in the early morning chill, “Hey Jack Twist, is that you?” The voice was feminine, playful. Jack approached the truck, all the while waving Ennis back. He thought he recognized the voice, but he was cautious all the same. Ennis obeyed Jack’s signal and stayed where he was. “Jack, it’s me, Katie!” Jack lowered his head and peered into the truck window. It was Katie, alright, looking very lovely. She was also looking very prosperous and sophisticated. Her truck was brand new, and her clothes were stylish and expensive looking. Jack noticed a designer looking handbag displayed prominently on the passenger seat. He had no idea that Katie was doing so well. “Where you headed, Jack?” She asked innocently. Jack didn’t answer right away, but looked to Ennis before he turned around. Ennis was silent as he walked over to join his lover. “Well, we were just headed into town,” Jack faltered. Katie looked over at Ennis as he approached the truck. Her emerald green eyes took in Ennis’ straw colored hair, strong build, and fine aristocratic features. “I don’t think I know you," Katie addressed Ennis seductively. “My name is Katie Tryon. What’s your name?” Ennis smiled and reached his hand in the truck window. Katie took Ennis’ hand and shook it. “I’m Ennis, Ennis Del Mar.” Katie held Ennis’ hand a little longer than necessary. Jack noticed. He didn’t like it.
“Well, I can take you into town,” Katie stated evenly as she moved her bag from the passenger seat. “And I have enough room for the both of you.” “I know that’s right,” Jack exclaimed as he took in the expansive passenger area of Katie’s truck. “Okay, we would love a ride into town.” He announced as he looked toward Ennis. Ennis nodded briskly, certainly thankful for an opportunity to get Jack out of the bitter cold. “Well, climb on in and let’s get going,” Katie chirped sweetly. “I need to get a move on if I want to open the shop on time." Ennis and Jack climbed into the truck and settled in for the ride. Katie told them all about her new fashion shop downtown, established with money she inherited from her grandfather. Her store was only about a year old, but was an instant hit. Jack and Ennis hung on Katie’s every word as she described the retail fashion business, and how she may open another store if business continued to do well. “I’ve always wanted to be a chain,” Katie announced proudly. Ennis and Jack were impressed by Katie’s success. She was so young to have accomplished so much. Jack was happy for her, but he couldn’t help but feel a bit like a failure, a slacker when Katie pulled up to her shop and parked her expensive truck in her own parking space. She climbed out of the truck and walked over to the front door of her shop. Fiddling with keys, Katie found the right one and opened the door. Jack and Ennis stepped out of the truck and onto the sidewalk. Katie looked back at them and waved them over. “Come on in, guys,” She offered. “I’ll make you some coffee and we can talk.” Katie looked at Jack and smirked a bit. “I really want to know what you guys are up to.”
Ennis and Jack followed Katie to the back of her charming establishment. Jack noticed the décor and was astounded by the feminine excess. The shop was a frilly dream filled with frothy lace dresses, lingerie, old style perfume bottles, lace stockings, feather boas. Ennis noticed when they were outside a sign that announced the store's name, “Preen.” He didn’t quite understand what preen meant, but somehow knew the name was apt. Katie led them to her office in the back of the store. It was decorated in much the same way as her showroom, tasteful excess. Katie waved the guys to a seat and put on a pot of coffee. Jack sat opposite his childhood friend and studied her. She was wearing a red silk blouse tucked into a black wool skirt. Her auburn hair was pulled back into a low ponytail, and her makeup was flawless. Jack’s eyes moved to the manicured hands that flashed two diamond boulders. He looked up at her face and saw, to his dismay, that she was looking intently at Ennis. “Now,” Katie began, “Why were you guys walking down that road this time of morning?" Jack shrugged but said nothing. “Oh come on, Jack, you can trust me,” Katie said as she spread her elegant hands wide. “Now, what’s going on?” Jack glanced at Ennis. “No big deal,” he began. “My dad and I got into a bit of a disagreement, and I thought it would be best if we spent some time apart, you know, to let us cool down." “I had somethin’ to do with it, Katie,” Ennis interjected. “I’m a hired hand, but I’m also Jack’s friend.” Jack looked at Ennis, wondering just how much he planned to volunteer. But Ennis said nothing else. Katie looked at Ennis and smiled shyly. She looked at Jack, and became very serious. “Listen Jack, I think I can help. If you guys need a place to cool out, I think I can arrange something. Or you can stay with me?”