Right (63) By Littlewing1957
Raquel grinned mightily at Ennis. “What do you say, Cowboy? You feel like escorting me to the dance?” Ennis twirled the brim of his hat nervously between his long fingers. Before he could answer, Katie pulled Raquel’s sleeve and led her over to the rack of scarves, well out of earshot of Ennis and Jack. Katie whispered something in Raquel’s ear, and Ennis watched as Raquel wrinkled her powdered nose. They rejoined them after a second, but Raquel didn’t look too happy. “I think I’ll go with Jack,” Raquel stated unenthusiastically. Jack lowered his eyes to the ground. He wasn’t stupid – he knew both women wanted to go to the winter dance with Ennis. Raquel noticed Jack’s disappointment and didn’t hesitate to offer solace. “Jack, you aren’t second best,” she began. “I just thought Katie was going with you, since you guys are old friends, is all. I would love to have you escort me.” Jack looked up at Raquel and smiled a bit. “I understand,” he began. “I would love to take you to the dance.” Katie patted Jack on his broad shoulder. “Well, we got that settled!” she sighed. Now all we need to do is get you guys outfitted for the festivities.” Katie winked at Ennis as she saw Raquel to the door. “I’ll see you later, Rockie,” Katie yelled at her friend as she moved to her car. “Call me and we’ll go over the plans for the dance.” Raquel waved to Katie and drove off.
While Katie busied herself with customers, Ennis pulled Jack to the back of the shop so they could finish the sweet rolls in peace. He also needed to have a few words with his lover about the dance. Ennis sat down on an overstuffed chair and crossed his legs. Jack decided to stand, and ate his sweet roll while looking down at Ennis. “I’m not staying here, Jack,” Ennis stated emphatically. “I just can’t do it. And what is this about some dance?” Jack worked on his roll, and when he had devoured it, sat down on the floor next to Ennis. He knew he was taking a chance - Katie could walk in at any moment- but he placed his elbows on Ennis knees, and looked into his hazel eyes. “We only need be here for a little while,” Jack pleaded. “And the dance? Well, where’s the harm? Is it too much to ask us to escort two nice young ladies to a dance?" Ennis took Jack’s hands and rubbed them. “But if we go to the dance, people are bound to see us. Lightning Flat is a small place, Jack. We show up there and word will get back to your pa.” Jack turned his head away. He hadn’t considered this. “You’re right, Cowboy!” Jack whispered.
Raquel drove down the main road and tapped her fingers on her leather covered steering wheel. She couldn’t stop thinking about Ennis. Jack was a looker, no doubt, but Ennis was much more her type. She always did go for the supremely rugged, fair haired sort. And Ennis had sort of an aristocratic air about him. He should look quite fetching in a tuxedo. Raquel saw the two of them in her minds eye: she in a little black Gucci dress, and Ennis in a black tuxedo with a white scarf. She would pay for the tuxedo rental. She already owned the black Gucci dress. Raquel imagined that Katie and Jack would make a very handsome couple. Katie would probably wear her lavender Valentino, while Jack would sport a white tux. What an entrance the four of them would make! There was only one problem! Ennis was Katie's date. But Raquel had a plan.
Katie wiped her brow and fanned her breast. She was having a good day, and had already moved a lot of merchandise. If business continued this way, Katie knew she would have to hire help on a full-time basis. Right now she employed a high school kid on the weekends, but during the week she was on her own. Katie moved to close the shop for an hour to prepare Ennis and Jack lunch. But before she could reach the door, a customer walked in. Katie blinked when she saw who it was. “Hello, Mrs. Twist,” Katie sang sweetly. “What can I do for you?”