Right 74 by Toycoon
Jack and his partner, Comfort, spun around the dance floor to the strains of the country band's tribute to self esteem, "Respect" as Ennis watched the pair intently over Raquel's left shoulder. He didn't realize it at first but Ennis had nearly come to a complete stop, he was so captivated watching his handsome friend dancing with another woman. Ennis felt a firm tap on his arm and turned to see who it was. A brawny fellow with a boyish face and closely cropped, blond hair motioned that he wanted to cut in on their dance. Ennis was surprised at first, even slightly annoyed but quietly relinquished his date to the stranger. Raquel seemed to recognize the young man, Leroy, so she smiled at Ennis, shrugged her shoulders and laid her dainty hand on the boy's shoulder. Ennis decided this was a good time to take a break so he made his way through the lively crowd, toward the rear exit and stood next to the open door, just outside the hall.
It was a cold, still night in Wyoming and it contrasted heavily with the revelry going on inside. The winter moon was glorious and full against the velvety, black sky. Ennis reached into the pocket inside his tuxedo jacket and pulled out a fresh pack of smokes. He yanked the tab on the cellophane wrapper, tore off the corner, smacked the pack on his palm and pulled a cigarette with his mouth. Ennis lit the cigarette and took a long draw. It felt good to be alone, away from the crowd for a few minutes. "You got another one a' them fer me, cowboy?" Ennis wheeled around. It was Jack. His smile lit up the night and shards of moonlight danced in his blue eyes. Ennis' heart pounded in his chest like the rhythm of a train.
"S-sure," he stammered. Jack took a cigarette from the pack and Ennis quickly struck another match to light it. "Thanks," he nodded. Ennis stared at Jack as though he were an apparition. "Um, you sure look good," he barely managed, then looked down at the ground. "Thanks, Ennis. You look real good, too." he said, blowing out a mouthful of smoke. Jack tried desperately to remain cool despite the urge to ravish Ennis right then and there. "So, where ya been fer the last few days?" The band began to play the Buck Owens song, "Guess Things Happen This Way" and the sound of crickets chirping synchronized to the beat.
"Uh, I was stayin' with Raquel at her place." Jack was silent. He stared into the inky sky and thought carefully before forming this next question. "Ennis, how come ya run off that day at Katie's shop?" Ennis exhaled and watched the smoke slowly dissipate into the night sky. He wasn't really prepared for Jack's question. "I didn't think it would matter if ah left," he whispered sincerely," Better off gone. I was causin' you and yer folks, nothin' but trouble, anyways."
Jack's heart melted as he looked into Ennis' dark eyes. He leaned in and could almost feel Ennis' warm breath on his face. Suddenly, the music stopped and there was a loud commotion coming from the inside the party, angry shouting, then what sounded like a table, crashing to the ground. They heard a woman's scream and they both dashed back inside.