The Offer by Littlewing1957
Jack sat at the bar and waited anxiously for Ennis. Ennis was late; very late, as a matter of fact! Jack drank more beers than he should have in an effort to drown out that distressing voice in the back of his head. The voice that tortured him with, “Ennis ain’t gonna show! He fell off a cliff and you’ll never see him again! Ennis went back to Alma and she put a stop to the fishing trips!” A litany of depressing scenarios ran through his mind like a freight train! Jack was about to order another beer when he heard a voice,
“Hello!”
Jack looked around the bar until his eyes rested on a woman seated alone in a booth. Jack smiled at the middle aged lady. She was average looking, very large and extremely well dressed. Jack wondered how such a large lady managed to wedge herself into that booth!
“Won’t you join me?” The lady beckoned to Jack. Jack looked back to his watch and his drink. He didn’t mind company while waiting for Ennis. Perhaps pleasant conversation would take his mind off his worries. Jack clutched what was left of his drink and climbed off the bar stool.
“Jack Twist!” He said as he took a seat opposite the large woman. Jack looked her over. She was wearing a black sheath dress that she covered with a red paisley pashmina – all very elegant. Jack noticed the large diamond rings gracing every other chubby finger. Her wrists were encircled with several diamond line bracelets. This chick has big bucks! Jack thought as he took a sip of his beer.
“Dale Swenson.” The lady said as she offered Jack a bejeweled hand. Jack shook her fragrant hand and smiled at her.
“Nice to meet you, Jack Twist!” The lady said as she took a gulp of her own drink.
“You live around here?” She asked as she looked into Jack’s baby blues.
“No, I’m from Texas!” Jack exclaimed. Dale nodded knowingly.
“I’m just here to meet my buddy. We’re headed up to the mountains for a fishing trip,” Jack explained. Upon hearing this, Dale smiled and took another swig of her drink.
“I used to fish a long time ago.” She began. “My husband and I own a lot of the cabins in these parts. My Sam passed away a decade ago, but he left me the business and the money. I’m doin’ okay!”
“I can see that!” Jack exclaimed as he once again took in Dale’s finery. “Looks like business is very good.” Dale laughed at this.
“Jack, I’m going to tell you this, and I hope you’re not offended,” she spoke plainly. “But I’m a very lonely woman now that I’m widowed. I saw you there by yourself and I must say, I can’t remember when I’ve seen such a handsome man.” Jack blushed. He knew where this was headed, but he was flattered, and he had time. Why not listen to this woman’s rap?
“You know Jack,” the matron continued, “I’m in a sort of group of older ladies. Most of us are rich, the majority of us are single and childless. And none of us knows what to do with all our money.” Jack listened intently and allowed Dale to continue.
“We have decided to help young men in a monetary sense. You see, quite a few of my friends have young guys who they are taking care of. Now take yourself, for instance!” Jack brightened but said nothing.
“You’re very handsome and even though you’re well dressed and your hands are manicured, I’ll wager you can benefit from my money! I can provide you with a new pair of alligator boots, a leather jacket, a diamond ring, if you’re so inclined!” Jack couldn’t believe what he was hearing, but he was fascinated and allowed Dale to go on.
“And this largess comes with only a modest price.” Dale stated matter-of-factly.
“And what would that be?” Jack inquired. Dale smiled rather sweetly.
“All I ask is that you keep me company, escort me to dinner every once in awhile. Just because I’m showering you with gifts don’t mean you have to go to bed with me!” Dale stated innocently and tapped Jack on the forearm for emphasis.
“But we’ll talk about that later!”
What is there to talk about? Jack thought, incredulous. He was about to explain to Dale why her proposal was out of the question when he saw Ennis Del Mar entering the bar. Dale followed Jack’s stare.
“Is that your buddy?” Dale asked as she cast an interested look in Ennis’ direction.
“Yeah, that’s him!” Jack said, his voice a mixture of relief and enthusiasm.
“Well, think about what I said, Jack,” Dale continued. “And I think I can find someone for your friend. As good as he looks, my girlfriends will be fighting over him!” It was not an agreeable idea! Jack didn’t take kindly to the thought of Ennis having a sugar mama.
“I don’t think so, Dale.” Jack stated. “You see, we’re both married,” Jack lied. “But I thank you for your offer.” Dale seemed crushed, but she recovered quickly.
“Well, you can’t blame an old lady for trying!” She laughed. “Now go on and enjoy your trip. And if you’re ever in these parts again, and you want someone to talk to, ask for Dale. Everyone here knows me. The same goes for your friend.”
Jack grinned and kissed Dale’s hand. He moved out of the booth and walked toward Ennis, who greeted him with a warm embrace.
Topic: Introducing the "Jack with Ennis" Fan Fic Game - the BetterMost Edition (Read 2171573 times)