Right 73 By Littlewing1957
When Raquel entered the hall on the arm of Ennis Del Mar, all talk stopped. The pair looked just like a couple headed down the red carpet to a movie opening. Ennis and Raquel were all Hollywood! Jack saw Ennis, and almost as a reflex, his hands covered his chest. Ennis was so heart-achingly handsome that Jack was certain his ticker would cease to beat at the sight of him. Not only that, Ennis’ appearance was so unexpected. And he was with that bitch Rocky, no less! Jack looked Rocky over for good measure. She could put Jane Fonda to shame that night! Ennis seemed oblivious to the commotion he caused. He simply walked in with Rocky on his arm, a shy smile on his handsome face.
Jack didn’t know what to do. He didn’t want to confront Ennis. He didn’t want to make a scene. Jack moved swiftly to the other side of the hall and turned his back to the door. “Hey, Jack, how’s tricks?” Jack jumped at the sound of his name and turned in the direction of the person doing the calling. It was Alan Sims. He was standing by the banquet table, a tall drink in his hand. Beside him was a plain Jane in a rosy pink colored dress.
Raquel pulled Ennis over to the table where Katie was sipping at a glass of punch while mingling with a few of her girlfriends. “Rocky, dawhhhling,” Katie drawled. She air kissed her friend on both cheeks and turned to Ennis. “Well, who have we here?” Katie asked as she looked Ennis up and down. “What are you talking about, girl,” Rocky laughed as she took Ennis’ hand. “You remember Ennis Del Mar, Jack’s friend?” “Wha..?” Katie was barely able to speak. “I swear I didn’t recognize you, Ennis!” She began, incredulous. “Why, you look like a celebrity. You clean up real nice and shiny, you know that?” Ennis lowered his head. The crimson flush returned. “Thank you kindly, Katie,” was all that Ennis could manage. “Ahem!” It was Peggy Ann. Katie jumped to attention. “Oh where are my manners? Ennis, this is Peggy Ann and Marjorie!” Ennis and Katie’s friends exchanged pleasantries. Peggy Ann studied Ennis as she handed him a glass of punch. “Well, what do you do, Mr. Ennis Del Mar?” But before Ennis could answer, the band struck up a funky, country version of Aretha Franklin’s Respect. Katie, Rocky and the other two women looked at each other and in unison shouted, “heeeyyyy!” "That’s my song, Ennis!” Rocky shouted above the din. She gyrated suggestively to the music and pulled at Ennis’ arm. “C’mon let’s dance,” Rocky coaxed. Ennis reluctantly led her to the dance floor and moved with the crowd to the lively tune.
Jack watched as Ennis did his best to lead with Rocky on the dance floor. He looked to Alan and his date, suddenly wishing that he was somewhere, anywhere else. He had no desire to talk to Alan, but his date might come in handy. “You wanna dance?” Jack asked Alan’s date. Her name was Comfort, and she reached a delicate arm out to Jack. Alan dismissed the pair and turned to the banquet table. He would deal with Jack later. Jack needed to get closer to Ennis. He couldn’t image why, but he just needed to get a good look at him. Comfort would help him do it. Jack and Comfort moved over to the dance floor and fell in with the crowd. Comfort proved to be a decent dancer. Jack made an effort to keep up with her. Ennis was on the far side of the floor doing his best to make Rocky proud. But he was very awkward. No one seemed to notice. When Ennis looked over Rocky’s shoulder for a second, he spotted Jack dancing with a young lady, and he had to admit, Jack was looking mighty fine! His features softened when he saw his friend. Ennis wasn’t at all surprised to see Jack. He had every hope that Jack would be at the dance. He pulled Rocky close to him and moved her around the dance floor, closer and closer to Comfort and Jack.