You Bet
The television was on. Some NFL game or other. He wasn't paying it any mind. Not something he really cared about anyway. He left it on for Bobby. He seemed to sleep better with the tv on. It was ok, he didn't mind it too much. It was as good as anything he figured. He really couldn't watch televesion much, couldn't keep his mind on it very long at a time.
All he could think about was that card. The card he had received from Ennis. Two little words
just like him. A man that never says much. More grunts and groans than a language come'n from his mouth. "Yup, nope, sure, a'right." Those were long sentances comin from him. So two words written down on one small card.. Was most like a Shakespeares speach. "You Bet." Two little words that made Jack's heart and body jerk alive. Made his dick shiver. Made him come alive. After four long years. He was finally getting to see Ennis again.
He thought back to the first time he ever saw Ennis. He was driving his old black GMC truck, over to Aguirres trailer. He was hoping there would be work for him. He passed by a freight train as he came up to that ratty old trailer. He pulled in to that parking lot. That dang ol truck sputtin
and lurchin, jerking to a halt. Finally blowing out the carburator, and settling. He was so fed up with dealin with that old piece of crap. He got out of the truck and just took his frustrations out on its ass end. Kicked the drivers side rear fender. \
Then he glanced out of the corner of his eyes, and saw Ennis standing there. He figured he was done for. Another guy was going to get the job, he had driven all the way down to Signal to get. He was late because the danged old truck made hiim stop twice to put water in the damned radiator. Sumbitch never did run right. Even when he got rid of the dern thing.. still a piece of shit. But oh my!!! That boy was a looker. Tall and lean, and even if he did have his head down, he could see that. He was probably the best looking cowboy he ever did see. His heart was sure enough thumpin. Then Aguirre came drivin up, nearly runnin over him. I was still worried about the job. Which one of us was gonna get it. I know he was here first. But I needed that job somethin fierce. I needed the money, but I also needed a break from being around my daddy. I figured the Army was gonna get me. I didn't want to spend the last of my time as a civilian, with my daddy ridin my ass ever minute of the day and night.
Then we got a job for both of us. I found he was the greatest friend I could have ever had. I didn't spect to get a friend up there on that job. Spending the summer up on that mountain with a thousand sheep. Those dogs, the horses. the mules, and Ennis. Was a surprisin
summer to be for sure. I not only got me a great friend, but I loved that boy something fierce.
He seemed to like me a lot too. But when we came down off a that mountain. He said he was gonna go on and get married to his girlfriend. Alma I think he said her name was. I spose he did
that. Never heard from him again. Went back next summer and Aguirre said he hadn't been around...let me know he saw us...so wouldn't hire me back neither.
Then I figured I need to find out if he did get married or not. If he would like to see me again or not. I sure as hell don't like the situation i got here. I might leave her and go and get a place for us if he would agree to it. Sure would be some sweet life. Some sweet life.. Ennis and me. I sent that card to seven different towns. Coming thru on the 24th wondered if you were there. Drop me a line say if you're there. Then that card came back from him. All it said was "You bet." But it was like a bolt from God. I'll be heading up there tomorrow, and hope he is as glad to see me. As I will be to see him.. I think i'll get to bed early Lureen, i'm takin off early in the morning. Hope to get up to the folks before its too late. They go to bed real early. Sure don't wanta give my old man a reason to be pissed. "Nite honey. I am sure I will be gone when you get up."