Mornin'.
Well, the BBQ is over. Some fireworks, but not entirely expected. A physical "catfight" was not on the horizon for me! But, still, the aftermath may come up to bother them.
*** "There were even one or two that had a fair idea of what the real bone of contention was, but they spread their tales in low tones over shots of whiskey in the back booths of honky-tonks, leaning on the fence while the bull did his business with the cows, or down at the junkyard taking potshots at the rats. They simmered, while the rest of the town boiled over with loose talk." ***
Maybe it would be a good thing to move on and away, even if Bobby isn't completely healed.
Ennis continues to surprise Jack, and me. Ready to meet Eby and his cronies anywhere, anytime, and backing up Jack and not backing down. Asking Randall if he wanted to share a drink, knowing what Randall was to Jack, and Jack to Randall. Closure, and yet maybe something else. And later, letting Jenny go. Hardest thing for a father, especially when his daughter is so young yet so grown up. Miss Danny's counsel for Ennis; glad to see Ennis remembers him and what he said, and puts it to good use in his life.
Jack did some more growing in those few moments with the three of them. When they were at the party at Rally's place [Chapter 15], Jack told Ennis that he had always and would always love him, but couldn't be with him. *** “I do love ya, Ennis. I never stopped. It ain’t somethin’ I can turn on and off like a light switch. I love ya, and I ain’t never gonna forgit ya. How do ya forgit someone that gave ya a taste a heaven and hell? Every time I meet a man, my first thoughts are of how he’s like you or different. I cain’t help it.” ***
Now, watching and hearing Ennis and Randall at the BBQ, he again realized how much he did always love Ennis and still did, and how much he had sought, and never found, a duplicate for Ennis. There is no duplicate.
Ennis and Jack have come a long way in their relationship, and in their own self-confidence. Together, they are more than the sum of their two parts.
Maybe Randall will take stock and decide to do something about his life, too. Especially after the "catfight."
Dallas...Hmmm. Can understand the excitement for Jenny and Bobby. But, lots went on there; lots can happen in that big city. Good thing Lou is with them, and they're on Lou's home turf. Still... And, still wondering who the secret witness is, who swore that Jack had nothing to do with the drug money laundering scheme, and convinced Lou to look at it from a different angle. Have a hunch. And, still wondering what happened to Rally the roadrunner.
Once again, a great chapter.
Did see a few things you might want to look into:
In about the 10th paragraph, think it should read: "In fact, he was so..."
In the kitchen after the BBQ, think it should read: "...Lou said, and held up his..."
Later in the kitchen, think it should read: "Ennis fetched a deep sigh at the thought..."
Thanks again. Looking forward to the next chapter.