As JR and Katherine walked around outside near Southfork, the sights, sounds, and smells of activity bombarded their senses. The annual Ewing Barbecue was in full swing, and property was swarming with visitors. Most of them with the intent of pure socialization for enjoyment, but JR and Katherine had also been quick to take advantage of the ones with potential deals for them to make with.
"How are you enjoying your first Ewing Barbecue, honey? I know you're more for the attractions of the city life, but surely the advantages to be gained here have proved profitable enough, no?" JR asked mischievously. And he wasn't just referring to business aspect of the conversations they had had so far. JR knew that gatherings like this in Dallas were also a good way to keep up on the gossip among the more prominent members of the community. And having any news to spread out the dirty laundry of others was always an advantage in business as well.
Katherine laughed lightly at JR's question. "Don't tell me you've forgotten that I've already been to two other barbecues here before this one, JR!" She reminded him.
"Oh, I haven't. But we weren't together for those ones. That makes a big difference." JR pointed out.
"To answer your question then, it's a lot more interesting since you've taught me how to participate in it in a much more observant manner. And more than anything, I can enjoy it as a real family event with us being together and getting to know the rest of your family better. Even last year when we were at least friends, I didn't have that. I feel like I have more of a sense of belonging here now. Before, I was just the half-sister of the family that isn't always seen in the best light by yours. Well, at least by some of them. Not that I'm blaming you for any of that tension, JR." Katherine answered thoughtfully.
Things seemed to have cooled down a little with the Barnes-Ewing feud thanks to her acting as something of a mediator due to JR not wanting to do anything to hurt Katherine's family if she didn't think it was deserved. But at the same time, another big reason for a lot of the absence of conflict was due to the part that Katherine herself had played in orchestrating Pam and Bobby's divorce, thus effectively cutting most of Pam's connection to the Ewings. The only problem now for Katherine was the occasional feeling of guilt whenever she saw how much the end of Pam's marriage was affecting her emotionally.
"Family is important to us Ewings. And things will get even better once you are one too, Katherine. I'm really happy that you became comfortable enough with us to enjoy events like these. You belong here." JR said seriously. He knew that she knew that he wasn't referring to living at Southfork itself, but as a part of his family instead.
"Thanks, JR. It means a lot to hear someone tell me that. But putting the family aside right now, this music is just so…" Katherine trailed off with a hint of irritation in her voice at the end. As fun as the Ewing Barbecue could be, she had always detested the traditional country and folk style themed music played by the bands at it. Having not only grown up in the more modern area of Houston, but also having spent a few years in New York City, she had developed quite different tastes in music. It was one of the rare things she and JR didn't have in common.
JR couldn't help chuckling at Katherine's reaction. "Still don't care for the good old Texas country tunes, huh? I guess you're a city girl at heart no matter what." He teased.
JR and Katherine's conversation was interrupted by two people coming towards them. "JR, Katherine! Glad to see you here!" Jenna greeted them happily. She was with her daughter, Charlie.
"Jenna! What a pleasant surprise! This is the first time I've seen you at the Ewing Barbecue in forever. Boy, this sure brings back memories… I remember when you used to tear up the dance floor here with Bobby. In fact, I'm sure he'd welcome a little dance right now. Why don't you go find him?" JR said enthusiastically, being not-so-subtle about Bobby.
"He's getting ready for the rodeo right now, so we thought we'd look around a little first. Right, Charlie?" Jenna said, giving an invitation for her daughter to speak.
"Yeah! I can't wait to watch the rodeo because of all the horses. I wish I could have one of my own…" Charlie said wistfully.
"Well, Charlie. You're always at least welcome to come to Southfork and ride one of our horses. If your mother says yes, of course." JR offered kindly, hastily tacking on the last part for Jenna's benefit.
"Wow! Thanks, Uncle JR!" Charlie said excitedly.
"Yes, thanks, JR. We'll certainly consider the offer. By the way, you haven't met Katherine yet, have you, Charlie?" Jenna said.
"Oh, that's right. Bobby had said that JR had a girlfriend now." Charlie said thoughtfully.
"That's right. And I've heard a lot about you from your mother, Charlie. Don't worry, it's all good stuff, though. I'm Katherine Wentworth. It's nice to finally meet you." Katherine introduced herself kindly.
"It's nice to meet you, too! But aren't that dress and high heels hard to wear right now? I mean, they're really pretty, but you look more like you're going to some fancy meeting or something and not a barbecue. Like when mom gets ready for job interviews." Charlie commented bluntly, causing Katherine to grimace in embarrassment a little.
"Charlie! That's rude!" Jenna scolded her daughter.
"Oh. Sorry about that…" Charlie apologized sheepishly.
"Don't worry, I'm not offended. I guess I just don't prefer casual wear as long as there are a lot of people around. But maybe I should have at least not worn the heels…" Katherine admitted.
"Katherine still misses the city life, especially since living in the Big Apple for a little while before she came to Dallas. So, she does what she can to cope, even if it involves going against the typical code of things. But that is one just one of the many things that made me fall for, I'll admit!" JR said affectionately, causing Katherine to roll her eyes good-naturedly.
"In a way, I can understand it. When I was in New York years back for a visit, I almost didn't want to leave myself!" Jenna said with a slight chuckle.
"Really? I didn't know you were there. I'm definitely interested in hearing more about your experience there when you have the time, Jenna!" Katherine said with genuine interest. It was one of the things they had in common that led to interesting conversations between them: the fact that Jenna was well-travelled herself from her time as an heiress, even though her lifestyle had been and still was quite different from Katherine's.
"We most certainly will have to talk about! Who knows? Maybe we can teach JR a thing or two about appreciation for city life. For starters, we could get JR and Bobby out on a double date with us to a nightclub there to show them what they've been missing!" Jenna suggested mischievously.
"Jenna, I'm a bit hurt! I thought you loved it here in Dallas best of all!" JR joked in a mock-hurt tone.
"Now don't you worry, JR. I may have acquired some worldly tastes over the years, but Dallas is still my home. And the Barbecue is just as good as any celebration in my book. After all, I am still quite proficient at the Texas Two Step!" Jenna reassured JR easily.
"Good to hear. But we're still going to see if you've still got it later!" JR joked.
"Oh, believe me, you will! But anyways, the rodeo is going to start soon, and we want to be there on time to cheer Bobby on. So, we'll have to say bye for now." Jenna said.
"Sounds good. We'll see you both later then!" JR agreed, sounding slightly less enthusiastic at the reminder of the rodeo.
After Jenna and Charlie had left, JR smiled to himself as the wheels began to turn in his head.
"I sure couldn't be happier seeing Bobby with a proper woman now instead of the Barnes woman! And I suspect that it will only be a more permanent union thanks to that little girl Jenna's…" JR said happily.
Katherine had to hide her irritation at JR's words about her sister. Sure, she liked Jenna. But that didn't mean that she believed Pam should be dismissed as worthless after how long she was devoted to Bobby during their marriage.
"If you're referring to the identity of Charlie's father, what makes you so sure that it being Bobby would automatically insure a marriage for him and Jenna?" Katherine asked.
"Katherine, surely you have seen more than enough evidence of my baby brother's righteous tendencies by now to know that he would be way too noble to do anything else in delicate situations such as this." JR said in amusement.
"I get it. You think he'll want to do the right thing and marry her to take responsibility for having a child without his knowledge of it. Sure, it sounds like a good idea. But think of how the consequences could affect them. If Jenna just isn't telling Bobby if he is the father, it isn't just out of pride. Imagine how it would affect Bobby's reputation if it became public knowledge that he had fathered a child before marriage. And not just him, but the rest of your family as well. Is making sure Pam stays out of the picture worth that much?" Katherine reasoned.
JR frowned at Katherine's words. "Well…no. I guess not. But who is to say anyone else would have to know about Charlie if they did?" He challenged.
"They wouldn't ask. This is Dallas, so they'd just assume. Especially with no other potential father on the scene. Either way, it wouldn't bode well for them. In the end, I suppose only Jenna herself knows the real answer to the question. But I assume she has her own reasons for not telling Bobby. I'm not saying I wouldn't be happy to see them get married, but this could be tricky if it isn't done the right way. Preferably, I'd say it isn't such a good idea so soon after his divorce. That would be a red flag to people if they assume parentage was a cause for the divorce if a marriage to a woman with a child with an unknown father follows too soon afterwards." Katherine explained.
JR looked thoughtful. "I must admit, your reasoning makes sense when you explain it like that. I'm impressed." He complimented.
"And that is why we make such a great team. Because you have me to correct all your mistakes!" Katherine teased.
"Since when do I make mistakes!?" JR asked. He meant for his tone to sound light, but he couldn't keep a slight edge out of his question. As brilliant as he knew Katherine was, he didn't need her showing up his own abilities of scheming. Or anything else for that matter.
"Hmm… I really don't think you want me to answer that question, JR. So, why don't we move on and enjoy the rest of the Barbecue? But don't get any ideas about us going up to that hayloft. I have to watch where I walk around here enough as it is. No need to risk dirtying my clothes, too." Katherine said with a slight grimace at the thought of hay getting all over her dress.
This time, JR's reaction to Katherine's words was genuine. "Don't worry, honey. I wouldn't subject you to something like that. I know you're a real lady." He said with a warm smile. He had more planned for today than Katherine knew, and she would find that out soon enough…
AN: I am SO sorry for being away for like a million years again! I admit, I do prioritize some stories more than others. And I ran into some trouble with a newer one for awhile that made me feel like I had to rush to get it done. Thankfully, that one is completed now, so I'll have more time to get to everything else quicker. I originally intended to add more to this chapter, but the scene I had planned actually works out better in the chapter after this one since I couldn't figure out how to get it started. Next chapter will have a flashback of how Katherine and JR first met during the Barbecue from a couple years back (Barbecue Two) as well as a little surprise for you all. And then the story will really get moving more from there. BTW, I couldn't remember if JR had already known about Jenna falsely having Bobby's name on the birth certificate for Charlie and that is why he is so confident despite knowing he isn't the father. (At least I'm pretty sure he already knew about Naldo Marchetta from what I remember on the show.) So, I hope all of this still makes sense.