Dallas, Texas

"But you promised you'd take me dancing on Saturday night", Sue Ellen whined as JR packed his bag, she couldn't believe he was doing this again, he had promised to pay more attention to her, but they were only a few weeks into the new year and already it felt like Ewing Oil was taking over his life again. The worst part of the whole situation was the fact that JR didn't even seem to care about the effect it was having on their marriage; he either didn't understand just how much she needed him around, or he did understand and still chose to ignore it; either way, it hurt her. JR sighed, his wife's nagging was the last thing he needed right now, he was already overworked and stressed out, he didn't need her to around making him feel guilty about his obligations, "I know I said that, but this is business, I have to go, Ewing Oil is depending on me". Sue Ellen pouted, it wasn't fair that Jock and Bobby got to stay in Dallas, but JR had to go out of town on business, "Ewing Oil is depending on you? You specifically?" she was annoyed, she could almost count on one hand the amount of dates they'd had this year, his preoccupation with the oil business was getting worse, and she couldn't work out why. Their marriage had been a little distant toward the end of the previous year, but he had been so attentive during the holiday break, and when he recommitted to spending time with her, she really believed him; so far though, his actions this year had been anything but those of a completely loving and committed husband. "Yes me!" he growled at her, now angry that she was questioning his motives; it was honestly just a business trip, one that was totally necessary and would probably involve a lot of meetings in boardrooms, something he didn't mind, but he didn't particularly enjoy either. It wasn't a fun trip where his only goal was to spread a little goodwill and influence a few people to view Ewing Oil favourably; if he was lucky he may have time for a little fun, but that wasn't the purpose of his trip, and he didn't like being talked to as if he was deliberately ditching her. "The oil industry is volatile right now and I have to do whatever it takes to make sure that we are still successful despite the changes going on, so that means that if there are people in other cities and states that can help us, it's up to me to make sure that they do. I am the vice president, it's my job to be on top of these things; and if you know anything about me, then you know that there is absolutely no way I'm sending Bobby out there to negotiate something this important. Then there's daddy, everyone knows him and everyone respects him, but a lot of our contacts have always dealt with me, they know me, and they trust me. There may be three Ewings at Ewing Oil, but I'm the one with most of the power". He paused and walked closer to her, seeing the expression on her face as he had started speaking, she was shocked by his outburst and he realised that he had probably come off more aggressively than he'd intended to; he didn't want her to be upset, he just wanted her to understand where he was coming from. He calmed his voice as he spoke to her, "look, I'm not leaving to hurt you, and if I had any other choice, I would stay in Dallas, but I don't, so instead of getting upset and nagging me, I need you to support me and understand that it's my job and it's important". He didn't want to fight with her, he was already stressed and he didn't need her adding to that; it frustrated him that she was even questioning him though, that wasn't her place and it wasn't what he needed. He couldn't understand her, she usually spent all of her time trying to please him by being a good wife, and as much as he appreciated her efforts, most of the time he didn't really need her to try so hard. This was different though, this was one of the times that he really required her to just support him unconditionally and not question him, but instead of doing that, she decided to start an argument.

Sue Ellen watched his expression as he explained everything and she was annoyed with herself for pushing him to that point, he was clearly strained and she wasn't helping the situation; she didn't know what had gotten into her, she knew not to question her husband, especially not about his work commitments; she obviously wasn't thinking straight. "I'm sorry, I understand, Ewing Oil has to come first. You go and do whatever you need to do, and I'll be here waiting for you when you return. Is there anything you need me to do right now?" she swapped her irritated demeanour for a more submissive personality, knowing that that was what her husband needed right now and she had spoken out of line; the last thing she wanted was for him to leave town while he was angry with her. She trusted him, but she was still afraid that he would one day wake up and realise that he didn't really love her and he didn't want to be married to her anymore, and that was something that she was not prepared for; she had to stay on his good side, or the consequences would hurt her greatly. JR watched her as she changed back into the lady he had married, quiet and timid, willing to do anything for him; he didn't really need her to do anything, he was perfectly capable of packing his own suitcase, but he knew she would take it personally if he turned down her offer to help. "Mhm, I'll be gone for four or five days, so I'll need as many ties, maybe one extra. You go and pick your favourites, and I'll be sure to think of you each morning as I get ready", he humoured her by assigning her a small task, but she didn't appear to notice, she was just pleased that he didn't seem upset anymore and he still wanted her around. Sue Ellen watched as JR packed his things, she really did love him, and she could deal with a small amount of personal discomfort as long as he was happy. It wouldn't be forever, it was just until he got things under control again; she was sure that once the oil business evened out again, he would have more time for her and their marriage would go back to the way it was a few months ago, she could deal with everything as long as she held onto that hope.

To be continued…