Dallas, Texas

Sitting silently studying the details of Pamela's face from just inches away, Bobby had mixed feelings when he heard someone clearing their throat and looked up to find JR setting his drink down on the table and taking a seat, watching him expectantly before speaking, "Bob, aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?" On one hand, it was a welcome distraction to have someone say something, because neither he nor Pamela had spoken a word to each other since agreeing to take a seat and although he was thoroughly enjoying mentally mapping her beautiful face, he couldn't deny there wasn't a somewhat awkward atmosphere between them. On the other hand, he wanted to smack the grin right off JR's face and tell him to leave them alone, from the way he was looking at them, it was clear he could tell everything was not quite right and was angling for an invitation into the conversation to dig deeper. "Ahem, yes, of course. JR, Pamela, Pamela, my brother JR", feeling obligated to at least start politely, because it wouldn't do socially to cause a scene, nor would it probably impress Pamela, he hoped JR was just as unfamiliar with the faces of the Barnes family as he had been originally and still was when it came to anyone other than Pamela herself. "Not the Pamela?" Seeing JR seeming to show some recognition, he worried for a moment that his brother, being older and more likely to have a dossier on even those he considered unimportant, was actually recognising Pamela as Pamela Barnes, though from the absence of comments about her family that followed, it was more likely he only recognised her first name from conversation.

"Well, I'm not sure what the Pamela means, but if you're referring to the incident at the skating rink then yes, that's me", trying to play it cool with Bobby's brother for the sake of politeness and not creating additional issues between their families, Pam smiled politely before turning her attention back to Bobby. She couldn't deny it, she was strongly physically attracted to Bobby, emotionally too, though she couldn't say her emotions were linked to any particular conversation, in fact, so far, their interactions had either consisted of arguing, polite small talk, or silence. It was unfortunate, because she didn't really want to talk to JR, but it seemed his presence was what was needed to actually spur a conversation, because neither she nor Bobby had done much other than look at each other since taking a breather from the dancefloor.

"Hm, I was actually referring to the times my wife mentioned you in passing, but I suppose one of those times did have to do with skating, so yes, that Pamela". Looking at the girl as he spoke, JR couldn't shake the feeling that there was something familiar about her, though he refrained from asking in front of Bobby in case that something turned out to be that they'd once been bed partners; he knew his little brother well enough to know he wouldn't react well if that were true. As he studied her appearance a little more though, he began to doubt his initial assumption of where he knew her from; he liked younger women, his own wife was eight years his junior, but this girl, she was fresh-faced, young enough that she likely still remembered everything about high school. He knew her face, but not from any kind of intimate experience, thankfully, he could just imagine not only Bobby's reaction, but Sue Ellen's reaction too if they unwittingly invited his past into their present.

"Oh? Sue Ellen mentioned me?" Surprised by JR's comment, Pam found herself more interested in a conversation with JR Ewing than she wanted to be; Cliff never spoke highly of him, though Sue Ellen did, it surprised her that Sue Ellen had told him about her though, especially since they'd only met a couple of times prior to their proper conversation earlier in the evening. "Don't flatter yourself honey, your name came up in passing in a couple of conversations…" listening to his elaboration, her eyes widened as she noted his sarcastic tone; perhaps she had seemed a little eager to hear what Sue Ellen had said about her, but there was no need for him to respond in such a rude manner. "Don't flatter myself? Forgive me for trying to be polite and make conversation; I sure won't make that mistake again…" Staring him in the eye as she spoke, she waited a couple of seconds for Bobby to intervene before standing and doing so herself, "I'm sorry Bobby, I think I should go back to my friends…" As much as she wanted to stay, because she did like Bobby, she couldn't ignore the fact that he'd said nothing to stop JR, nor to defend her or stop her from leaving. She had to go, to prove a point; his 'Bobby-Ewing-handsome-wealthy-playboy' thing wasn't going to work on her, if he wanted her, he was going to have to work to get her. A bit of distance between them probably wasn't a bad thing either, if she wasn't careful, she'd end up going to bed with him before they ever even had a proper, civil conversation, and while sex was something she enjoyed, it generally wasn't something she entered into so quickly; leaving now would stop her from making any rash decisions.

"Pamela…" attempting to grab hold of her hand as she stood to leave, Bobby turned and glared at his brother; JR had the ability to say very little and still manage to come across as charming, or a complete jerk, depending on what tone he used when speaking. "Why do you have to act like that? She was just trying to be friendly; you mentioned Sue Ellen, so naturally she was going to take the conversation from there", shaking his head, he pushed his drink aside and stood, walking away from their table in a huff. He didn't have a clue where Pamela and her friends were sitting, but right now that didn't matter, he just had to get away from JR for a little while.

To be continued…