Dallas, Texas

"JR, a word", leaving the women cooing over his grandson, who was definitely worthy of such attention, Jock pulled JR aside, showing him into the downstairs office for a little talk before he likely took off again. Having John Ross overnight had been a joy, he didn't get to spend much time with his grandson and he sometimes had trouble making the most of what little time he did have, but he understood what time with him meant and wished to continue to be a presence in his life. There was more to being the patriarch of the family than just doting on his grandchildren though, he had a responsibility to make sure his sons, and now nephew too, understood their places in the family and the company. He kept an eye on Bobby and Jack just as he did JR, but it was JR he was most concerned about, he had the most to lose and the most potential to cause real problems for the rest of the family if he stepped out of line or even thought about living the way he had in the past. Sue Ellen had made it clear she wouldn't tolerate his past behaviour and from what he'd seen of her the previous evening she wouldn't have a problem finding herself another man and moving on if that was what she had to do. If that did happen over his dead body was she going to take John Ross away from them if he had anything to do with it, though apparently the law said otherwise. He didn't foresee a breakup any time soon for his son and daughter-in-law, but there was always a chance and if he knew JR, there was always a need to remind him of what he stood to lose and how he ought to behave toward his wife.

"I have a few things to say and I want to say them without interruption", speaking as JR closed the door behind him, he waited to see his son nod before continuing. "Good, now, I've said it before but I think it needs to be said again, so you don't get too comfortable with the new normal and begin to stray. I don't think I need to tell you that Sue Ellen is a pretty girl, that's an understatement in fact; she knows it, you know it, we all know it, she knows now too she has the ability to use that as a power over men. She might not have been fully aware of in the past, back before whatever that damn therapist did to her, but she has a lot more confidence now. Keeping that in mind, I want confirmation from you that you understand that while that girl only has eyes for you now, she also possess a charm that could give other men ideas and if you're not careful opportunities could arise from that charm, opportunities she could find tempting if she was feeling in any way neglected. Do you understand what I'm saying?" Hoping he didn't have to spell it out for JR, because his son did seem to be a better husband now than he had been in the past, he still didn't have any regrets about saying what he had, someone had to.

"Yes sir, I think I do. I don't know what's brought this on, Sue Ellen and I are very happy and I have been nothing but faithful to her since we recommitted to each other, nevertheless, I understand and don't disagree. I'd like to leave it at that though, if you don't mind, we're happy and I understand my position, I don't need you to remind me of that, not unprovoked, in fact, not ever, my marriage is my business". Sensing JR's defensiveness about his relationship, Jock was satisfied with his eldest son's commitment and understanding and decided not to push further for now, there would be plenty of opportunity to make his fatherly presence known if anything ever did go wrong, he was always watching.

"Good, now, tell me about your evening with your brother and cousin. You know I want you boys to make something of this opportunity", genuinely interested in JR's answer because he had only just begun to warm to Jack as a member of the family, he hoped for an answer related both to family bonds and employability, something to reassure him that taking a chance was a good idea. "It was a good time; we had a few drinks, played some cards and talked, you know, casual, friendly. Jack and I are going to play squash together sometime this week and I think he and Bob have plans too. As for the opportunities available, we'll have to wait and see how things go; it's one thing to have a good time on your own time, it's another to use your social skills to make a deal that benefits everyone". Receiving a response that reiterated JR's hesitation when it came to bringing Jack into Ewing Oil, he frowned to himself, but accepted the answer he was given. He trusted his gut instinct about Jack, that he was just a boy looking for better than what Jason had, JR had always been suspicious of newcomers though and his hesitation was probably only natural. JR also made a good point about skills not necessarily being transferrable; he wanted Jack to be the one and he thought he would be, but the only way of really knowing how suitable he was for the job at Ewing Oil was to put him to work and assess him.

"Well, I'm glad to hear you're making an effort, squash is a good start. As for work, I'll tell Julie to organise a meeting to talk about his first performance first thing on Wednesday morning", they could only wait and see what happened, but Monday and Tuesday would be a good place to start their assessment of Jack's abilities. Naturally, there would be a period where his nephew would seem out of his depth, he would have to learn from Bobby what the job entailed, that was exactly why sending him to Midland and Odessa was a good idea though. West Texas was a good place for any beginner to start, the men they dealt with there were smart but didn't play the games some of their other business connections tried to; a good time and a few material perks would keep Ewing Oil's name sounding positive and give Jack a little taste of what was expected of him. Spreading goodwill was not necessarily hard, there was an art to it though, one had to have some charm, luckily for Jack, he was a Ewing and Ewings had charm.

"Sounds reasonable to me. Was that all?" seeming a little antsy and ready to leave, JR's next comment provided him with the justification for the final point he wanted to address. "Almost, I have one final thing to say and I don't want to hear any backchat from you about how it's not fair. I want to remind you again of the conversation we had before you moved out of Southfork, taking my grandson with you. I'm sure you remember that promises of family dinners and regular visits were made. Now, I understand you want your own home, your wife made that perfectly clear, as did your mama, I just want you to think about everyone you left behind. You saw your mama in there with John Ross, she's been like the entire time he's been with us; it's good for her to have him around, I have to say I quite like it myself, that boy brings life to Southfork, makes this house feel like the home it's supposed to be. All I want from you now is confirmation again that you intend to continue to make an effort with this family. It's been a welcome change having the three of you back here since Jack's come to town and I'd hate to see that progress halted. I think Jack said it well, it doesn't have to be dinner, but it has to be something, something the family can all participate in together". The family was important to him and he felt as if he was continually trying to keep them together; as long as he succeeded though, his efforts were worth it.

"Mm, daddy we've had this conversation not long ago. We need our own space, but we're not going anywhere as far as the family is concerned. Give us that space and things improve. Pushing me to spend every waking moment here, or all together, isn't necessary though. You and mama can see John Ross as much as you like, you know that, you also have other commitments, as do Sue Ellen and I. We see each other at the office every day, we have family dinners and drinks often, and I've even started to make an effort to spend more time with Bobby and Jack; I'm trying, but don't push me, please". Speaking in a frustrated tone, it was clear to Jock that JR was just that, probably tired of having the same conversation repeatedly. To him, it seemed it would be easier if his son just did as he wished and spent more time with the family, it would save him having to remind him of his responsibilities, but apparently JR saw it differently, he saw himself as already making more than enough effort and it not being enough.

"Now boy, it's like you weren't even listening, I'm not pushing, I'm reminding you of the terms of our agreement, and yes, acknowledging that you have been making an effort. If you had been listening, you would have heard me say that all I want from you now is confirmation again that you intend to continue to do that, and that it's been nice having you and your family back recently. I don't know what that therapist has been teaching you but it's clearly not listening skills". Speaking gruffly, he could see JR's continued frustration with their conversation on his face and was beginning to feel the same way himself. Luckily, for both of them, JR appeared to finally have acquired the ability to comprehend what he was saying and eventually responded with a satisfactory answer. "Daddy, this is ridiculous; we're making an effort and will continue to do so. John Ross will always know Southfork as a Ewing family home, he'll know his grandparents as well as he can, and Sue Ellen and I will continue to do exactly as we have been when it comes to family time. Everyone has their own commitments to attend to, but the family will not suffer because of those commitments, not on my part at least, Bobby and Jack I can't control. Now, instead of us discussing this again, unnecessarily, why don't we join the rest of the family for some of that time together". Not even waiting for an answer, JR then turned and walked toward the door, leaving Jock standing in the office alone, and not one to want to miss out on family time, he followed, though he wasn't pleased about not having the last word.

To be continued…