Tyler, Texas

"Well, I'm sure you'd agree that you're a woman who lives life better with money", making a comment that he considered to be based firmly in fact, JR watched Jenna with interest as she appeared to truly think about his opinion. It was hardly a stretch to say that she, Jenna Wade, appreciated wealth, everything in his research and personal knowledge pointed in that exact direction, but for some reason, she seemed to be in no hurry to agree with his assumption.

"I don't know what to say, I can't be sure you're not going to spin it into a negative feature", doubtful of JR's supposed good intentions, Jenna was cautious about verbally agreeing with his comments, even if she couldn't really deny they were true; it was only natural to consider life better with money, everyone knew that, especially her. She worked hard to maintain her lifestyle, though she also worked hard to hide how difficult it could be at times; no one would choose to have everything, lose it suddenly and then have to fend for themselves at a young age like she had, or at least she didn't think they would if they understood what it involved. It was hard dating and maintaining a good relationship with men she didn't like so much, but she did it, because she and Charlie deserved nice things, and with the speed at which things could change, uncomfortable circumstances didn't last forever, so it was a small price to pay for a comfortable life. Most of the time a comfortable life came easily to her though, she was an appealing woman, she knew that and she used that to her full advantage, attaching herself to men she liked and who liked her.

"I'm not, I love money, you know that", responding casually, JR continued to watch Jenna with interest; she was being difficult and he didn't understand why, she knew who she was and so did he, it shouldn't be so difficult for them to be on the same page. Nodding in response as he reiterated his appreciation of wealth, showing her it was nothing to be ashamed of, Jenna appeared to him to let her guard down a bit, which he appreciated, though her slightly sour facial expression told him she still wasn't convinced he wasn't trying to trap her, to trick her into saying something she'd later regret. He couldn't really blame her for being cautious around him, he wasn't dependable, honest, boring Bobby, he was sneaky, scary, questionable JR, in a very basic sense, he was the Ewing brother a girl would be better off not trusting if she knew what was good for her. In this situation though, he didn't have any ill intent for her, he just wanted to make a point; Jenna Wade was who she had always been, a girl who knew and understood money, even if she had never earned a dime in her life.

"Anyway, I was making a point. What I was really getting at was that my wife Sue Ellen is a lady who also lives a better life with money; recently though, she's made it clear that the DOA set are not exactly her type of people. That's where you come in. You understand this world, you know where to go and how to have a good time, that's what she wants more of and I support that. With our boy being so young still though, we both feel it's important for her to find a balance between the two; I'm sure you understand, you have a little girl of your own". Explaining the situation in a way Sue Ellen might not appreciate as it made her sound a little on the needy, incapable side, he said what he had to say in order to get Jenna interested, which her developing smile, or smirk, told him she was.

"Let me get this straight, you arranged to meet me because I know what it's like to be a mother and have a good time? What has Dallas become in my absence? I know the DOA ladies aren't the life of the party, but there's more to Dallas than the DOA", responding in a tone that JR interpreted as conveying her disbelief rather than her disapproval of the situation, Jenna paused for a few seconds as she considered what else he had just told her, and asked her.

"I think I understand you better now, you've got me interested; if anyone can bring life to a group like the DOA, it's me, not to toot my own horn or anything". Smirking without shame this time as she spoke, she finally felt comfortable; JR wasn't asking her to liven up the DOA, which she could do, he was asking her to do something much easier, meet his wife who was clearly sick of the DOA, as any young woman would be, or at least any young woman like her.

"I'd also love to meet the lady who turned you into whoever you are now, matchmaker, or something else, I can't tell what your true motives are, but I suppose I don't mind playing whatever game you're playing if this is it. I won't return to Dallas to beg Bobby to take me back, so if that's your secret plan you can forget it now, but showing another woman how and where to have fun, that I can do. Don't complain to me when your wife does start to enjoy herself though…" giggling at his frown as she finished speaking, she felt good about what he was asking of her. If she had any skills, finding a good time was one she was qualified to teach, and after years of spending most of her time with the men she dated or her daughter, female companionship was appealing, especially companionship with a woman as intriguing as the woman who'd actually married JR Ewing.

Amused by his frown, a frown that told her that perhaps he wasn't quite ready to have a wife who behaved like her, considering that she had shunned marriage because she felt it was too restrictive for her liking, she quickly changed the topic, because she was actually interested in something else he had said. "I'm surprised you didn't mention your son when we were talking about your daddy, a grandson is one of the most precious things a man like Jock can have, another generation to continue the family name. I assume I'm right in referring to him as John Ross? Some things seem to have changed since we last spoke, but surely not that". Taking another sip of her coffee, she felt like she was properly tasting it for the first time since she'd sat down; things had taken a turn for the better and she was relaxed and actually enjoying the conversation now.

"See, that's why I always liked you, you just get it, all of it", grinning at her, JR meant what he said; he had always liked Jenna; he didn't like what she'd done to his brother, even without the details as to why she'd done it, but before that, he'd never had any issues with her. Now, compared to Pamela Barnes, she held even more of an appeal as a sister-in-law or even just as one of his wife's friends, though he had to admit that he may have underestimated her positive reaction to the thought of returning to Dallas to retake the town with Sue Ellen at her side. He wanted Sue Ellen to be happy and have a friend, or friends, but he didn't want her following in Jenna's footsteps in every aspect; he liked knowing she was dedicated to their family and home life and he didn't want that to change too much. Lunches and shopping with someone younger and more fun than the DOA ladies was what he had in mind for her rather than what he now worried Jenna might have in mind. It really wasn't worth concerning himself too much about Jenna's influence anytime soon though, he was still very early on in his plan and Sue Ellen was still the same loving, dedicated wife he liked her to be.

"I'll take that as a compliment", responding, Jenna smiled at him and he had to smile back, she was being friendly and it was easy to relax with her when she was like that, especially compared to when she was being defensive. "Good, it was a compliment. You're right too, about my son, his name is John Ross, John Ross Ewing III", announcing his boy's name with pride, he beamed, his son's name had been decided years before he ever existed and yes, it was predictable, but that predictability was a good thing in his mind, everyone knew the Ewings, as they should, they were worth knowing.

Nodding at JR's confirmation of his son's name, Jenna smiled to herself, she had been right, though she'd never needed confirmation of that, not really, she'd been around long enough to know it was never going to be anything else. "So, your wife, Sue Ellen, she knows about all of this? If I meet her, it's all transparent? Or have you got some other plans you're not telling me about?" Moving on from his son, she attempted to clarify the situation she was getting herself into; JR could be sneaky and it would be naïve to assume the side of the story she was getting was the same side his wife was getting, so asking direct questions to better understand the details was always a good idea.

"Well, she doesn't exactly know I'm here with you right now seeing as this was all very last minute, but yes, she's involved in our social expansion, in fact, it was her idea and I'm sure she'll be thrilled when I tell her later, after all, who better to socialise with than a woman who understands my family perfectly". Responding in a charming tone, his smile matched his words, though she knew not to trust things at face value. "Well, that's very flattering, but I don't know whether I'd go quite that far; if my past with your family says anything it's that I made some bad, ill-judged and ill-timed decisions where they were concerned". Reminding him again that the picture he had in mind and what might actually happen were two different things, she had to smile at how quickly he responded to her, attempting to reassure her and minimise her concerns.

"That might be so, but Sue Ellen wasn't a part of that, and I'm sure mama and daddy understand now. Bobby doesn't mention it much, if at all, but he's not gone off the rails as a result either, so I don't think your decisions have ruined anybody or are cause not to try again". Acting as if it would be easy and everyone would just accept her back, without asking a lot of questions, she decided not to push the negative, not before it actually happened; she had little to lose by trying, it wasn't as if she actually had any meaningful relationship with the Ewings anymore anyway. "You really want this, don't you?" responding, she questioned him, already knowing the answer, his asking her to meet him had told her all she really needed to know, because he didn't do something for no reason.

"I'd like it, yes, but I'm not going to tie you up and haul you back to Dallas against your will if you don't want to come, it's your decision". Answering her in a soft tone, JR made sure not to appear too pushy, he wanted her to agree, but forcing her into submission was not the way he wanted it to be. An angry Jenna Wade was not someone he had time for at the moment, a perky former and potentially current rich girl to occupy his wife's time and distract his brother was more what he was looking for.

"Well, I can't pretend I'm not interested, your wife must be an impressive lady to have made so many changes since I was last around, and you're right, I do know your world well, or I did at one time. What exactly did you have in mind?" finally appearing agreeable, he was pleased with the way things were going, and he wasted no time in securing her for his plan. "Let's start with tea, you ladies like that sort of thing, don't you? I'll write down the address for you, I'm sure you won't need directions though". Smirking to himself as he found his own comment amusing, even if she didn't, because she didn't understand it, not as he intended it at least, he considered his exit from the situation. He'd already taken time out of his work day, visiting a nearby drill site, to have this conversation with her, but he couldn't really take a whole lot more time to explain how much things had changed since she'd last been around Braddock County.

"JR, I might not have been to Southfork for years, but I could still find my way there blindfolded if I had to", replying with confusion and frustration to his comment, JR took pleasure in her reaction, he didn't think she was stupid like she seemed to think he did, but he enjoyed annoying her with those thoughts. "This address is not for Southfork, we have a home of our own. You're not the only one who had reservations about being a married woman at Southfork", opening his wallet, he pulled one of his business cards out and scribbled down a familiar address along with a time and date before handing it to her. "I must be going now, I've got a lot of work to do back at the office. We'll see you then", tossing a few notes on the table for the coffee and tip he then nodded at her and grabbed his hat, ready to make his exit.

"I look forward to it, I'm sure if anything it will be interesting", not having looked at the address on the card, Jenna followed his movements with her eyes, assessing his behaviours as she did. The JR she had grown up with had never done much of anything without an ulterior motive, so she didn't exactly trust him, however, she didn't have much to lose either, and she was curious, so accepting an invitation for tea seemed like an easy choice to make. If things went well with JR's mysterious wife, she might have an excuse to reintegrate into Dallas life, and if they didn't get along, no harm was done, she had her fair share of contacts in Tyler already and she hadn't depleted them of their resources just yet.

"I'm sure you're right", smiling at her as he turned and began to head toward the door, he laughed to himself as he took one last look at her as he reached to grab the handle; her facial expression said it all, she had read his writing and it had thrown her.

To be continued…