Reunion

Part 21

Sue Ellen awoke earlier than usual. She glanced at J.R.. He was sound asleep. She decided to swim a few laps in the pool, before eating breakfast. She carefully slipped out of bed, and showered before her swim. She put on a bathing suit, and wrapped a pareo around her waist. She grabbed a towel to use after her swim. She cautiously opened the bedroom door, quietly closing it behind her. She walked downstairs, and outside to the veranda. She removed the pareo, and placed the towel on a chaise. She stretched before entering the pool, to loosen up her muscles. She walked around the pool to the diving board, and effortlessly dove into the crystal blue water. She swam back and forth, from one end of the pool to the other. The cool morning breeze felt exhilarating. Sue Ellen had no idea how late it was, until she saw Teresa setting up breakfast for the family. She stopped swimming, and climbed the stairs out of the pool. She dried off, and quickly towel dried her hair. She walked past Teresa, and said, "Good morning, Teresa." Teresa smiled at her, and replied, "Good morning, Miss Sue Ellen." Sue Ellen walked into the house and through the kitchen. She started walking upstairs, as Miss Ellie and Clayton were walking downstairs. They exchanged greetings, and Sue Ellen told them that she and J.R. would join them in a few minutes. Sue Ellen walked down the hallway to the bedroom, gently turning the doorknob. She didn't want to wake J.R. She smiled when she discovered that he was still sleeping. She softly walked to the bathroom. She wanted to take a shower to rinse off the chlorine from the pool. She dried off afterwards, and pinned her hair on top of her head. She opened the bathroom door, and was greeted by J.R.'s smiling face. He said, "'Mornin', Sweetheart. How was your swim?" Sue Ellen eyed him suspiciously and asked, "How did you know I went swimming? I thought you were still asleep." J.R. said, "I heard the door close earlier, so I figured you were awake. I walked out onto the balcony, and watched you while you were in the pool." Sue Ellen kissed him, and asked if he needed help in the shower. He said, "No, but I wouldn't mind your company." Sue Ellen turned around, while J.R. closed the door behind him. Sue Ellen applied her make-up, while she waited for J.R. to finish his shower. She helped him bandage his ribs, and put his injured arm in the sling, as instructed by the ER Physician at Dallas Memorial. J.R. told her that he would be able to get dressed, without her assistance. She opened the door, and walked over to the closet to decide what she would wear. J.R. sat on the side of the bed, watching her.

J.R. and Sue Ellen walked downstairs to join the rest of the family for their morning meal. They were greeted as they stepped onto the patio. Miss Ellie asked J.R. how he was feeling. J.R. said. "I'm feelin' better, Mamma. Sue Ellen is takin' real good care of me." J.R. tightened his grip on Sue Ellen's knee. She turned to look at him. He grinned at her and winked. Bobby and Christopher excused themselves after eating. Christopher wanted to go horseback riding, and Bobby agreed to join him. John Ross said, "Mamma, would it be okay if I went to Tyson's house?" Sue Ellen said, "Yes, as long as Tyson's parents are home." Sue Ellen trusted John Ross, but Tyson was a different story. Tyson liked to play with matches, and start fires. Sue Ellen asked, "Did you need someone to drive you to Tyson's house?" John Ross said, "No, thank you. Grandpa Farlow already said that he would drive me over there." John Ross hugged and kissed his parents before leaving with Clayton. Miss Ellie said, "I'd better get ready to meet Mavis Anderson. We have a DOA meeting in San Antonio this afternoon." J.R. and Sue Ellen were alone, at last. J.R. reached for Sue Ellen's hand, and said, "I called a Travel Agency while you were in the pool. I asked them for some brochures with information about Tuscany, and tours of the surrounding area." Sue Ellen was surprised. She said, "You never cease to amaze me, Darlin'. I can't get over your being excited about our honeymoon." J.R. said, "Honey, I'm excited just knowin' you're here with me." Sue Ellen touched his chin and gently kissed his lips. J.R put his arm around her shoulder and deepened the kiss. Sue Ellen brushed his hair away from his eyes. The wind was blowing his hair in his face. J.R. asked her if she had any plans for the day. Sue Ellen said, "Well, I was going to drive into Dallas and catch up on some work at the boutique, but I don't want to leave you by yourself, so I'll stay here with you." Sue Ellen arose from her chair, and helped J.R. out of his chair. They held hands, as they walked inside the house.

Teresa stopped them as they were walking upstairs. Teresa said, "Mr. Ewing, sir, there is a person to person phone call for you." J.R. accepted the phone from Teresa's hand. He said, "Hello. J.R. Ewing, here." It was Bart calling from the Gulf. He had good news. J.R. continued talking while Sue Ellen walked into the parlor. She sat on the couch and opened a magazine. She started thumbing through the pages, while she waited for J.R. She placed the magazine back on the end table, when she heard the change in J.R.'s voice, signaling and end to his conversation. He walked into the parlor and said, "Darlin', that was Bart. He said that the rig is pumpin' full out, and they have yet to hit bottom." Sue Ellen knew enough about the oil industry to know what that meant for J.R.'s new business - success. She said, "That's wonderful, J.R." He said, "This calls for a celebration." Sue Ellen looked worried. She said, "Are you up for celebratin' so soon after the accident?" J.R. sat down next to her, and said, "Sue Ellen, aside from a couple of broken ribs, I'm as healthy as a horse. My shoulder doesn't even hurt any more." J.R. pulled his arm out of the sling, in an effort to prove to her that he was fine. She touched his shoulder, and asked, "Are you sure?" J.R. leaned over and kissed her. He said, "I'm positive, Sugar. I want to take you out for a night on the town." She grinned at him, and said, "You're on." J.R. stood up, and reached for her hand. They walked upstairs to get ready. J.R. opened the door for Sue Ellen, as he watched her walk into their bedroom. She started to unzip her skirt as her mobile phone started ringing. She said, "Darlin', will you answer that for me, please?" J.R. picked up the phone and said, "Hello." The voice on the other end of the line rudely asked, "Who the hell is this?" J.R. said, "This is J.R. Ewing. Who the hell are you?"

Sue Ellen peered around the door frame to see whom J.R. was talking to. The voice angrily said, "This is Don Lockwood. Sue Ellen's husband." Don said the wrong thing, to the wrong man. J.R. was infuriated. He said, "Listen, you ignorant son-of-a-bitch. Sue Ellen is no longer married to you, I don't give a damn if you did try to kill yourself over her. When are you gonna get it through your thick, English skull that it's over between you and her?" Sue Ellen cringed as she heard a string of obscenities being shouted by Don. Sue Ellen held out her hand, hoping that J.R. would give her the phone. J.R. reluctantly placed the phone into her outstretched hand. She hung up on Don, again. She was humiliated, and embarrassed. J.R. asked, "How often has that bastard been callin' here for you?" Sue Ellen stared at the floor. She could deal with Don. She wasn't so sure how she would deal with J.R.. She didn't want J.R. to get involved. She softly said, "He calls at least once a day." J.R. could tell that Sue Ellen didn't want to discuss her ex-husband. J.R. had his pride. He was not going to allow Don to interfere with their new life together. J.R. picked up the phone and called Harv Smithfield. Sue Ellen folded her arms across her chest. She wasn't sure whether to be worried about J.R., or Don. J.R. asked Harv when they were required to appear for Miranda Barrington's trial. Harv checked his court records. They were expected in two days, before eight o'clock in the morning. J.R. told Harv that they would meet him in his office before seven-thirty on the day of the hearing. J.R. put the phone back on it's base. Sue Ellen was staring out their bedroom window, terrified about what J.R. might say to her. J.R. put his arms around her and kissed her cheek. Sue Ellen exhaled, she had been holding her breath. J.R. said, "I didn't mean to upset you, Sugar." He turned her around to see her face. He continued, "I love you, Sue Ellen. Don had his chance. I can't imagine what your life with him was like. I can promise you one thing, you'll never want for anything." J.R. kissed her, reassuring her that he wasn't angry with her. He would take care of Don . . . his way.

J.R. lay on his side, on top of the bed, waiting for Sue Ellen to dress for their evening together. Sue Ellen walked into the bedroom when she finished getting ready. J.R. did a double-take when he saw Sue Ellen. She wore a black, sleeveless evening gown with a low draped neckline. The gown was open to the waist in the back, and appeared to be molded to her curvaceous figure. Sue Ellen held her arms at her sides, as she turned around, and modeled the dress for him. J.R. rolled off of the bed and stood on the floor in front of Sue Ellen. He was speechless. She reached up her hands, and straightened the lapels of his tuxedo jacket. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her neck. Sue Ellen caught her breath and said, "I'm ready when you are, Darlin'." J.R. placed his hand at the waistband of her gown as they walked downstairs. He had arranged for the Ewing limousine to drive them into Dallas. J.R. opened the door of the limousine for her and held it open as she climbed inside. He smiled as he thought to himself, this would be a night they'd never forget. The driver opened the door on the other side of the limo, and held it open until J.R. was seated inside. J.R. had given the driver instructions where to drive, so there would be no interruptions. Sue Ellen could smell J.R.'s cologne. It was a very masculine scent. She had a hard time controlling her need for him. J.R. put his arm around her. He whispered in her ear, "I love you, Sue Ellen. You look gorgeous tonight." Sue Ellen leaned her head into the side of his neck. She reached for the hand he had around her shoulder, and laced her fingers with his. J.R. kissed the top of her head. The sun was setting behind the Dallas skyline. The view was spectacular. J.R. had reserved an intimate table for two at Sue Ellen's favorite Italian restaurant, Mi Piaci. J.R. thought to himself as he held Sue Ellen in his arms, the pleasure would be entirely his own.

The hostess seated them at their reserved table. The dimly lit table was enhanced by the glow of a candle inside a hurricane lamp. J.R. pulled out the chair for Sue Ellen, touching her back as she took her seat. The hostess handed them their menus, and a wine list. J.R. reached across the table for Sue Ellen's hand. The flickering light from the candle added an air of romance to the atmosphere J.R. wanted for their evening together. J.R. lifted Sue Ellen's hand to his lips, and kissed the back of her hand. Sue Ellen smiled demurely. She enjoyed it immensely when J.R permitted her to see his romantic side. Their Maitre' d approached their table and inquired about their choice of a beverage. J.R. ordered a St. Pelligrino bottled water for Sue Ellen, and a Grignolino d'Asti for himself.

The waiter returned with their drinks, and asked if they were ready to order. J.R. held out his hand, motioning for Sue Ellen to order first. She ordered the spinach Gnocchi. The waiter said, "Very well, Ma'am, and for you, sir?" J.R. said, "I believe I will have the Carpacci." The water left their table to place their order with the Chef. Sue Ellen glanced around the restaurant. She turned back, and smiled at J.R. He leaned over and kissed her cheek. Sue Ellen fluttered her eyelashes. She hadn't seen this side of J.R. in years. The waiter returned with the food items they had ordered. J.R. lifted his wine glass and said, "To my beautiful bride to be," as he gently tapped his glass against the side of the glass Sue Ellen held in her hand. Sue Ellen softly said, "Thank you, J.R." They enjoyed their meal, and followed their dinner with a delectable dessert. J.R. paid for their meal with his credit card, and left a substantial gratuity for their waiter.

The limousine drove to the nightclub they went to a few weeks earlier. J.R. wanted to go dancing. They walked inside the nightclub, and J.R. tipped the band to play something slow and romantic. He turned to Sue Ellen, and said, "May I have this dance?" Sue Ellen grinned at him. She replied, "I'd be delighted." J.R. placed his hand around her waist. Sue Ellen shivered as his hand touched her bare back. J.R. smiled knowingly. He gracefully led her in each dance. Sue Ellen admired J.R. for his knowledge of seduction. He had certainly won her favor, she thought. J.R held her tightly to him, wanting to feel her, needing her touch. She leaned her head against his shoulder. She closed her eyes. The room seemed to be spinning. She felt dizzy. They danced until the wee hours of the morning. J.R. kissed her as the band played their final number. J.R. tipped the band leader, as he and Sue Ellen left the nightclub. Their limousine driver held the door open while J.R. helped Sue Ellen inside. J.R. had another surprise in store for her. Sue Ellen was getting tired, but her curiosity was getting the better of her. J.R. reserved a suite at The Fairmont. He had filled the room with elaborate floral arrangements. He opened the door to their suite. He lifted Sue Ellen into his arms, and carried her over the threshold. He lowered her to the floor, as he closed the door. Sue Ellen was enchanted by the fragrance of each bouquet. J.R. watched her as she walked around the room, inhaling the heady combinations of the different flowers. J.R. walked outside to the balcony. He held out his hand for Sue Ellen to join him. She gasped, as she was greeted with a dramatic view of the city of Dallas. J.R. pulled her into his arms. Sue Ellen put her arms around his neck. He leaned forward, and kissed her waiting lips. Sue Ellen felt his hands on her back, and inhaled sharply. She was dazzled by his kiss. J.R. lifted her into his arms, and carried her back into their suite. He placed her on the bed so gently, she barely noticed. Sue Ellen was hypnotized by his gaze, as he hovered over her. She whispered, "Make love to me, J.R." He reached out, and turned off the lamp on the table next to the bed . . .