Bobby's lip twitched, a nervous and involuntary action. There was an inexplicable silence while the whole family settled for their pre-dinner drink. J.R. and Sue Ellen's blissful period seemed to have come to an abrupt halt for no obvious reason. "Rumour has it, you're a likely contender for Oil Baron of the Year, J.R.," he finally initiated conversation, however mundane.
"Well, they're suckers for a sob-story and nobody can beat my near-death experience now, can they?"
His reference to Kristin's attempt on his life riled Sue Ellen, who haphazardly attempted to knit a baby blanket. "Surely such a prestigious award relies on skill, not your social standing in the oil community."
"Darlin', I think you'll find our social standing in the community was well-earned, not simply by name but due respect." J.R. contentiously addressed his wife, "I had adequate skill to seize and conquer the assets from Campbell Energies, if you would be so kind remember? Besides, it's luck, too, and I've had my fair share."
"I thought you were a man of practicality, not luck." Sue Ellen's eyes wandered to Pam, who did her best to ignore the conversation. "Pamela, I understand Cliff has made quite the name for himself since Rebecca hired him to work for Wentworth Industries."
Her brother-in-law visibly reacted to Cliff's name and Pam nonchalantly shrugged her shoulders, determined not to let her brother be dragged into the midst of another feud between J.R. and Sue Ellen. "Cliff rarely discusses his business affairs with me, Sue Ellen. Wentworth Industries had a position they needed to fill and Cliff offered his services to Rebecca as a favour. It may not be a permanent arrangement."
J.R. burst into laughter, "I think we all know the oil business isn't for that moronic brother of yours. It's surely a favour from Rebecca to him."
"Excuse me," Pam slammed her book shut and stormed from the inevitable argument.
"Thanks, J.R.," Bobby meekly followed his wife.
Sue Ellen relentlessly bore holes into J.R.'s chest but her husband rebuffed the animosity. "Don't look at me, darlin'. You mentioned the pipsqueak first." He behaved as if he were faultless in the situation, as always. "Besides, none of this would have happened if you would speak to me privately in a civil manner." It had been one low-blow after another lately. "I assume you've been in contact with Kristin, still."
"J.R.," she slumped into the cushions, exasperated. His eyes pursued her answer and she widened her eyes, "Yes, I've spoken to Kristin but this isn't about her. It's about us, and our hopes for the future. J.R., when we moved to Alaska, you painted a picture of our lives in our own home. I didn't realise how much we needed that until we moved back to Dallas." She adored the Ewing's, unconditionally, but their interference suffocated any hope of her marriage succeeding.
"Southfork is our home, honey."
"It's your parents' home, J.R., not ours. Do you really want to live with Bobby and Pam for the rest of your life?" J.R. squirmed; he prayed for the day Bobby would divorce that Barnes woman. "You may not understand this but I felt more at home in those few months in Alaska, than I have in over ten years at Southfork. I want my own home, I want my own kitchen, I want my own garden." She beseeched him, implored him, for her needs to be met, too. "You're finally the president of your own company, J.R., you're your own man. Why won't you let me be my own woman?"
Firstly, his father would disown him. "Sue Ellen," he whined, his lips forming a childish pout.
"A home of our own, J.R.," Sue Ellen purred, her look puzzled. "Don't you want that?"
Before her husband could respond, his father entered the equation, "Well, junior, do you?" His father's figure dominated the doorway, furiously.
It didn't happen often but J.R. found himself trapped between a rock and a hard place; the two individuals heloved most in the world, begging his loyalty to lie with them. He shrunk into himself, speechless. Eventually, his shoulders stiffened and his expression hardened, too. "Well, dad, it would make sense." A smile of amazement hitched onto Sue Ellen's lips while her father-in-law became visibly flustered. "What with the new baby on the way. If Sue Ellen and I found our own place, it would certainly free up space here at Southfork and your lives would be all the more peaceful. It feels like the natural step," he agreeably noted, squeezing Sue Ellen's hand.
"There's more than enough room here at Southfork, J.R., it's our family home." Jock contended, his voice barely audible in comparison to his usual blare. "Think of your mama, this will break her heart. She's only just got you back, now you want to leave permanently!"
"Miss Ellie will understand," Sue Ellen confidently replied when her husband's face quivered in consideration. "She understands the importance of doing whatever needs be to help a marriage. Besides, we have no plans to leave Dallas. In fact, I've had my eye on a house no more than a mile from Southfork." Sue Ellen actively linked arms with her father-in-law, "If you could talk to Miss Ellie, reassure her of our presence, I think she'll be comforted."
"Well..." Jock cleared his throat, "If you're sure about this?" He stretched his hand, "I'm proud of you, son."
Blustered, J.R. forced himself to shake his father's hand and feigned nonchalance. "Thank you, sir." His eyes darted toward Sue Ellen, who mischievously winked, her smile as devilish as his, and a new respect for her burst inside of him. No woman, but his mother, had ever manipulated the great Jock Ewing and J.R. didn't think any woman would be able to do so... until Sue Ellen.