Author’s Note: I realize it’s been quite a long time since I’ve posted a continuation to this story, so for that I apologize to all my readers for doing so. I would also like to thank everyone for their support and I am very appreciative of all the wonderful compliments I’ve received. Each one of you is a treasure.

On that note, I would also like to add that no one should feel intimidated from adding some constructive criticism as I welcome it, so as long as they are tactful about it and do not simply throw out offhand comments purely for spite. I only ask that reviewers be respectful when indicating opine differences in regards to the story--and only the story. If there are questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via email or private message, as I feel posting abusive comments directed at me personally infiltrates an otherwise pleasant atmosphere for all writers and readers alike. It is very rare, and very rewarding to find others out there who share an appreciation for fictional characters and see them come to life in so many wonderful stories. I would love to see the positive spirit continue, both here and elsewhere. Thank you!

--

The air was pleasant and light with the scent of spring, the warmth of the green and uncurling of tree leaves giving way to the fulfillment of renewal from a long and harsh winter. A soft, laughing wind gave way to a gentle caress on Pamela’s face as she ambled across the grounds, and the distinct sounds of chirping birds could be heard in the distance. She’d made it out in the open land as far as her feet could take her, much as she did often now, away from the house, and was content to stop her walking when she found her way into the barn.

Inside, Ray was pulling bales of hay off the top loft, the sleeves of his shirt rolled up to his elbows, the top of his shirt left unexposed to cope with the heat of his chores, and for a fleeting moment Pam looked after him, wishing she couldn’t recall the salted flavors of him, the madness he could arouse…

He stopped, turning to see who was there. “Pam.”

She blinked, her eyes dropping to the dirt ground before moving up to his again as a reflex to discard any suspicion he may have had upon catching her off-guard, even if only for a split second. “Ray,” she answered casually, her cool, unreadable expression displaying little interest.

She didn’t say anything else, and Ray started to resume his work, only distracted when she still stood there, watching him. “She ain’t here, if that’s what you were lookin’ for,” he said gruffly, referring to Lucy.

Aware that her watchfulness was an obvious distraction for him, Pam relaxed, realizing he had misinterpreted. “No, she’s been good lately. And so have you,” she added in a way that suggested things had indeed changed course to her liking.

“After what happened last time, I’m not that dumb,” he retorted.

“Good. I should hope not.”

Irritated, his mood changed, once again reminded of how much he disliked her snobbish attitude and her way of having things in control. He stopped what he was doing and advanced towards her in a sneer. “You really like tellin’ me what to do don’tcha…now that you’re married to some big-shot and I’m just a ranch hand.”

“Don’t talk to me that way Ray,” she said with authority, the anger rising in her voice.

Knowing he’d hit a nerve, Ray was only apt to add fuel to the fire, a smile tugging the corners of his lips. “…Or is it that husband of yours travelin’ more…and you’re not gettin’ it as much as you’re used to?” Her temper flared and she reached out to slap him, but his strong hand stopped her quick, surprising her by forcefully pushing her up against the stall, crushing against her with his hard body. “I know you…” he whispered against her lips…hearing the soft moan unexpectedly escape when he did just that. “I know you real well, Pam.” Breathless and suddenly turned on, she didn’t stop him when he placed his hand over her breast, cupping it roughly. “You can’t go without it long…”

Without a conscious thought or reason, Pam arched her body to meet his, instinctively proving his statement correct when she squirmed against him, thrusting her pelvis with an urgent need…and assured he wanted it just as much when she felt the hard bulge grinding into her…

His other hand wandered, finding the smooth flesh when he slipped it underneath her shirt, finding the breasts he knew and pleasured so much, hearing her almost whisper his name aloud when he rolled his thumb over her nipple, causing it to harden instantly. And as he continued to tease her in the way he knew she liked, Ray anxiously waited for her next move, coaxing her into it. “Ain’t nobody around but you and me, Pam.” Squeezing her breast and pushing into her harder, he continued, “We’re alone, baby. How about we get up there….up in that loft…and do it…right here…right now?”

His words somehow drew her mind to present, bringing their moment to an immediate halt. Realizing the danger of the situation, Pam pushed him off suddenly, taking him completely by surprise. Turning dark and angry at her rejection, Ray started to protest…but she turned and took off running before he could, wanting to get away from him as far as possible…

--

Sue Ellen walked stiffly as she made her way across the main road and into the packed driveway, thankful that she had parked her car a mindful distance away from the others, eyeing the small house that came to view and hearing the loud laughter and incessant chatter of the other guests. She could feel the heels of her polished, white stilettos sink into the softness of the ground, still moist from the rainy weather cast from the day before, and she was careful not to get them too dirty. In true ladylike fashion, she lifted the hem of her dress though it fell just slightly past her calves. It was a pretty dress she had selected to wear, brightly colored floral print, made of the finest silk and one of an expensive design.

She drew the thick, warm air into her lungs, then exhaled between pursed lips as if trying to cool the late afternoon itself, looking around in arrogant disappointment when she saw that the ‘party’ was not at all what she had expected…nor used to.

“Sue Ellen! Hi!”

She turned her head in the other direction, finding the woman who greeted her.

“I’m really glad you came.”

Sue Ellen nodded, at least appreciative of seeing a familiar face in the few times they had seen each other. “I appreciate you invitin’ me, Kay. It was very nice of you. With me bein’ a stranger and all--”

“Oh no not at all. Figured since you were new to the area it’d be good for you to get to know everyone…” she glanced at what she was wearing, trying to hide her equal puzzlement. “I probably should’ve told you what kind of party it was. I mean…when I said it was gonna be a barbeque—“

“It’s okay,” Sue Ellen interrupted this time. “I guess I…overstated myself. Just thought I’d make a good impression. How silly of me.”

“Well you look real nice.”

“Kay, can you get us some more beer?” someone rudely hollered. “We’re runnin’ out already.”

She rolled her eyes. “Great,” she muttered sarcastically before turning back to her new friend, trying to smile. “I’m sorry, Sue Ellen. If you’ll excuse me…go ahead and mingle. Have fun.” She turned and left in a hurry to tend to her other duties before Sue Ellen could say anything more, and giving her ample time to flinch slightly at the ‘guest.’ Were people around here that ill-mannered?

She spotted the food table, eyeing the cheap paper cups and food scattered all over. A woman with a cigarette hanging from her mouth went to help herself.

“Don’t they have someone around here to cater our food and drinks?” she whined aloud, disappointed when she didn’t see what she expected.

She looked at her dully for a moment. When she realized she was actually being serious, a scoff escaped her lips. “What’s this look like to you, lady? Some formal affair?”

Standing like a store dummy, Sue Ellen raised her eyebrows, at first startled by her brash response. The woman ignored her and turned away, revealing the obvious tattoo that was on her arm when she did. Lost in her dismay, Sue Ellen opted to head in the opposite direction, not paying attention until it was too late, gasping in pure shock as someone bumped into her, icy liquids spraying down the front…

Standing helpless, the overweight but pleasant-looking man mumbled apologies. “I’m very sorry ma’am. I didn’t mean—“

Turning snotty, she answered, “Perhaps you’d do better to watch your step next time…then you wouldn’t soil some other lady’s dress…” Taking a handful of napkins, she walked off, leaving him embarrassed and dumbfounded as she started dabbing at her ruined dress. God… If I were at Southfork and the hands did such a thing like that to me …

An older couple came her way, practically blocking her path. “Well! Don’t think we’ve seen you around here pretty lady,” he declared loudly, reeking of beer while his equally loud wife remarked, “Oh someone spilled his drink on her.” She could only manage to muster a simple nod, until one of them thrust a plate full of something strong and disagreeable. “Won’t you have some of this!” he offered to lighten the mood so she wouldn’t feel as uncomfortable as she looked.

His wife broke out into a grin, laughing with him and slapping him on the arm in good humor. “Nobody can get enough of Bud’s chicken wings. They’re the best.”

Sue Ellen swept her gaze over the greasy food, and then back to them to keep her stomach from churning. “No thanks,” came the appropriate reply, though she didn’t do enough to conceal the slight look of disgust. “And I don’t care to associate myself with the likes of you two here either.”

A bit put off and slightly offended, they discarded the encounter and moved on, instantly taking her for a snotty bitch who didn’t wanna be bothered. “Okay…fine. Suit yourself.”

And she did just that as the party wore on, feeling unhappy and miserable and alone, wondering why she couldn’t enjoy herself or even share a sensible conversation with anyone. She spotted a group of women socializing, and figured to join them, until she overheard some of the things they had to say…

“…So who’s that chick Kay invited?”

“Sue something or other. And I don’t why she even bothered to. She’s a real snob.”

“Who the hell wears an outfit like that to a barbeque? Bitch must have money.”

“She must, from the way she treats anyone who even gets in her way. Joe said he spilled his drink on her by mistake and she snapped at him mumbling something about not ruining some other ‘lady’s’ outfit or whatever.”

They broke out into a mild laugh at the little revelation. “Yeah, and Bud offered her some of his wings since she looked so upset about it and she acted like his food wasn’t good enough for her. Hell I didn’t even see her pick up a paper cup. I mean, what was she expecting around here? Fancy hors d'oeuvres or somethin’?”

“Has Kay heard about any of this? She should just kick her out and tell her to go home.”

“Maybe she would if she knew…”

Sue Ellen turned and slipped away from them unnoticed, not wanting to listen to the gossip anymore. What was the point? She was never going to fit in. “Forget this,” she mumbled under her breath. “I might as well leave…” she turned to go, but bumped in to Kay who clearly could see her obvious upset. One look on her face told her she knew everything they were saying about her.

“Sue Ellen.” Forcing a smile, she then asked, “Where you goin’?”

“I…figured on goin’ home. I think I overstayed my welcome.”

“No. You haven’t. Why don’t you come inside the house with me? We can talk some.” Seeing her hesitation, she coaxed her. “Come on, I’ll fix you some coffee and see if I can do somethin’ for your dress. It’s the least I can do.”

With a slight trepidation, Sue Ellen finally appeased and followed her inside, sitting down in one of the chairs in her kitchen. When the coffee was ready, Kay handed her a cup and joined her. “So…do you like it here?” she asked by way of making conversation, and wasn’t much surprised when she saw her struggle to hold back tears.

“Why does no one like me?” she said out of the blue, sad and confused.

Kay glanced down at the darkened liquid before answering, choosing her words carefully. “You know…I’m just tryin’ to help you out here…but don’t you think that maybe…it’s the way you…carry yourself?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean…well sometimes you…act a little stuck-up.” She saw her recoil slightly, as though she’d been hit hard in the face with the cold, hard truth. Uncomfortable and not sure of what to say, Kay tried to reassure her. “You don’t gotta put on airs around here Sue Ellen. Just be yourself.”

She visibly relaxed. “I…I knew that,” she admitted. “But…I guess…I just don’t know how to be. I don’t know who I am.”

Kay was slightly mystified by her comment, but didn’t want to press her. “Everyone has a rough patch in their life at one time or another. I’ve…had a couple myself.”

“Well…I might as well tell you a little more about me.” Seeing her genuine interest, she proceeded to tell her a little about her life, her husband, and why she left. “They had money…” she continued, opting to add that tidbit since the social stature between them now was obvious. “But they were good people…my husband wasn’t. Took me seven years to figure that out…but I managed to leave him. Since then, I’ve been tryin’ to start over…but I can’t seem to.”

“Well…good for you. You deserved better.” Sue Ellen didn’t say anything and she added, “Look, I like you. You seem like a nice lady to me.”

Her honesty made Sue Ellen smile for a change. “That makes two of us.”

The two shared a laugh. “Find any jobs?”

“One…though it didn’t last…it was a retail job…”

“Oh those are the worst…don’t feel bad.” Then, an idea struck her mind. “I know just the place! You could get one right at Charlie’s…you can work with me…”

Sue Ellen’s face lit up. “Really?”

--

As it was the usual at Southfork, the evening affair was in full swing; ladies and prominent businessmen mingled and socialized with mutual acquaintances and fellow business partners while the waiters and servants kept drinks and food plentiful. Music was old fashioned and mechanical; in the open patio, a group was playing a mixture of rhumbas and fot-trots and tossing in the occasional waltz. All around them, people more or less danced, and voices gradually became louder, drunker; smoke thickened.

Hard-eyed and taking a swig of bourbon, JR kept hold of the conversation, pressing his advantage. “I’m tellin’ you, there’s still a chance this investigations’ gonna turn into a legislation, and before we know it, all us independents will end up sellin’ out, turn over our holdings and then our ranches. You want that to happen, little brother?”

Bobby let out an exasperated sigh, wondering when he would let it go. “That was over three months ago, JR. The heat’s been taken off.”

“Oh yeah? Then why are they still snoopin’ around? Christ, Orloff’s name popped up in the paper again yesterday, and Ewing Oil—“

“I took enough care of it in Washington and in Austin. What more do you expect?”

“I want us to clear our good name. So does Daddy. Somebody’s gotta be out there to do it…at least until it dies down completely.”

“It already has, JR.”

He finished his drink. “Not with Cliff Barnes on the loose.”

“He doesn’t have the proof.”

“No. He doesn’t, but he sure set a whole lotta tongues waggin’ didn’t he?” Seeing the retreat, the duty, the rebellion in Bobby’s eyes seemed to have faded, and JR pressed him: “Just give it one more month. I know you’re tired of playin’ fetch, but keep puttin’ on a good face and it’ll hold out. It’ll die down completely and before you know it everybody will have forgotten about that whole fiasco. Then we’ll have your office finished completely when it’s done. I’ll even help speed things up so we can get this over with and buried…make a couple more calls so our enemies don’t know you’re there while we’re gettin’ ahead. Alright?”

Bobby stared hard at him. “You’re just tryin’ to keep me out of Ewing Oil so you can run the show. Well guess what JR…it’ll only last for so long and then I’ll be runnin’ it too…just like Daddy wants us both to. Hell, if he wasn’t in agreement with you about this whole thing, I’d be back there already.” He turned around and opened the door, exiting the privacy of their library before he could say anything further, which suited JR just fine. Taking the time to refill his glass, he managed to suppress a grin when he left the room, only to have Jock step in his way.

“You mind tellin’ me what the hell that was all about, JR?”

“Sir?”

“What’s this I hear about Bobby still out playin’ errand boy?” he demanded.

“…Only until this stuff with Wild Bill settles down. Now, I promised him I would speed things up and make this all go away completely so we don’t have to hear about it anymore. And if he wants to, we can send him off to run one of our independents over in Forth Worth so he won’t have to do so much commuting. Better yet, it’ll even give him a boost to get all the experience he needs when he comes back to Ewing Oil.”

Jock contemplated his offer, but remained skeptical. “I don’t know…”

“Daddy…I know you wanted us side by side, and while I may have been against that in the beginning, I’m all for it,” he lied, playing his manipulation card to the hilt. “But for now, I think it’s best we diversify our resources as best we can for a bit until this is over. You know I’m right about this.”

“We’ll see.”

He slapped him heartily on the shoulder. “Trust me, Daddy. I’ll make a couple of calls in the morning and smooth things over…make everyone happy.”

This time, even Jock had to smile. “You know, you’ve really been pullin’ through Junior. Maybe we…haven’t exactly seen eye to eye with what’s happened lately, but I know you’re tryin’ to make the best of things. Now here you are, tryin’ to look out for Bobby, makin’ sure Lucy’s doin’ better in school, takin’ care of a good woman and ready to have a child on the way. I’m proud of you boy.”

“Thanks Dad,” was JR’s heartfelt reply. He left to find Miss Ellie, and JR’s mischievous grin came to light, and when he made his way into the living room, he caught a glimpse of Pamela storming off in a private corner while Bobby trailed after arguing in her wake. He secretly lifted his glass to a short marriage, laying odds that they wouldn’t screw tonight, to having the company all to himself, and that all things eventually would be right with the Ewings…

Outside in the patio, Julie looked on in solitude as she eyed the familiar faces around her, doing her best to go unnoticed. Though she looked lovely and was just beginning to show the first signs of her pregnancy, it was an obvious discomfort to be the center of gossip among the ladies, albeit discreetly. No one had said anything to her directly of course, but the looks and overheard whispers told her enough. After all, how often was it that a mistress came and took a wife’s place? And with JR Ewing no less…

A group of ladies came her way, and Julie’s face gave way to an inviting expression, never one to show she was at all intimidated by a cluster of elitist snobs…

Marilee Stone, seemingly the head of the group, was the first to speak. “Julie, is it?” she asked, already knowing full well exactly who she was.

“Yes. I believe we’ve met before in the past.”

Marilee’s smile widened. “Hmm, yes. At other social gatherings, I believe. Although…you were an…employee of Ewing Oil at the time.” Some giggles erupted from the group, and Julie did her best to conceal the humiliation.

Glancing at her protruding belly, she added, “Well, I have to hand it to you…I never thought anyone could move Sue Ellen from her place. Not that she didn’t try her hardest, but I think everyone knew what a façade she was putting on all these years, much as she loved to pretend…”

Disregarding the mention of Sue Ellen, and not at all liking what was being suggested about her, Julie felt compelled to explain, at least in part for her own reputation. “Well if you are implying—“

“JR must be relieved,” another commented.

“What ever did happen to her, I wonder?” Linda Bradley interjected nosily. “She seemed to have disappeared in a hurry.”

JR cleared his throat, disrupting their conversation and seeing the surprised looks. “Ladies,” he said, his tone authoritative and a bit stern, “I have never faulted your interest in gossip, but I take great displeasure when my name is mentioned.”

Apologetic replies and remorseful looks were given in return. “Oh you must forgive us, JR,” Marilee said. “It’s just that with her…departure, we were all a bit concerned. After all, she’s been our friend for quite a long time. I was rather reluctant to take her place as President of the Daughters of the Alamo,” she added with a smile, though the glee in her tone suggested otherwise…

“That is none of my concern, nor is it my wife’s,” he answered tersely, opting to use the current title instead of her name to encourage them to drop the subject of Sue Ellen. “I suggest…you all be mindful to yourselves…and your own husbands.” He took a glance at Marilee’s way, and she lowered her eyes to the ground, too late though, for he caught the knowing look she had in regards to her spouse’s recent ‘visit.’

“If you’ll excuse us…enjoy the rest of your evenin’ ladies.” He took Julie’s arm and led her away from the clique, much to her relief.

“I thought I’d never be able to get away from them,” she whispered with a short laugh. “I figured it’d only be a matter of time before they showed their claws.”

JR chuckled. “Don’t let ‘em get to you darlin.”

This time Julie didn’t say anything. Sure they relished in poking fun at her with their little insinuations and references to her relationship with JR, but she was aware of something else too. They were jealous of Sue Ellen…otherwise they wouldn’t have poked fun at her so cruelly. She only hoped she wouldn’t be her substitute…

JR looked around the crowd of partygoers, his eyes setting on the familiar brunette, her petite form drawing extra attention wearing some clinging form that revealed every dip and curve…

Licking his lips, JR briefly turned to his companion. “I hate to cut this so short, darlin, but there’s someone over there I wanna talk to. You enjoy yourself now, hear?” he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and released her arm before she could protest, disappearing into the crowd to greet Connie.

“Well,” he drawled. “If it isn’t my new favorite secretary.”

Connie blushed slightly, lifting a strand of the brunette hair away from her open face. “Don’t I still work for Bobby too?” she teased, looking up at him.

“Both then.” Slyly, he slid his arm around her waist, drawing her close. “Come on, let’s get you some champagne…show you around since you’re new and all…”

She simply laughed and went with him, only too eager to spend time with a distinguished oil baron…and with her boss no less…

Wearing a frilly dress covered conservatively out of character in a cardigan sweater, Lucy casually wandered around, thankful for the drink she had in her hand to keep her company as she had to endure yet another endlessly boring and stuffy party. Ewing party. That was a big difference. A real party meant fun with people her age, real music, real booze, a little dope here and there, with a little kinky sex on the side if there was a room or a nice car to do it in. She frowned in disappointment as she observed the stuffy businessmen and ladies, served to remind her of her lack of freedom she had to endure of late. Not getting any was making her kind of edgy, kind of uptight, and she knew soon she’d have to figure out how to get Ray back in the sack, or some other cowboy who could keep his mouth shut. “Huh,” she mused aloud. If JR wanted to start fuckin’ around with his bullshit and see to it that she was monitored at all times at school til she got home, then she was just as well fixin’ to get some here. Been there, done that. She chuckled, and some glanced briefly at her to see what she was laughing about. Keep his mouth shut and his tallywhacker up, she thought, giggling again.

Making a show of herself with her mild laughter, JR spotted her form not too far away, already comfortable with putting the moves on Connie and chatting her up a few hours later. Already, to his encouragement, she had loosened up, having a good time and unaware of the attention she may have drawn keeping company with him for an extended period of time after a few drinks had settled in…

He walked straight to her, keeping Connie close to him without shame. “Hey kid.”

Making nice and putting on a show, Lucy gave her phony smile, her sapphire eyes cold. Colorful, but cold.

“Hello, Uncle JR.”

“There’s my little niece Lucy…”

“Well! Aren’t you as cute as a button!” the woman gushed, and Lucy had to do her best to keep from biting her head off…

JR’s smile stretched, secretly enjoying her discomfort. “Good kid…havin’ a bit of trouble at school though. I keep on maintainin’ to her how important it is to keep up with her studies.” He cut his eyes back to her. “Gotta get those grades back up darlin…make the honor roll next time around…”

“Yeah…better listen to your ol’ uncle JR sweetie,” Connie said, a little too loudly and was beginning to drag on her words from the alcohol she’d consumed. “Schools’ important, you hear?” Lucy held the phony smile, witnessing the accidental play of his hand over the young woman’s hip, the inclination to stray up along her rib cage and ease up to a conical breast…

Acting as though nothing had happened, the trio continued to converse, and from a distance, Julie watched on silently, her mouth dripping in disappointment as she saw JR’s open flirtation with the younger woman. Doing her best to conceal her hurt, she absentmindedly rubbed her stomach whiled holding her glass of orange juice. Maybe it was nothing. He’d had so much to drink tonight. She had known about his woman on the side in the past but…things were so much different now. Sue Ellen wasn’t around for him to keep front anymore, and they were together officially, as it always should have been. He was a changed man…wasn’t he?

Someone bumped into her by accident, distracting her from her troubled reverie.

“Great party isn’t it? Always is with the Ewings…” he wandered off before she could say anything, and Julie held her glass, left alone and smiling her empty smile…

--

“Get that table over there. Mind those drinks.”

Sue Ellen picked up the serving tray. She knew Kay said it would be a hard job…but she hadn’t expected it to be in a place like … this. Not in a bar…

“But I chipped my nail,” she whined, showing one of her fingers. “Can’t I get a break?”

The heavyset man eyeballed her for a second, hoping she wasn’t serious, while Kay looked away in embarrassment. “You wanted a job, you quit complainin’ and start movin’ your ass. Now get the hell over there! They’ve been waitin’ long enough on you!”

Flustered, Sue Ellen stammered, “Oh—alright.” Hurriedly, she picked up the serving tray, turning around too quickly and too soon, for she stumbled, and the food and drinks slipped over and crashed loudly over the floor, causing a commotion and enough to make heads turn…

“Oh Jesus!” He swore loudly and her friend hurried over to help. “Nevermind. I’ll clean it up. You go and help that other table…now before he gets really mad.” She stood there dumbly, bewildered and anxious, until she snapped at her. “Go!”

“Hey lady! I gotta wait all night for my order or what?”

Losing his patience, Charlie shook his head in exasperation, but not before shooting a glance at Kay, who helplessly watched on.

“Are you sure you knew what you were doin’ when you asked me to give her a job? ‘Cause it sure don’t look like she’s cut out for this kind of work,” he said as she cleaned up.

“Give her a chance.”

“Not when she’s already givin’ me attitude.” He turned his back to her to set about his own work, leaving the rest to her as he already decided her first night would most likely be her last…

“Where the hell’s my goddamned drink?”

For the next few hours it wore on. And when she’d gotten her first break, Sue Ellen went to Kay. “I know I talked to you about gettin’ a job and all that, but I don’t think I’m cut out for this,” she moaned, almost wincing. “My feet are killin’ me…and I can’t seem to get things right. Charlie hates me…”

Deciding she’d had the last straw, Kay put out her cigarette, taking her completely by surprise as she grabbed her roughly by the arm and half-dragged her into the ladies restroom, where they could talk privately. Face stern, she looked hard, and without pity.

“Sue Ellen…I know what you told me…but facts are … you’re not high-class anymore…and if you want to prove yourself…and show everyone that you’re just like any one of us, then you damn well better get your act together. ‘Cause if you don’t, you’re gonna get a whole lot of hurt comin’ your way.”

Sue Ellen lowered her eyes in shame, feeling embarrassed for the way she acted when she ought to have known better. Did she even want to try?

Kay folded her arms, now in doubt of her. “So what’s it gonna be? You gonna continue to sit there and wallow in your own self-pity and be the uppity snob that everyone thinks you are…or are you gonna get back out there and show ‘em what you can do?”

Hearing those words stirred something in Sue Ellen, and the suddenness of the cold, harsh reality hit her in the face, causing her to snap out of it quick. Her expression turned fixed and angry, out of the blue, she brushed past her and left, quickly going back to the bar. She spotted another waitress readying some drinks, and immediately started collecting them, taking her and Charlie by surprise.

“What’re you—“

“I’ll do it.”

With difficulty and a little patience, she carried out the order to satisfaction, doing the same with another after another, never stopping for a break as she continued working late into the wee hours of the morning, accepting without question when Charlie demanded she stay after to help with dishes and cleanup, not knowing for certain whether her back would give out or when her feet would collapse from exhaustion.

And she never complained.

Over the next few weeks, Sue Ellen gradually continued to show improvement, much to Charlie’s pleasure. And by the third week, he was confident that she did her job well and would be a regular. Besides, good-lookin’ broad like that was bound to attract a lot of men who came here for food and booze.

“Here’s your drinks,” she said as she served them, not expecting one to reach out and grab her ass. She shimmied away from him, crying out when he did. “Sure are a fine-lookin’ woman,” he commented, and the lustful, drunken leer she’d caught scared her some. Picking up her tray, she excused herself and hurried off to another, doing her best to ignore the wolf whistles and wandering, eager hands reaching out to touch her whenever they could.

“I wish they wouldn’t keep hittin’ on me,” she commented, more to herself when she went to the bar, feeling ashamed. It made her feel…cheap. Like she was some whore they could touch and feel up when they wanted.

“That’s what you get for a bunch of losers that want what they can’t have.” She turned at the sound of a masculine voice nearby, seeing the tall, dark-haired man sitting not too far away from where she was standing. “The only thing they end up comin’ home with is a bottle and wakin’ up with a hangover.” The warm mysteriousness of his brown eyes intrigued her, and she immediately relaxed, her lips parting way to a hesitant smile.

“It appears to be that way,” she answered.

“You new in town?”

She nodded. “Yes. I just moved here a little over a month ago…”

“I don’t mean to interrupt,” Charlie said, and Sue Ellen looked away for a moment. “But you’re gonna have to hold off a little longer tonight than usual. One of my girls called in sick and you’re gonna need to cover for her. Go on, Sue Ellen.”

Disappointed, she didn’t complain, and she started to collect. “I’ve gotta go.” She meant to introduce herself, but he already spoke again.

“Well…in that case…I’ll make a little toast…might even make you feel better.”

She lifted her eyebrows. “Oh?”

He raised his glass. “To the prettiest woman I’ve seen all evenin’.”

Sue Ellen could feel herself blushing, liking the compliment she received from this man. “Why, thank you.” The two eyed each other for a lingering moment, until she’d been forced to turn away from him to return to her duties, waiting on tables and serving drinks as expected.

She shifted her eyes to the bar, hoping to catch another glimpse of the handsome stranger, but he was gone…