Re: Elaine/TJ
"Why not? Different generations, but your father can appreciate good music, good art. Sometimes, he appreciates women too, but that's... It's not what defines him. He might not always be a good husband, but he's a good man. He's also a very good politician and that part overtakes everything else. It's the part that people see, the one you see. It's been his way to protect you and Dougie." Maybe they had been wrong in that too, but there was no do over.
She hugged him for a moment and then pulled back. "Oh sugar, you're just as good, if not better than we are. In fact, there's no us and you. You are part of us."
Elaine looked over at where Doug was standing, doing a very good job looking like he was part of the evening, but not really talking to anyway. "I was talking about your father and me, not your brother. I don't know if I can give him the dreams, though. You've always been the dreamer, TJ. Your brother... I really hope that he can find something that gives him a reason to live." She looked at him. "You don't have to convince me, Sweetheart. I already told you that we will do what you and Doug want. I can and will give you my opinion, because I've been here all this time and I can tell you what's going on, but it's just that: my opinion. It has to be your decision and Dougie's, but please make that decision together. We can't have you in different places. That's all I ask of you. Make sure that you stay together, because you can be happy with Travis, but Dougie has always been there for you."