She was beginning to like him, and it wasn't because she found out he wasn't a timber man. It wasn't because he stood up to Lester, either. She had been impressed with his courage and tenacity that first day. Looking back, she was amazed at the fact that, no matter how often she insulted him, he had never lost his temper. But more than all that, he had proven he was capable of being a friend. She hadn't realized how much she needed that until they talked about their dreams and roadblocks. They had more in common than she would have imagined possible. Sure, they came from different backgrounds, but they both loved the forest and its wildlife. All the time she had thought he was appraising the trees; he had been seeking comfort in nature. He sure hadn't been getting any comfort from her. She felt bad about that.
Monroe said he wasn't a social person. Neither was she. If she had been, she would have been desperate to get away from the mountains. Monroe hadn't told Ma about what Lester did. He didn't tell Ma that she had inquired about selling trees to buy a car. He hadn't denied that he was a timber man, even though it wasn't true. He could be trusted.
Billy Ray liked Monroe, and Monroe obviously liked him. Monroe didn't treat Billy Ray like a child. He talked to him like he was an adult. He even joked with him in a way that she was surprised he understood. When Monroe was ready to leave, Billy Ray followed him outside. He never did that with anyone but Pa. He asked Monroe questions about the car and Monroe opened the hood. They stood there for a while talking about what made the car run. It was doubtful that Billy Ray understood all of it, but he was definitely interested.
Monroe said he would be gone for two days, and when he came back, he wanted to take them all out to lunch. Ma accepted for all of them. Mary Jo was glad she did. If he'd asked her, she probably never would have found the nerve to say yes.