**Quick note here, the square dance song "Pussycat" is a real one, but I
did not write it. I just found it on a site, thought it looked interesting
and just borrowed it. My apologies to whomever wrote it, but thank you for
posting it in the first place since it helped me so much with my story**
**************************************************************************** ****
In a last ditch effort, Roger tried in vain to firmly plant the heels of his boots into the ground in hopes to stop Judy from dragging him off to the barn for the square dance that was apparently about to start. "Knock it off, Judy!" he cried as she gave him another good yank bringing him to her side. "I changed my mind, I don't wanna go to some dopey barn dance. I don't know how to do that!"
Judy stopped and looked over her shoulder at him with a smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. "And for one moment do you honestly think that I would know anything about a square dance? Oh sure, I've been do my brother's little hoe down a while back posing as his sick cousin, but that was just a spur of the moment thing and ended up being one of my greater performances that was impromptu. This, however, should prove to be more exciting and perhaps one of my best theatrical moments yet!"
He flinched seeing that she was starting to get dramatic and like a sheep going to the slaughter Roger once again allowed himself to be towed behind Judy by his wrist knowing it was futile to resist or protest. "Fine," he mumbled under his breath. "Let's just get this over with since I ain't got much of a choice in the entire matter."
"Oh, Roger, it isn't going to kill you to do this and besides, since neither of us really have a clue on the proper way to do a barn dance we can't exactly be wrong in what we attempt. I am also sure that half the people on the floor won't know what they are doing either and are just here for a good time. Just look at the bright side, dancing is usually some form of romantic ritual so who knows where something like this will end up," she blatantly stated lowering her sunglasses and giving him a playful wink.
Roger thought about that for a moment then felt his tension slowly beginning to ease from her assurance. Perhaps she was right in saying that this could have its positive possibilities. They almost engaged in a kiss so few minutes ago and that was a definite progress in her attitude about him in public. Things were definitely improving tonight and he only hoped that this dance fiasco wouldn't set him back on her bad side.
As they approached the barn Roger noticed the floor was packed with people and a slight shudder went down his spine. More people meant more eyes upon him making a fool of himself! Roger literally slammed on his brakes and pulled Judy back. "Uh-uh girly! I changed my mind! There's no way I'm going in there and making a spectacle of myself!"
She smirked hearing him use a bigger word then normal and shook her head. "Rog, come on, there's nothing to be afraid of. Besides, they'll have their own partners to worry about and could care less about what you and I do." Once more she pulled his arm and led him inside the barn and onto the dance floor. The people that had gathered there were more interested in chatting with each other than worrying about the new couple that joined them, but that still didn't make Roger any less nervous.
He was just about to open his mouth and protest one last time when there was a whine of microphone feedback that caused everybody to gasp and quiet down. "Sorry 'bout that folks," a large man with a round face apologized as he tried adjusting the microphone to suit him. "Right. Now then, if I could get ya'll to make two separate lines, guys on one side gals on the other we can get this dance started!"
Slight panic filled Roger, but a gentle squeeze on his arm from Judy seemed to calm him slightly. "We'll do fine, just watch what the others are doing and listen to the calls the man makes. Just try to have fun. Remember, we're in this together." She gave him a smile and released his arm so she could join the ladies behind her all ready forming a single file line.
Roger stepped back and took his spot in the line of men across from Judy. He smoothed out his vest, straightened his hat and sighed. Stupid rituals, he mumbled to himself then smirked. If he was going to do this right acting like a wimp like Doug wasn't going to get him through it. Judy only seemed interested in him making the effort to try this dance and it didn't matter if he did it right or not just as long as he was having fun doing it. If this is what she wanted so be it.
"Honour your partner," the fat man called out. "Swing your honey high and low, Allemande left with the corner, your own a dosido. Ladies make a left- hand star, go full around the set, When you get back home, you box the gnat, with a grand old right and left. They call her Pussy Cat, oh Pussy Cat, when you meet her promenade, Take her home and balance out, and dosido that maid. Swing with the corner lady, boy, a little bit more than that, Allemande left, I'll tell you why, pass that lady right on by, and swing at home with Pussy Cat. Meow!"
The words coming from the caller were very quick and with a good beat in time, but Roger had no clue what he was talking about and just did the best he could copying the actions of those around him. When the call began Roger had stepped forward and took Judy by the hands and swung her around him with such awkward force that she almost hit the couple next to them. Fortunately they were having a good time as well and just laughed it off easing the minds of both Judy and Roger.
It was a quick pace and very difficult to keep up to and understand, but it was a very good work out none-the-less. A few times Roger did manage to stomp on Judy's toes, but she paid him back by doing the same though by pure accident as well. The beat was easy enough, however and Roger wasn't sure what made him enjoy this more than he thought he would. He lavished being with Judy and the music was so upbeat and silly that he couldn't help but smile through the entire routine in spite of himself.
Judy was also thrilled to see him enjoying himself so much and not as embarrassed and demure about it as he was only moments ago. It was very unusual to see the rich punk behaving so playful all of a sudden, but at the same time she must have looked out of place herself as always being the laid back kind of girl. The words of Mrs. Keane flickered in Judy's busy mind about loosening up and enjoying things for once and that made Judy smile all the more. It felt good to let go and not follow that damn script she always did.
"Walk around your corner, partner Do Paso: Partner by the ole left hand, the corner right you know. Partner left, gents star right, straight across the set, To a left-hand whirl, find the corner girl, now box the gnat you bet. Now pull her by, swing the right hand lady, swing her high and low, Corners with the left hand, now do a Do Paso: New corner right, new partner left, roll promenade you know. Pretty little girl with a turned up nose, Freckle face, and I suppose, That's why they call her Pussy Cat. Meow!" The caller then had a hearty chuckle and the song and dance came to an end getting a huge round of applause from the dancers.
Roger joined in on the applause and was quite winded much to his surprise. He didn't imagine that such a dopey style of dance could be so tiring, but fun. He turned his attentions to Judy who was smiling broadly and clapping enthusiastically. She looked absolutely stunning and elated and Roger couldn't help but grin at the sight of her.
Sensing she was being watched, Judy turned her head towards Roger, but instead of the normal snappish attitude she'd have with him for gawking, she blushed instead and stepped to his side. "That was definately a vigorous bit of dance if I ever saw one! It left me quite breathless and parched, but it was well worth the sacrifices. I fear my toes won't ever be the same, but such a price to pay for bliss!"
Wiping his slightly sweat dampened brow, Roger extended his arm for her. "Care for some punch then, my sweet?" he questioned, flinching inside on how stupidly corny that sounded.
Judy nodded thankfully and took his arm and allowed herself to be led from the dance floor to one of the tables that lined the wall filled with various cookies and pastries and the all important punch. "Who would have thought that anything as wild as that could be so fun and uplifting!" she panted before taking a sip of her drink.
"Y-yeah, that was kinda dopey wasn't it?" Roger snickered his reply and once again wiped his brow, pushing his hat back slightly on his head. "Well, for being our first time I don't think we did so bad."
"No, I think not," Judy reached to refill her cup and glanced back over to the stage watching the little band moving about getting ready for another song. However, the caller picked up an accoustic guitar and sat down on a tall stool in front of the microphone this time. "Another dance so soon?" Judy queried.
Roger shrugged disinterested and swallowed the rest of his drink and stepped from her side to get the ladle for the punch to get more in his cup. "I sure hope not. I ain't in the mood for another one of those things for a long time. You stepped on my feet a lot out there! I don't think my poor toes'll ever be the same!" he snickered.
Judy smirked at him and gave his arm a playful shove. "Yeah, and you stomped on mine quite a bit yourself. So consider it payback."
The whine of the microphone once again cut through the air causing the entire room to groan its misery while the caller got flustered for repeating his mistake from before. "Sorry ya'll," he chuckled. "Gonna have to get used to this thing if I don't want ya'll to beat me off stage!"
"Loser," Roger muttered as he drank from his cup and got an elbow in the ribs as Judy heard his comment. He arched his brows at her, but she just grinned and lowered her sunglasses to give him a wink. "Well, he is! I mean, how could ya possibly do the same stupid thing twice in a row? You'd think the goofball woulda learned the first time he did that."
"Perhaps he just does it on purpose to get the attention of everyone. I mean, that would be a lot more polite then yelling for people to pay attention."
Roger shrugged. "Eh, still stupid if you ask me." He was about to take another ladleful of the punch when the lights suddenly dimmed allowing the lanterns that were lit and hanging on posts to really shine. "What now?" he grumbled, annoyed, and put his cup down while pushing his hat back farther on his head so he could see better.
"All right ya'll," the caller droned into the microphone. "I think now that everyone's cooled off and calmed down a bit it's time for a change in the dance pace for the moment. So, girls, grab yer guys and guys grab yer girls and head back to the floor because we're gonna play ya'll something nice and slow."
Something nice and slow? Roger shuddered. That was even worse then doing a dopey square dance! He knew how to slow dance, any loser could according to Roger, but he wasn't prepared for this. He anticipated western dances like line dancing and he sort of hoped they'd actually have one since he took line dancing lessons ages ago just for something to do and he rather enjoyed it. He really wanted to show off to Judy and impress her with his talent, but he could see he wasn't going to get that chance.
Much to his chagrin Judy was staring at him with a sort of sentimental look on her face. Roger gulped and tugged at the collar of his shirt. "So, uhh...n-need more punch?" he stammered hoping to distract her from wanting to go out on the dance floor again.
She shook her head. "No, my thirst is quite satiated for the time being. Come, I think this dance is way more up to our standards of civil rituals." Judy then took Roger's hand and once again led him to the center of the dance floor. Still holding his hand she turned to face him and put her other hand on his hip. "Don't tell me you don't know how to dance like this either?"
Roger gulped again and numbly nodded that he did, suddenly feeling demure. With a slight hesitation, Roger managed to put his arm around Judy's waist, but kept her at a moderate distance from him. He glanced towards the band on stage and impatiently waited for them to start the song. It all ready felt like an eternity and he wanted this over with even faster than he wanted the square dance over.
As the song "Tennessee Waltz" began, Roger just about froze where he stood getting a smirk from Judy. "You're all talk aren't you, Klotz? You always brag about this or that, but when it comes time to pay the piper you freeze. Let's go to a dance, you said, it'll be fun sweeping you across the floor and showing all those hick losers how to dance!"
He furrowed his brow and shook his head. "Nuh-uh, I'm just a bit...ummm...tired that's all." Swallowing hard, Roger stepped forward and began the dance.
Judy pushed him gently. "Rog, stop acting like this is a death sentance or something. You're stiff as a board. Loosen up, you might enjoy this. You're in my arms after all, isn't that what you wanted?"
With a defeated sigh and shrug, Roger tried his best to relax. He didn't know what was wrong with him. Normally he would have relished and welcomed this kind of closeness with Judy, but for some reason this time he was nervous. Perhaps it was the lighting and dance that got to him or just the fact that Judy was finally becoming more at ease about public contact from him and he wasn't quite sure how to handle it.
However, as the song continued on he began to relax more and more getting a satisfied smile from Judy. "Better now?" she asked getting a slight nod from him in return and his traditional crooked smile. Judy nodded back and stepped a little closer to him narrowing the gap between them. "I felt like you were dancing a mile away. Slow dances are meant to be danced close."
Roger smirked and boldly pulled her closer still so they were almost touching. "Yeah, yeah, I always heard it called touch dancing too. Dopey song though, coulda been something a bit more romantic. I don't wanna hear about some sap losing her man to some goofball."
"Geez, you sure know how to word things don't you? However, I will agree with you, I'm not exactly fond of the song myself word wise, but the melody is beautiful and the setting is very romantic."
"You think barns are romantic?" Roger asked with a snicker getting another shove from her in response. "Maybe they're romantic for cows and horses, though."
"Roger!" Judy stifled a laugh and looked up at him over the rims of her shades as they slowly slid down her nose. "You're impossible, you know that?"
Arching his eyebrows, Roger gasped playfully. "Oh! You wound me!" Getting a giggle out of her like he hoped he leaned close and said softly. "You talk too much. I thought slow dances were supposed to be romantic and quiet. What's with all the chit-chat?"
"Yes, I suppose you are right. Too much vocalization can be a bit disenchanting in a situation like this. Ah, well, perhaps I'll just do the more traditional thing one does during a slow dance."
"Oh? And what's that, girly?"
She didn't reply, but instead reached up and placed a soft kiss upon the tip of his pointed nose. "That," she said quietly feeling that oddly wonderful clenching sensation in her stomach again. Calm yourself, Judith, she scolded herself. Even though the setting was romantic to her, this definately was not the place for her to try and get that kiss she missed out on earlier when they were out on the picnic table before the dance started.
However, giving Roger the go-ahead in anything like that was like giving a crook the combination to the bank vault. He quirked an orange eyebrow while releasing her hand and instead wrapped his arms around her waist, but did not stop dancing with her. Judy draped her arms over his shoulders and smiled up at him, pleased he didn't question her like he normally does when she acts out of character on those rare occassions.
Roger twitched his nose as the moisture from her kiss started to evaporate and began to slightly tickle him. "Girly wants a kiss huh?" he asked more to himself than to her. Judy opened her mouth to reply, but was silenced quickly as Roger tenderly kissed her which was a surprise when normally they were rough and clumsy at first only to improve as they continued.
Judy blinked behind her shades, her mind buzzing on what she should do now. Deep inside she loathed public affections like this, but that pleasant clenching of her insides was warming her and almost encouraging her to just relax and let things go as they may. With a soft sigh, Judy reached up and completed the kiss hearing Roger sigh in return.
They kissed for long minutes, but never stopped their dancing. Roger could vaguely hear the song still playing, but he wasn't worried about it anymore and neither was Judy. It felt wonderful being so close, their bodies moving in time with the music. See, kissing him in the open didn't cause the Apocolypse now did it, Judith? she thought to herself as her fingers caressed over the back of his neck getting a shudder in return.
Sadly, the song came to an end as did their kiss. Judy shyly lowered her eyes, but kept her arms draped over Roger's shoulders. "Thank you for the lovely dance, Roger," she said softly, still caressing over the back of his neck with her fingers.
Roger shrugged. "Yeah, too bad it ended so fast." Just then he started feeling strange, warm actually, warm and very relaxed. He wanted to kiss her again, but wasn't sure if she'd allow that. Willing to take that chance, Roger leaned forward to try, but was stopped once again by that idiot caller's microphone screeching.
"Ok, folks, that was right pretty and all, but let's get back to the hoedown!"
Both Roger and Judy flinched at both the noise and the fact another square dance was going to start. "I don't wanna do that again!" Roger whined getting a nod of agreement from Judy.
"And neither do I. Perhaps later on this evening, but right now I'm a bit warm and wouldn't mind heading outside to see if the chill of the night air can cool me down." It was a slight lie. Judy was a bit warmer then usual, but it was nothing she couldn't handle or wasn't used to. The lights she always worked under while performing on stage were just as hot or hotter than what was here in the barn. She just wanted to get away from all these people and enjoy the peace outside.
Roger led her off the dance floor and almost got run over by the eager and fresh party-goers anxious for another square dance. He shook his head and started to make his way towards the big barn doors leading to the darkness outside, hoping that there wouldn't be as many bodies out there as inside the barn.
Right before they got within ten feet of the doors, Roger suddenly stopped dead in his tracks. Judy furrowed her brow and turned to look at him wondering what made him stop this time and only hoped it wasn't that Larry guy again or she'd have something to say about it. They needed to make ammends and stop their foolish little war, but as Judy looked around there was no one about and Roger had a dreamy look on his face, his head tilted back slightly and he was sniffing the air.
"Roger, what's wrong?" she asked totally confused on what his problem could be now for she couldn't smell anything out of the ordinary let alone see anything that would cause him to behave like this.
"Weenies!" he cried happily and loudly and dragged her away from the door, through the crowd of people and over to a table where a large stack of cocktail weenies were just brought out and placed down. "Outta my way, losers! They're all mine!"
Judy shook her head at not only his bad manners, but his sudden selfishness as she watched him practically devour the little hot dogs. She suddenly remembered that Roger had next to no dinner since she upset him and caused him to leave during their meal, so his actions now were as a result of her own ignorance. She had no choice than to let him eat his fill no matter how greedy and obnoxious he behaved.
Not being able to do much else until he was finished with his gluttony, Judy leaned back on the table and watched the other party-goers dancing to the new song. She tried to listen to what the caller was saying, but really didn't understand the gibberish and couldn't for the life of her figure out how she and Roger made it through that insane ritual.
Taking a casual glance towards Roger she saw him groping for a glass filled with punch, but it was just out of his reach and he really wasn't making an effort to get it since he was much more concerned about protecting his meal from getting taken from him. With a smile and shake of her head, Judy pushed it towards him receiving a grunt of thanks in return. "Enjoy, Roger," she said softly and went back to her people watching.
Not far off she spotted Mrs. Keane who was dancing with a very handsome looking man. They both were excellent dancers and smiling broadly. Judy wondered if she and Roger had looked that happy and good when they were attempting to square dance. A blush reddened her cheeks as she thought about that and the dance that followed. She was still stunned she actually kissed him on the dance floor and was even more surprised that she allowed him to carry on with that kiss as well.
Mrs. Keane then glanced towards Judy and gave her a quick wave making Judy hurridly wave back before Mrs. Keane disappeared into the crowd of dancers with her partner. Taking another look at Roger she noticed that he was slowing down with his eating and reaching for the glass of punch to wash down his meal.
With a satisfied sigh, Roger patted his stomach and strode to where Judy was standing. "That helped a lot! Too bad I didn't eat before we cut a rug or I could have went for another round of that dopey dance. I can really put all these losers to shame when it comes to line dancing."
"You keep bragging like that Mr. Klotz and I will be forced to converse with the caller and have him start up a line dance purposely to see if you got what you say you do."
Roger's dark eyes widened and he hastily reached forward and grabbed Judy by the arm and headed towards the open barn doors once again. "Ah, no thanks, girly. I had enough dancing and junk for one night and besides, didn't you wanna take a walk?"
"Ah, yes, I did mention that earlier didn't I? Well, only if you are indeed certain that you don't wish to partake in any more of the dancing. Like I said, I'm sure I could get the caller to start up a little line dance for you." Judy gave him a sly grin and took a few teasing steps back towards the dance floor.
He vigorously shook his head and offered her his arm to take hoping to get her to change her mind about speaking to that annoying dance caller. "Shall we be on our way outside, my sweet? I hear the view of the moon and stars is quite lovely this time of night."
Judy smiled warmly at his attempt to be romantic and linked arms with him. "But of course my dear Sir Roger of Klotz. Let us be on our way and hopefully find some peace and serenity for a little while before partaking upon another activity that comes our way." With a soft snicker, Roger led Judy towards the open doors and together they vanished into the darkness of the evening.
To be continued...
**************************************************************************** ****
In a last ditch effort, Roger tried in vain to firmly plant the heels of his boots into the ground in hopes to stop Judy from dragging him off to the barn for the square dance that was apparently about to start. "Knock it off, Judy!" he cried as she gave him another good yank bringing him to her side. "I changed my mind, I don't wanna go to some dopey barn dance. I don't know how to do that!"
Judy stopped and looked over her shoulder at him with a smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. "And for one moment do you honestly think that I would know anything about a square dance? Oh sure, I've been do my brother's little hoe down a while back posing as his sick cousin, but that was just a spur of the moment thing and ended up being one of my greater performances that was impromptu. This, however, should prove to be more exciting and perhaps one of my best theatrical moments yet!"
He flinched seeing that she was starting to get dramatic and like a sheep going to the slaughter Roger once again allowed himself to be towed behind Judy by his wrist knowing it was futile to resist or protest. "Fine," he mumbled under his breath. "Let's just get this over with since I ain't got much of a choice in the entire matter."
"Oh, Roger, it isn't going to kill you to do this and besides, since neither of us really have a clue on the proper way to do a barn dance we can't exactly be wrong in what we attempt. I am also sure that half the people on the floor won't know what they are doing either and are just here for a good time. Just look at the bright side, dancing is usually some form of romantic ritual so who knows where something like this will end up," she blatantly stated lowering her sunglasses and giving him a playful wink.
Roger thought about that for a moment then felt his tension slowly beginning to ease from her assurance. Perhaps she was right in saying that this could have its positive possibilities. They almost engaged in a kiss so few minutes ago and that was a definite progress in her attitude about him in public. Things were definitely improving tonight and he only hoped that this dance fiasco wouldn't set him back on her bad side.
As they approached the barn Roger noticed the floor was packed with people and a slight shudder went down his spine. More people meant more eyes upon him making a fool of himself! Roger literally slammed on his brakes and pulled Judy back. "Uh-uh girly! I changed my mind! There's no way I'm going in there and making a spectacle of myself!"
She smirked hearing him use a bigger word then normal and shook her head. "Rog, come on, there's nothing to be afraid of. Besides, they'll have their own partners to worry about and could care less about what you and I do." Once more she pulled his arm and led him inside the barn and onto the dance floor. The people that had gathered there were more interested in chatting with each other than worrying about the new couple that joined them, but that still didn't make Roger any less nervous.
He was just about to open his mouth and protest one last time when there was a whine of microphone feedback that caused everybody to gasp and quiet down. "Sorry 'bout that folks," a large man with a round face apologized as he tried adjusting the microphone to suit him. "Right. Now then, if I could get ya'll to make two separate lines, guys on one side gals on the other we can get this dance started!"
Slight panic filled Roger, but a gentle squeeze on his arm from Judy seemed to calm him slightly. "We'll do fine, just watch what the others are doing and listen to the calls the man makes. Just try to have fun. Remember, we're in this together." She gave him a smile and released his arm so she could join the ladies behind her all ready forming a single file line.
Roger stepped back and took his spot in the line of men across from Judy. He smoothed out his vest, straightened his hat and sighed. Stupid rituals, he mumbled to himself then smirked. If he was going to do this right acting like a wimp like Doug wasn't going to get him through it. Judy only seemed interested in him making the effort to try this dance and it didn't matter if he did it right or not just as long as he was having fun doing it. If this is what she wanted so be it.
"Honour your partner," the fat man called out. "Swing your honey high and low, Allemande left with the corner, your own a dosido. Ladies make a left- hand star, go full around the set, When you get back home, you box the gnat, with a grand old right and left. They call her Pussy Cat, oh Pussy Cat, when you meet her promenade, Take her home and balance out, and dosido that maid. Swing with the corner lady, boy, a little bit more than that, Allemande left, I'll tell you why, pass that lady right on by, and swing at home with Pussy Cat. Meow!"
The words coming from the caller were very quick and with a good beat in time, but Roger had no clue what he was talking about and just did the best he could copying the actions of those around him. When the call began Roger had stepped forward and took Judy by the hands and swung her around him with such awkward force that she almost hit the couple next to them. Fortunately they were having a good time as well and just laughed it off easing the minds of both Judy and Roger.
It was a quick pace and very difficult to keep up to and understand, but it was a very good work out none-the-less. A few times Roger did manage to stomp on Judy's toes, but she paid him back by doing the same though by pure accident as well. The beat was easy enough, however and Roger wasn't sure what made him enjoy this more than he thought he would. He lavished being with Judy and the music was so upbeat and silly that he couldn't help but smile through the entire routine in spite of himself.
Judy was also thrilled to see him enjoying himself so much and not as embarrassed and demure about it as he was only moments ago. It was very unusual to see the rich punk behaving so playful all of a sudden, but at the same time she must have looked out of place herself as always being the laid back kind of girl. The words of Mrs. Keane flickered in Judy's busy mind about loosening up and enjoying things for once and that made Judy smile all the more. It felt good to let go and not follow that damn script she always did.
"Walk around your corner, partner Do Paso: Partner by the ole left hand, the corner right you know. Partner left, gents star right, straight across the set, To a left-hand whirl, find the corner girl, now box the gnat you bet. Now pull her by, swing the right hand lady, swing her high and low, Corners with the left hand, now do a Do Paso: New corner right, new partner left, roll promenade you know. Pretty little girl with a turned up nose, Freckle face, and I suppose, That's why they call her Pussy Cat. Meow!" The caller then had a hearty chuckle and the song and dance came to an end getting a huge round of applause from the dancers.
Roger joined in on the applause and was quite winded much to his surprise. He didn't imagine that such a dopey style of dance could be so tiring, but fun. He turned his attentions to Judy who was smiling broadly and clapping enthusiastically. She looked absolutely stunning and elated and Roger couldn't help but grin at the sight of her.
Sensing she was being watched, Judy turned her head towards Roger, but instead of the normal snappish attitude she'd have with him for gawking, she blushed instead and stepped to his side. "That was definately a vigorous bit of dance if I ever saw one! It left me quite breathless and parched, but it was well worth the sacrifices. I fear my toes won't ever be the same, but such a price to pay for bliss!"
Wiping his slightly sweat dampened brow, Roger extended his arm for her. "Care for some punch then, my sweet?" he questioned, flinching inside on how stupidly corny that sounded.
Judy nodded thankfully and took his arm and allowed herself to be led from the dance floor to one of the tables that lined the wall filled with various cookies and pastries and the all important punch. "Who would have thought that anything as wild as that could be so fun and uplifting!" she panted before taking a sip of her drink.
"Y-yeah, that was kinda dopey wasn't it?" Roger snickered his reply and once again wiped his brow, pushing his hat back slightly on his head. "Well, for being our first time I don't think we did so bad."
"No, I think not," Judy reached to refill her cup and glanced back over to the stage watching the little band moving about getting ready for another song. However, the caller picked up an accoustic guitar and sat down on a tall stool in front of the microphone this time. "Another dance so soon?" Judy queried.
Roger shrugged disinterested and swallowed the rest of his drink and stepped from her side to get the ladle for the punch to get more in his cup. "I sure hope not. I ain't in the mood for another one of those things for a long time. You stepped on my feet a lot out there! I don't think my poor toes'll ever be the same!" he snickered.
Judy smirked at him and gave his arm a playful shove. "Yeah, and you stomped on mine quite a bit yourself. So consider it payback."
The whine of the microphone once again cut through the air causing the entire room to groan its misery while the caller got flustered for repeating his mistake from before. "Sorry ya'll," he chuckled. "Gonna have to get used to this thing if I don't want ya'll to beat me off stage!"
"Loser," Roger muttered as he drank from his cup and got an elbow in the ribs as Judy heard his comment. He arched his brows at her, but she just grinned and lowered her sunglasses to give him a wink. "Well, he is! I mean, how could ya possibly do the same stupid thing twice in a row? You'd think the goofball woulda learned the first time he did that."
"Perhaps he just does it on purpose to get the attention of everyone. I mean, that would be a lot more polite then yelling for people to pay attention."
Roger shrugged. "Eh, still stupid if you ask me." He was about to take another ladleful of the punch when the lights suddenly dimmed allowing the lanterns that were lit and hanging on posts to really shine. "What now?" he grumbled, annoyed, and put his cup down while pushing his hat back farther on his head so he could see better.
"All right ya'll," the caller droned into the microphone. "I think now that everyone's cooled off and calmed down a bit it's time for a change in the dance pace for the moment. So, girls, grab yer guys and guys grab yer girls and head back to the floor because we're gonna play ya'll something nice and slow."
Something nice and slow? Roger shuddered. That was even worse then doing a dopey square dance! He knew how to slow dance, any loser could according to Roger, but he wasn't prepared for this. He anticipated western dances like line dancing and he sort of hoped they'd actually have one since he took line dancing lessons ages ago just for something to do and he rather enjoyed it. He really wanted to show off to Judy and impress her with his talent, but he could see he wasn't going to get that chance.
Much to his chagrin Judy was staring at him with a sort of sentimental look on her face. Roger gulped and tugged at the collar of his shirt. "So, uhh...n-need more punch?" he stammered hoping to distract her from wanting to go out on the dance floor again.
She shook her head. "No, my thirst is quite satiated for the time being. Come, I think this dance is way more up to our standards of civil rituals." Judy then took Roger's hand and once again led him to the center of the dance floor. Still holding his hand she turned to face him and put her other hand on his hip. "Don't tell me you don't know how to dance like this either?"
Roger gulped again and numbly nodded that he did, suddenly feeling demure. With a slight hesitation, Roger managed to put his arm around Judy's waist, but kept her at a moderate distance from him. He glanced towards the band on stage and impatiently waited for them to start the song. It all ready felt like an eternity and he wanted this over with even faster than he wanted the square dance over.
As the song "Tennessee Waltz" began, Roger just about froze where he stood getting a smirk from Judy. "You're all talk aren't you, Klotz? You always brag about this or that, but when it comes time to pay the piper you freeze. Let's go to a dance, you said, it'll be fun sweeping you across the floor and showing all those hick losers how to dance!"
He furrowed his brow and shook his head. "Nuh-uh, I'm just a bit...ummm...tired that's all." Swallowing hard, Roger stepped forward and began the dance.
Judy pushed him gently. "Rog, stop acting like this is a death sentance or something. You're stiff as a board. Loosen up, you might enjoy this. You're in my arms after all, isn't that what you wanted?"
With a defeated sigh and shrug, Roger tried his best to relax. He didn't know what was wrong with him. Normally he would have relished and welcomed this kind of closeness with Judy, but for some reason this time he was nervous. Perhaps it was the lighting and dance that got to him or just the fact that Judy was finally becoming more at ease about public contact from him and he wasn't quite sure how to handle it.
However, as the song continued on he began to relax more and more getting a satisfied smile from Judy. "Better now?" she asked getting a slight nod from him in return and his traditional crooked smile. Judy nodded back and stepped a little closer to him narrowing the gap between them. "I felt like you were dancing a mile away. Slow dances are meant to be danced close."
Roger smirked and boldly pulled her closer still so they were almost touching. "Yeah, yeah, I always heard it called touch dancing too. Dopey song though, coulda been something a bit more romantic. I don't wanna hear about some sap losing her man to some goofball."
"Geez, you sure know how to word things don't you? However, I will agree with you, I'm not exactly fond of the song myself word wise, but the melody is beautiful and the setting is very romantic."
"You think barns are romantic?" Roger asked with a snicker getting another shove from her in response. "Maybe they're romantic for cows and horses, though."
"Roger!" Judy stifled a laugh and looked up at him over the rims of her shades as they slowly slid down her nose. "You're impossible, you know that?"
Arching his eyebrows, Roger gasped playfully. "Oh! You wound me!" Getting a giggle out of her like he hoped he leaned close and said softly. "You talk too much. I thought slow dances were supposed to be romantic and quiet. What's with all the chit-chat?"
"Yes, I suppose you are right. Too much vocalization can be a bit disenchanting in a situation like this. Ah, well, perhaps I'll just do the more traditional thing one does during a slow dance."
"Oh? And what's that, girly?"
She didn't reply, but instead reached up and placed a soft kiss upon the tip of his pointed nose. "That," she said quietly feeling that oddly wonderful clenching sensation in her stomach again. Calm yourself, Judith, she scolded herself. Even though the setting was romantic to her, this definately was not the place for her to try and get that kiss she missed out on earlier when they were out on the picnic table before the dance started.
However, giving Roger the go-ahead in anything like that was like giving a crook the combination to the bank vault. He quirked an orange eyebrow while releasing her hand and instead wrapped his arms around her waist, but did not stop dancing with her. Judy draped her arms over his shoulders and smiled up at him, pleased he didn't question her like he normally does when she acts out of character on those rare occassions.
Roger twitched his nose as the moisture from her kiss started to evaporate and began to slightly tickle him. "Girly wants a kiss huh?" he asked more to himself than to her. Judy opened her mouth to reply, but was silenced quickly as Roger tenderly kissed her which was a surprise when normally they were rough and clumsy at first only to improve as they continued.
Judy blinked behind her shades, her mind buzzing on what she should do now. Deep inside she loathed public affections like this, but that pleasant clenching of her insides was warming her and almost encouraging her to just relax and let things go as they may. With a soft sigh, Judy reached up and completed the kiss hearing Roger sigh in return.
They kissed for long minutes, but never stopped their dancing. Roger could vaguely hear the song still playing, but he wasn't worried about it anymore and neither was Judy. It felt wonderful being so close, their bodies moving in time with the music. See, kissing him in the open didn't cause the Apocolypse now did it, Judith? she thought to herself as her fingers caressed over the back of his neck getting a shudder in return.
Sadly, the song came to an end as did their kiss. Judy shyly lowered her eyes, but kept her arms draped over Roger's shoulders. "Thank you for the lovely dance, Roger," she said softly, still caressing over the back of his neck with her fingers.
Roger shrugged. "Yeah, too bad it ended so fast." Just then he started feeling strange, warm actually, warm and very relaxed. He wanted to kiss her again, but wasn't sure if she'd allow that. Willing to take that chance, Roger leaned forward to try, but was stopped once again by that idiot caller's microphone screeching.
"Ok, folks, that was right pretty and all, but let's get back to the hoedown!"
Both Roger and Judy flinched at both the noise and the fact another square dance was going to start. "I don't wanna do that again!" Roger whined getting a nod of agreement from Judy.
"And neither do I. Perhaps later on this evening, but right now I'm a bit warm and wouldn't mind heading outside to see if the chill of the night air can cool me down." It was a slight lie. Judy was a bit warmer then usual, but it was nothing she couldn't handle or wasn't used to. The lights she always worked under while performing on stage were just as hot or hotter than what was here in the barn. She just wanted to get away from all these people and enjoy the peace outside.
Roger led her off the dance floor and almost got run over by the eager and fresh party-goers anxious for another square dance. He shook his head and started to make his way towards the big barn doors leading to the darkness outside, hoping that there wouldn't be as many bodies out there as inside the barn.
Right before they got within ten feet of the doors, Roger suddenly stopped dead in his tracks. Judy furrowed her brow and turned to look at him wondering what made him stop this time and only hoped it wasn't that Larry guy again or she'd have something to say about it. They needed to make ammends and stop their foolish little war, but as Judy looked around there was no one about and Roger had a dreamy look on his face, his head tilted back slightly and he was sniffing the air.
"Roger, what's wrong?" she asked totally confused on what his problem could be now for she couldn't smell anything out of the ordinary let alone see anything that would cause him to behave like this.
"Weenies!" he cried happily and loudly and dragged her away from the door, through the crowd of people and over to a table where a large stack of cocktail weenies were just brought out and placed down. "Outta my way, losers! They're all mine!"
Judy shook her head at not only his bad manners, but his sudden selfishness as she watched him practically devour the little hot dogs. She suddenly remembered that Roger had next to no dinner since she upset him and caused him to leave during their meal, so his actions now were as a result of her own ignorance. She had no choice than to let him eat his fill no matter how greedy and obnoxious he behaved.
Not being able to do much else until he was finished with his gluttony, Judy leaned back on the table and watched the other party-goers dancing to the new song. She tried to listen to what the caller was saying, but really didn't understand the gibberish and couldn't for the life of her figure out how she and Roger made it through that insane ritual.
Taking a casual glance towards Roger she saw him groping for a glass filled with punch, but it was just out of his reach and he really wasn't making an effort to get it since he was much more concerned about protecting his meal from getting taken from him. With a smile and shake of her head, Judy pushed it towards him receiving a grunt of thanks in return. "Enjoy, Roger," she said softly and went back to her people watching.
Not far off she spotted Mrs. Keane who was dancing with a very handsome looking man. They both were excellent dancers and smiling broadly. Judy wondered if she and Roger had looked that happy and good when they were attempting to square dance. A blush reddened her cheeks as she thought about that and the dance that followed. She was still stunned she actually kissed him on the dance floor and was even more surprised that she allowed him to carry on with that kiss as well.
Mrs. Keane then glanced towards Judy and gave her a quick wave making Judy hurridly wave back before Mrs. Keane disappeared into the crowd of dancers with her partner. Taking another look at Roger she noticed that he was slowing down with his eating and reaching for the glass of punch to wash down his meal.
With a satisfied sigh, Roger patted his stomach and strode to where Judy was standing. "That helped a lot! Too bad I didn't eat before we cut a rug or I could have went for another round of that dopey dance. I can really put all these losers to shame when it comes to line dancing."
"You keep bragging like that Mr. Klotz and I will be forced to converse with the caller and have him start up a line dance purposely to see if you got what you say you do."
Roger's dark eyes widened and he hastily reached forward and grabbed Judy by the arm and headed towards the open barn doors once again. "Ah, no thanks, girly. I had enough dancing and junk for one night and besides, didn't you wanna take a walk?"
"Ah, yes, I did mention that earlier didn't I? Well, only if you are indeed certain that you don't wish to partake in any more of the dancing. Like I said, I'm sure I could get the caller to start up a little line dance for you." Judy gave him a sly grin and took a few teasing steps back towards the dance floor.
He vigorously shook his head and offered her his arm to take hoping to get her to change her mind about speaking to that annoying dance caller. "Shall we be on our way outside, my sweet? I hear the view of the moon and stars is quite lovely this time of night."
Judy smiled warmly at his attempt to be romantic and linked arms with him. "But of course my dear Sir Roger of Klotz. Let us be on our way and hopefully find some peace and serenity for a little while before partaking upon another activity that comes our way." With a soft snicker, Roger led Judy towards the open doors and together they vanished into the darkness of the evening.
To be continued...
