Dinner was amazing as usual. Kellerman's never did a shabby job on spicing up the menu. They all ways went out of the way to make it a great meal.
Baby watched her familiar surrounding as she nibbled on her pot roast. The same stone fire place stained with soot from the previous winter still looked prettier than ever. Max always made sure his establishment was in top notch shape, from the hardwood dance floor to his bright garden out by the gazebo.
Dinner was followed by the lights dimming for an evening dance. Baby even recognized some of the staff. After all these years Vivian Pressman, The Bungalow Bunny, was still here by herself waiting for the weekend to come and her husband to join her then. Even thought she had aged tremendously she tried her best to wear the skimpy outfits like she wore all those years ago. Guess some things never change.
But, Baby had to admit. It just wasn't the same without Penny and Johnny here. They both just added excitement to Kellerman's. Baby just waited for Johnny and Penny to burst through the doors and put on an amazing show for all the guests.
"I hear they just let anyone in here." Baby heard a voice behind her surprise her.
Before Baby could turn around her father realized who it was. "Well, hello Penny."
"Penny!" Baby shrieked as she rose to her feet to hug Penny.
"Long time no see huh?" Penny said excitedly. "Mr. and Mrs. Houseman, Lisa, good to see you."
"You too hun." Marge replied.
"Sit down and join us." Jake invited.
"I can't. I just come over to say hello. I have a number to do in a few." Penny directed her attention back to Baby. "Look for me after the dance okay?"
"Yeah, sure thing!" Baby told Penny as Penny show off to the side door.
"She sure looks good." Marge said as she returned to eating her pot roast.
Yes she did. Penny looked amazing as always. Baby was so surprised to see Penny here. From what Johnny had told her Penny had left Kellerman's the same time he did. What could she be doing back and dancing at that.
After dinner Baby got her answer. Max walked up on stage as the house band crept to a silence. "Good evening everyone. Well, as you all know Kellerman's is in its fifteenth year of business and it has been a great fifteen years too. Starting this week and running over into next week we plan to put on an amazing show for everyone. I have asked for former staff members to come and help me make this all possible. Let me say that it wouldn't have been possible all these years if I hadn't have had such an amazing staff. So please enjoy you next two weeks here."
"Hard to believe Max has been here fifteen years." Jake said as she sipped on his iced tea.
Well if Penny is here, would Johnny be here? Would Max have invited him back? But, Johnny didn't mention anything about it when he seen her earlier. It's just Baby and her wishful thinking.
Baby watched in awe as Penny and some of the other staff Baby didn't recognize put on a great show for the guests. Penny still had it in her; there was no doubt about that. She still could light up a room in an instant.
There were whistles and claps as Penny's male partner twirled her around the dance floor. They were breath taking together. There seemed to be so much chemistry between them.
As the guest slowly trickled out of the main dinning hall Baby hung around and waited for Penny.
"Baby there is someone I want you to meet." Penny said as she pulled Baby along with her. "This is Jake Fielding" As the man turned around Baby noticed it was Penny's dance partner from earlier. "This is my husband.
"Ah, you must be Baby. I have heard a lot about you." Jake said as she reached out to shake Baby's hand.
"All good I hope." Baby said picking.
"Very good." Jake promised.
"This is the famous Baby that save me and Johnny all those years ago from being fired." Penny said as she winked at Baby.
"Well, it's nice to finally meet you." Jake said. "If you ladies will excuse me, I have to go help Billy."
"Yeah sure thing, honey." Penny said as she Jake gave her a quick peck on the cheek.
"I will meet up with you two later." Jake said as she rushed off to find Billy.
"Ah, Baby he is amazing." Penny said as her face lit up with the thought of Jake.
"I can imagine." Baby said as her thoughts drifted to Johnny.
"Well, its party time. Party at the staff quarters, you up to it?" Penny asked Baby.
"Oh yeah!"
Baby and Penny walked up to where it all began for Baby so many years ago. This time the staff was dancing to Three Dog Night and Led Zeppelin, which was quite a change from the sixties music, but times and traditions change. Dirty dancing was no longer hiding in the basements; it was out in the open and holding nothing back.
"Girl, I am so glad to see you." Penny said as she handed Baby a beer.
"I know, it has been too long." Baby said trying to talk over the music.
"So you here for the next two weeks?" Penny asked Baby as she moved her hips to the beat.
"Just till Sunday. I have to be back at work Monday." Baby returned.
"Gonna miss a great week." Penny told her.
"I know but I need to get back to work." Baby was letting her mind drift back to Amanda.
"I understand. At least I have four days to catch up with you." Penny said noticing Baby's weird expression. "You okay?"
"Yeah I just need a little air. I will be right back." Baby headed through the dancing crowd toward the brown double doors.
"Wait, you can't leave yet!" Billy stopped Baby on her way out.
"I just have to get some air." Baby told him as the crowd started cheering. Baby glanced toward the door but people were crowded around it. "What is going on?"
"Must be my cuz." Billy told Baby.
"Cuz? Surly you can't mean………" Baby's voice trailed off as she got a glimpse of who had just walked in the door.
