Saddle Talk: Invitation to a Dance

"Kid, if you pull at that tie one more time, you're liable to choke yourself!"

"I just want to look my best for all those pretty girls." Kid Curry glanced at his partner. "It wouldn't hurt if your tie was tied right, neither."

As usual, Hannibal Heyes had a confident air about him. "Mine's tied just fine. Checked it before we left the bunkhouse."

"It's too loose."

"It's fine."

"Suit yourself."

"I will." Heyes paused a moment. "You know, Kid, I've been thinking … Can't remember the last time we got dressed up to go to a barn dance."

Curry cogitated. "Hmm, I don't remember, either." A beat. "It's been so long, I hope we remember how to dance. I don't want to go steppin' on anybody's toes."

"We'll be fine, Kid. We probably shouldn't do much anyway so we don't stand out making fools of ourselves." Heyes' stomach growled. "Besides, it doesn't hurt that they're having a spread. Something other than Cookie's chuckwagon's gonna taste real good."

Curry grinned. "My mouth's waterin' already!"

"Just don't go embarrassing yourself with so many helpings you won't be light on your feet, or on your guard. Still need you to watch my back."

The blond man frowned. "Who would we run into in town? We've been here goin' on a month and no one's recognized us yet."

"Maybe so, but we don't want to go pressing our luck too much either. You never know when someone's gonna recognize us."

"Aw, come on, Heyes, you're spoilin' the fun before it even starts!"

"Sorry. Just not sure this was the best idea. But, you're right – we need to get off the range at least once."

"I'm right?" Curry raised a brow in suspicion. "What've you got up your sleeve, Heyes?"

"Me?" Full-fledged dimpled innocence was on display. "Nothing, Kid. Just admitting you're right …"

Wide-eyed, Kid smiled in skeptical appreciation.

"… For once."

Blue eyes rolled. He spurred his horse a few yards ahead.

Heyes caught up. "Kid, you're right because it'll be good for us to have a break from the stock, although I'd rather have an invitation to that big poker game at the Frontier Club I keep hearing about."

"Even if you'd gotten that kind of invite, how would you play with no stake?" Curry took a more conciliatory tone. "Look, let's just relax and enjoy ourselves tonight, okay?"

"I'll try, but you know I'd rather sit in on a game." Heyes paused a moment. "And look at it this way – if I won big enough, you wouldn't have to stare at a beef's hind quarters anymore."

Curry's brow furrowed. "Didn't think of it that way. It would be nice to be able to quit this and move on. I've had enough back-breakin' work in the last few weeks to last a lifetime, but I guess we do what we gotta do."

"Truer words were never spoken, Kid."

"That's twice you're admittin' I'm right. Somethin's goin' on."

"Nothing's going on. Just for you I'm gonna forget about poker and enjoy the evening. After all, how bad can it be – pretty ladies, better food, and a night off the range."

Curry brightened. "Gee, Heyes, you're so good to me!"

"And don't you ever forget it, Kid! … Hey, no need to scowl!"