As the party continued, Joe consciously shook off his meditative mood. He wasn't one to mope around, especially not on a night like this. After all, it wasn't every day he was the star of a party, surrounded by admiring women and he should—and would— take advantage of that. Shelving uneasy feelings away to the recesses of his mind, he sauntered over to the group of eager ladies that had appeared to be waiting for him to grace them with his presence all night. Smirking a self-assured, half-smile, Joe paused in front of the group, surveying them all in one, sweeping glance.
"Anyone care for a dance?"
A chorus of yes's rang out, as women of all ages stared, bright-eyed, in admiration of the famously handsome detective.
Chuckling at their enthusiasm, Joe selected a pretty, lively brunette.
"Madam, would you do me the honor?"
She smiled, nodded, and he promptly swept her off her feet – literally and metaphorically.
Twelve dances later, Joe had completely forgotten his feelings of awkward unease. Feeling himself for the first time since the day had started, Joe grinned in relief, skillfully leading his tenth partner as they whirled around the room, drawing in the eyes of the surrounding bystanders. People were always stunned when they saw Joe's unusual proficiency in dancing, but then, most were unaware of his dancing experience. When Joe was 10, and his brother, 12, their mother insisted Frank take dance classes. To his chagrin, Frank was a complete failure, tripping over his feet and stepping all over his unfortunate partners' toes. The dance instructor, a thin hawkish woman, had been a professional dancer in Germany, and was keen to point out Frank's faults, effectively making him twice as nervous and clumsy. Finally, after hearing a month of complaints from both teacher and student, Laura Hardy pulled her son out of dance class. However, Joe had become fascinated with dancing, the main attraction being the fact that his brother was completely inept in this activity—an unusual, rare occurrence that made dancing a high goal. When Joe—already beginning to show signs of the incorrigible charmer he was to become— begged to take Frank's place in dance lessons, his mother could not refuse. To her secret delight, Joe was a natural dancer. Their equally delighted dance teacher taught Joe all the dances she knew, proclaiming often, "zis child iz a miracle!" Tango, waltz, salsa, ballroom; Joe could do them all, and do them well. Ironically, as Frank grew into his tall frame and lost his bumbling awkwardness, his fighting skills grew to consist of graceful, Tai kwon doe, whereas Joe consistently preferred his rough-and-tumble brawl fighting style. However, adept as he had become, Frank was never able to touch Joe's uncanny skill in dance.
Grinning inwardly, Joe was glad to note that his skills had not grown rusty from disuse, as he and Amy, in their intense tango, became the center of attention. The graceful couple was focused solely on their complex steps, aware of the impromptu audience that had gathered around them, gapping and awe-struck. On the outskirts of the watchful crowd, Frank rolled his eyes, not at all surprised to see his brother showing off again. Beside him, Nancy stilled at the sight of the two lithe forms dancing in perfect harmony. Cracking a half-smile, Frank inclined his head toward Joe.
"What, he never told you he had dance lessons?" He asked the silent, stunned girl detective, good-naturedly.
"Actually," Nancy answered, her mouth finally deciding to cooperate, "he mentioned dance lessons once. But he never said anything about being a professional." A look of awe had permanently settled on her face. For some, indecipherable reason, her reaction seemed to amuse Frank, and he still had a small smirk on his face when Nancy broke out of her daze and turned to ask him if he ever took dancing lessons.
Hearing the violin music rising to the ending climax, Joe expertly spun Amy out, drew her in again, and dipped her down to the marble floor in a dramatic finish as the song closed. Slightly out of breathe, Amy looked at him admiringly as their audience clapped and cheered while Joe easily drew her to her feet.
"Wow, and here I thought I could teach you a thing or two about dancing!" Amy exclaimed, shyness forgotten, laughing sheepishly as she and Joe wandered off the dance floor.
"Well I haven't danced along side such a skilled dancer in years, and I certainly wasn't expecting to find one of your caliber here either." Joe gallantly replied, blue eyes twinkling incitingly.
Amy struggled not to blush again, but failed miserably as she became the newest addition to the star-struck admirers of the young detective.
Joe glanced down at his watch, checking the time. 9:00. He winced. Of course, just when he'd been having a good time…
"Listen, I've got to get going. Frank mentioned we were going to be presented with an award or something at 9:00 and I think he might've said something about us having to give a speech. So I'm going to have to check in with him so we can duke it out over who's going to have to speak."
Despite feeling disappointed, Amy managed a mischievous smile.
"What's this? The famous detective who fearlessly takes down terrorists and notorious villains, is afraid of giving a simple speech?"
"Me, afraid? Never. I'm just too modest for that sort of thing. Bragging is more of Frank's style."
Joe retorted, winking slyly, leaning down and whispering the last part of his sentence conspiratorially.
Undeceived by his humble excuse, but completely taken by his manner, Amy scoffed, and rolled her eyes playfully.
"Oh yes, modesty is definitely one of your strong points. Well you go on and don't be late for your award."
She mockingly replied, pretending to shoo him away towards the ballroom stage.
Joe nodded, turning to leave. Then, before he meditate on it, he turned back to face her, spouting quickly.
"Hey, before I leave, could I have your number? A beautiful lady with tango-ing skills to match merits special attention in my book."
Flattered, Amy quickly nodded, and pulled a pin from her purse, and jotted down her number on his hand, reminding Joe of his high school days when he would have three or four numbers on him palm at the end of the day. Before Joe had time to blink, he had a new number on his hand and a hopeful girl dreaming of a date with a famous detective. Why in the world did I do that? He wondered as he abruptly excused himself from the starry-eyed woman, and set out across the ballroom in search of his brother. Now she'll be hurt if I don't call. His request for her number had come out automatically. After all, Joe hardly went a day when on vacation without a date, and Amy seemed like a nice girl. But right now he hardly had the time, what with Frank insisting on reviewing their cold cases during their reprieve, and him hoping to spend time with their old friends, Biff and Chet. Besides, there was also Nancy. He had hardly seen her once while she had been here, he thought, rather grumpily. Impatiently, Joe shoved the uncharacteristic thoughts aside. Since when do I reconsider going on a date? And when'd I get so... so brooding? He wondered in disgust. He'd think about that later, right now he needed to get back to Frank.
Armani shoes clicking on the marble floor, Joe strode towards the stage at the back of the room, and soon spotted his brother chatting with the Mayor. Nancy was nearby, and seemed to be having a less-than-fun conversation with a devoted, admiring fan of hers, he noted with a smirk. Slipping past Nancy and her growing fan group, Joe reached through the sea of people and lightly tapped Frank on the shoulder. Frank turned around, polite smile prepared. When he saw it was Joe, relief washed over his face, and he quickly excused himself.
"Whew, you didn't come a minute too soon little brother! Mayor Higgins was just beginning to suggest I make a speech for the award presentation." Frank looked squeamish, and Joe couldn't help laughing.
Ok, so maybe we're BOTH afraid of making speeches, he thought wryly, remembering his earlier conversation with Amy.
"Why don't you just tell him we'd rather just receive the award without giving a speech?" Joe suggested.
"Yeah, I told him that and he seemed about to protest, when you came to save the day. As the presentation of our award is starting now, I doubt he'll insist on us speaking now." Frank grinned, obviously pleased with bypassing the nerve-wracking proposal. Although both brothers were skilled speakers—having had much practice—neither particularly cared to speak in public. Sure enough, the presentation began as they heard the Mayor clear his throat in front of the stage podium, attempting to catch the ball guests' attention.
"Excuse me, may I have your attention please." Feedback squealed loudly, and the Mayor apologetically leaned away from the microphone as the crowd collectively winced.
"We have gathered here tonight in order to celebrate the capture and arrest of Thomas Finch, dangerous terrorist and head of a large terrorist network here in America. As you know, those most responsible for this successful arrest are the three detectives here. Two are our very own Bayport residents. These three detectives who have saved all of us by this arrest are Frank Hardy, Joe Hardy, and Nancy Drew. Would you please clap for them now?"
Joe zoned out while the three detectives took their places on the stage, on the Mayor's right hand side. Finally, after the Mayor had made all three young adults completely uncomfortable with his enthusiastic speech filled with glowing compliments, the Mayor prepared to close his speech.
"Frank, Joe, Nancy, would you please come forward and receive our key to Bayport city?"
The crowd all cheered approvingly at this, while Nancy, Frank, and Joe exchanged surprised glances. Although they were expecting an award, this was an unexpected, high honor.
"Now, would you all care to began the last dance for tonight?" The Mayor beamed expectantly at the three young adults. Smiling and nodding, the three walked off the stage and prepared to dance again. As Joe began looking for a partner to join him on the floor, Frank noticed, and quickly stepped close.
"Hey Joe? You think you could dance with Nancy instead of me?" Frank whispered quietly.
"What'dya mean? You're her date for Heaven's sake. Of course you have to dance with her for the honorary last dance!" Joe whispered fiercely, shocked at his brother's apparent insensitivity. Nancy had been waiting for this night too long for Frank to leave her during the most important event of the night. Looking a little surprised at his brother's vehement refusal, Frank frowned.
"Look, I've gotta…uh...go. Please dance with her!"
Joe looked doubtful.
"You have to go?" he asked, examining Frank's face closely.
"YES, I have to go. You know, GO." Frank testily replied, rocking anxiously back and forth on his heels, looking disconcerted by Joe's scrutiny.
"So you've got to dance with her, or leave her to some awkwardly adoring fan, and even you know she would prefer you over that." Frank continued, wheedling, a slight look of desperation beginning to glimmer on his face.
"Ok, fine, I'll do it. But you'd better explain to Nancy, 'cause she'll be wanting to know why you skipped out on her for the last dance." Joe replied with a sigh.
"Thanks Joe," Frank flashed an appreciative smile. "And I'll tell her why I left, she'll understand. Besides, once she sees how you dance, she'll not regret me being gone." With a wink, Frank strode off through the ballroom doors.
Sighing again, Joe quickly sought to find Nancy's face in the crowd surrounding the stage. Soft violin notes from the orchestra heralded the start of the last dance of the night. Unable to find her, but knowing he had to begin the dance, Joe walked into the center of the circle the surrounding crowd had formed. To his relief, he saw Nancy standing there, looking about for her friends. When she caught sight of Joe, a smile broke across her face and Joe grinned back at her, happy to find her. However, a look of concern flitted across her features as she realized Frank was not joining Joe in the circle.
"Joe, where did Frank go? We're supposed to be leading this dance." Nancy whispered frantically out of the corner of her mouth, a fake smile staying plastered to her face as she smiled at their audience.
"He said he had to go. Don't worry, I'll dance with you."
At Nancy's dismayed expression, he felt his comforting smile freeze on his face. I know she wanted this night to be perfect, but surely she can spare a few minutes away from Frank. Joe thought, briefly annoyed and hurt.
"You could dance with someone else, I suppose." Joe continued as Nancy made no sign to move toward him.
Instantly, the dismayed look was wiped off her face, and she turned quickly toward him again.
"Of course I'd rather dance with you, Joe!" she replied, and Joe found himself strangely comforted by the shocked look on her face, as though she found that idea completely repulsive.
"Well then, we'd best hurry, the dance isn't going to began without us." Joe grinned, reaching out his hands toward her.
With a barely discernable hesitation, she slipped her hands into his.
"Lead the way, Joe." She replied, a soft smile making its way onto her face.
Nodding confidently, he quickly pulled her toward him, placing his right hand on her slim waist, and gently clasped her right hand with his left, while she placed her other hand on his shoulder. Hearing the orchestra starting their last song, Joe began to move, smoothly guiding Nancy across the floor. For a moment, they were the only two on the dance floor, and Joe suddenly felt tense, nervous. Looking down at Nancy's bent head, he gulped. Familiar confusion crowded his mind. What the heck is wrong with me today? Joe thought, groaning inwardly. To his relief, the mood was broken and his tension eased as the crowd began clapping, and couples joined them in the last dance. Spinning Nancy out easily, Joe forced out a long breath, letting the beat of the music and the feeling of freedom dancing had always given him ease his tension. No awkwardness, it's just Nancy. He'd been complaining about not having enough time with her, and how here was his chance. Regaining his former confidence with only a bit of difficulty, Joe grinned down at Nancy, who was looking over her shoulder at the couples joining them.
"Now this isn't so bad, is it?" he teasingly asked Nancy, attempting to dive into their usual, lively banter.
A confused frown creased her brow as she looked down at their feet, moving across the marble.
"What do you mean?" she queried.
"I mean, surely I've proven to be a less-than-terrible partner, despite your former hesitations." He replied, half-joking, half-serious.
"Now where would you get the idea that I didn't want to dance with you?" she asked quietly, and absentmindedly, eyes still facing the floor.
"Well when I told you we had to dance together, you certainly looked like you'd rather be anywhere but here." Joe casually explained, as he guided her to the center of the floor once more, so that the light from the chandelier above them shone directly on their faces.
Stunned, Nancy's eyes widened as she finally looked up into his face.
"Oh, oh no, you don't understand—I, I was just surprised to hear that Frank was gone, that's all." She hurriedly explained, a worried frown on her face as she attempted to reassure him.
"Well I am glad to hear I am not completely repulsive to Miss Drew." Joe replied, giving her a grin.
Smiling brightly in return, Nancy replied.
"You're not completely repulsive Joe…"
In mock horror, Joe let his jaw drop in offense.
Dropping Nancy's hand for a moment, Joe dramatically struck his hand against his chest, the picture of hurt and distress.
"Miss Drew, I do believe you have insulted me!" He replied indignantly, eyes wide with shock.
They stared at each other for a moment, before their straight-faces broke, and they burst out laughing. Noticing the other couples looking puzzled, in their direction, Nancy and Joe calmed down, and wiped their eyes, lingering giggles still bursting sporadically. Any feelings of awkwardness had disappeared, and Joe grinned at the familiarity of laughing, talking, being, with Nancy.
"So, has this date been everything you've been dreaming of since…oh since you met Frank?" Joe asked, grinning slyly.
"Well…" Nancy answered slowly, carefully considering. "It's a lot how I had thought it would be, yes."
"Don't you mean, hoped it would be?" Joe smirked.
Nancy rolled her eyes.
"Whatever you say. Anyways, yes, it's safe to say that it has been a really pleasant evening." Nancy replied, and Joe had to stifle a laugh at her prim tone.
"What?" Nancy asked, annoyance laced in her tone, as she felt Joe's slight chuckles.
"Oh nothing..it's just that pleasant evening isn't exactly how you describe dates now-a-days Nancy." Joe answered, mocking Nancy's voice in a high-squeak, letting his laugh bubble out.
"Well what do you want me to say? 'Oh it's been amazing, he's perfect, we're in LOVE!'" Nancy countered, fluttering her eyelashes with mock, love-struck eyes.
"Well considering your never-ending crush on him…" Joe winked, although feeling his stomach tighten for a moment at her rather, convincing act. The violins struck the final notes, and the piano's ending chords filled their ears as they both stepped back, clapping at the final dance's end.
Clapping along with the crowd, Nancy appeared about to respond defensively, when a couple—obviously rather tipsy from their champagne—choose that moment to bump against Nancy, causing her to stumble. Reflexively, Joe braced himself as she fell into his chest and his arms closed quickly around her, steadying her.
"Whoa there, you ok? Man, does no one manners these days?" Joe asked, concerned and staring rather angrily at the retreating backs of the unapologetic couple.
Nancy smiled, amused at his defense of her and replied gently.
"Yes, I'm alright, it was an accident."
Joe shook his head, still disgusted by their insensitivity, when Nancy's quiet voice broke into his thoughts.
"Um, hey Joe? You can, uh, let go of me now. Really, I'm fine."
"You know Joe, when the girl starts protesting, it usually means you're coming on a little too strong." an amused voice rang out behind the embracing couple. Frank always did have unusually bad timing.
Jerking back as if burned, Joe mumbled sheepishly, apologizing to Nancy, then turned around to face his brother, sputtering out excuses defensively. Looking from one brother to the other, Nancy quickly excused herself from the awkward situation, claiming she needed to get her coat for the ride home.
Joe continued blustering, trying to explain to Frank the reason he found his date and his brother wrapped in an embrace.
"Yeah, sure Joe, whatever. I understand, it's ok, really. Besides, I've got her now." Frank interrupted with a grin, winking broadly.
"Yes, yes you do." replied Joe, giving Frank a half-smile.
With that, Frank walked off to join Nancy at the city hall doors where their coats stood hanging, ready to be put on again in defense of the chilly autumn weather. For a moment, Joe stood alone in the large, elegant room. In his mind's eye, he saw himself whirling around the room with Nancy. Briefly, his lips curved into a faint smile as he thought of their light, usual, casual conversation. Yup, things were going better. The uneasy heaving in his stomach had taken a vacation and didn't seem to be about to return any time soon. With a new spring in his step, Joe strode toward the entrance to the city hall where Nancy and Frank stood waiting.
"Hey guys, you ready to leave now?" Frank asked, grabbing Nancy's jacket and slipping it carefully onto her shoulders, before slipping on his own overcoat.
"Yeah, I think we're all set." Joe answered, glancing around, checking to see if they had left anything behind.
"Alright, time to head home. Let's go."
As they drove in Frank's mustang, Frank and Nancy's lively chatter filled the warm interior, eerily familiar to the ride they had had earlier, Joe thought suddenly and slightly uneasily. But his time with Nancy had left a contented feeling in his chest, and he wasn't about to risk losing that thinking about his third-wheel-itus. Finally, worn out and drowsy, the three detectives arrived at the Marriott to drop Nancy off. After leading Nancy up to her room, Frank returned to Joe who had stayed in the car, head bobbing as he nodded off. Silence reigned, until Joe shook himself and turned to look at Frank.
"Hey, you take Nancy up already?" He asked, noticing the lack of the young woman.
Laughing at his brother's sleepy, slurred speech, Frank nodded as he turned a sharp right, and turned into the Hardy drive-way.
"You didn't hear her leave?" Frank asked. "She said good-bye to you when she left."
"She did?" Joe still looked confused. "Huh."
Sliding out of the car, Joe stumbled up their porch steps, tripping over the last one and barely escaping falling eagle-spread on the wooden slats. Stifling a shout of laughter, Frank quickly jogged up the stairs and threw an arm around Joe to keep him steady, while pulling out his keys and unlocking the door. Both brothers quietly slipped to their bedrooms, Joe looking slightly disoriented but more clear-eyed. As Frank was about to enter his room, he heard Joe quietly whisper his name.
"Hey Frank?"
"Yeah Joe?"
"Thanks for convincing me to come to the dance tonight. It was fun dancing.." Joe's voice trailed off as he slumped against his door frame. But the end of his sentence sounded suspiciously like he had been trying to say, "with Nancy." Frank couldn't be sure, but he thought on it as he sighed, and jogged toward his exhausted brother, catching him before he fell to the ground. With a grunt, he heaved Joe to his feet and pushed him towards his bed, which Joe quickly spread across, legs tilted haphazardly over the edge. Sighing inwardly at his little brother's antics, Frank quietly stepped over to the bed and pulled Joe up towards the head of the bed, tossing a blanket over him and placing a pillow under his head. As he looked down at his little brother's face, Joe's lips parted and eyes closed in sleep, Frank smiled. Joe was such a pain sometimes, especially when he was tired. Normally, Joe had extremely high stamina, but every once in a while he would crash, and fall hard, like he had tonight. Nonetheless, Frank couldn't help smiling at brother's innocent, naive face.
"I'm glad you came tonight too. It helped, more than you know."
Ok, so honestly this was really just a filler chapter. I've been out this past week 'cause of catching this cold and I lost my momentum for this second part of chapter two. I'm not too pleased with this end result, but I'm hoping my next chapter will make up for it :) Hope you all enjoy it anyway. Please review if you can, just tell me what you think of it, how you like it (or don't like it), etc. Ttfn :)
To my reviewers:
Lady Emily: Well I'm glad you're still enjoying this story. I know, I'm afraid I made Joe a little bit too much of a mush-ball in the last chapter, but I couldn't seem to find a way around it :P Anyhow, about Nancy not knowing about Iola...that'll be explained, maybe in the next chapter. So keep reading, and if you have any advice, feel free to depart your words of wisdom :)
Cariocalee: Lol, thanks for letting me see your analysis. It's great to see your perspective on where I'm taking this story. At this point, I'm pretty sure I know where it's going, but it's fun to see how you precive the plot :) Aww, thanks for the encouragement! I hope this chapter doesn't change your mind about my skills :P Anyhow, thanks for the review! Hope you keep reading!