Winter Season

Dancing shoes

‘Shall we dance’ started playing. There were a few couples on the floor. Oscar stood. “Shall we dance?”

She was floored. “I can’t dance to this song.”

He smiled a smile bigger than she had ever seen. “I’ll guide you.”

“Okay.” They took their stance body to body. So this is what Deborah Kerr felt as she was being swept off her feet? Oscar was so graceful as he moved across the gym floor. Who would have thought he was so talented? And they really did dance the way they danced in the King and I.

Someone shouted over the music, “Go Mr. P.”

Esther had forgotten that anyone else was in the world. When the music stopped, the whole gym erupted in applause.

“That was amazing.” She held her chest, out of breath.

“I love you.” He kissed the top of her hand.

Bell was shocked. “Oscar, you’ve been holding out on us. I had no idea you could dance like that.”

He just smiled. “I haven’t had anyone to dance with.” He kissed the top of Esther’s hand again.

Around midnight, the crowd was starting to get louder and wilder so they decided to go home.

As they were walking to the jeep, a voice called from behind them, “well I be gol danged.”  

“What Otis?” They stopped walking and just waited. Oscar held on to Esther for dear life.

Otis staggered in front of them. “Wheeee doggie. What was dat? Sum fine foot work.” He kicked snow on Oscar’s shoe.

“May I help you?” He held Esther tighter still.

“Nah, just wannen to see more fancy foot work.” He kicked more snow on his shoes. “See what maws money paid fur.”

“Mom didn’t pay for my education. It was all grants and loans.”

Oat staggered back and forth, “you callin’ maw a lar?”

“If she did, I know nothing about it.”

Chet showed up just in time patting Oscar on the shoulder. “Nice work.” He smiled.

Otis cussed under his breath and walked off.

The ride home was quiet. Neither of them said a word. Oscar opened the door for her, took her coat and hung it up. She got a Coke Zero out of the fridge. “Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room.” He took his coat off and hung it next to hers. “Would you like something to drink?” She kicked her shoes off and they lay by the coat rack.

“Whatever you’re drinking?” He replied.

She handed him a Coke Zero as he sat down on the couch with her.

“I’m not real sure there’s anything to talk about.” He sighed.

“Then why are you being so quiet?”

“I guess I’m a little floored that’s all. I have no issue with women being in dangerous jobs. But I’m just not used to the concept. We have a hand full of women volunteer fire fighters; we’ve had one female deputy. I’ve seen one female state trooper, though I’m sure there are more. It’s just different for me.”

“But you have no issue with it?”

“No, none. It’s just different that’s all.” He stared at his pop can for a moment. “I can’t imagine those soft hands of yours that have caressed me, holding a gun. Or breaking bones.”

She smiled, “I don’t think I’ve ever broken a bone.”

“So tell me about those guys.”

“Daniel Jones, the one that asked me ‘what I was doing back in Kentucky?’ We went to college together. He was my best friend, study partner and then ended up being my cop partner. Chaz Buchanan, the biggest of them, is just a big ole teddy bear. We met on a stake out. Phillip Davis taught me how to dance. Everyone called him the Dancin’ Lawman. And Martin Suzza is Phillip’s best friend. We all just clicked.” She smiled. Missing the backyard BBQ’s, late night stake outs and just the camaraderie with friends.

“Why did they call you Trick Pony?”

She smiled a wicked grin, “I’ll show you some day.”

It was about three when Oscar went home. Esther had gotten ready for bed. This had been a wonderful evening overall.

Winter Season