Chapter 13
Chapter Thirteen
“Ididn’t realize Billy Bob’s was in another city,” Cari said, getting into the backseat of Randi’s car.
“Yeah, that would be a long rideshare,” Eden said. She reached over and squeezed Randi’s shoulder. “But Randi will get us there and back home safely.”
Randi chuckled. “You don’t like to drive in Friday traffic.”
“Who does!” Eden exclaimed.
“I thought Tennie was joining us,” Analise said from the backseat.
“She’s meeting us there,” Eden explained. “Her work took her to a site west of Fort Worth. She didn’t want to drive all the way back to Dallas then back to Fort Worth.”
“From everything I read about Billy Bob’s, it’s huge,” Cari said.
Randi looked into her rearview mirror and caught Cari’s gaze. “You researched the bar?”
Cari nodded. “Absolutely! I wanted to know where you’re taking me.”
Randi chuckled. “Oh, so you trust us with your business and your brand, but you’re not so sure about Friday night dancing?”
“I met you at that bar the day before the pitch, remember?”
“I remember,” Randi said. “Of course, you did meet me there.”
“And Eden had a different date that night,” Cari added.
“Oh yeah, I did,” Eden replied.
“Are you having any trouble keeping up with all these dates?” Analise asked with amusement in her voice.
“It’s only been three—well actually, two dates,” Eden said. “This is the first time I’ve been out all week.”
“Because you went out three times the week before that,” Randi said.
“That’s the whole idea of the pitch. Wasn’t it?” Eden said.
“Yep and so far it’s working.” Randi glanced over at Eden and smiled.
“Tell us about the dates,” Cari said.
“You were on one of them with me.” Eden chuckled. “That was Kelly. I had coffee with Tennie one morning before work. I’m not sure that counts as a date.”
“Sure it does,” Cari said. “What was the third?”
“I went out for margaritas the night you celebrated signing with HLR. I came by the brewery, but you and Analise had already gone home.”
“Yeah, I had one too many margaritas that night.” Cari chuckled. “Maybe I’ll drink something else tonight.”
“You’ll be having too much fun dancing to drink much,” Analise said.
A little later as Randi pulled into the parking lot she turned to Eden. “Where is Tennie meeting us?”
“She just texted and is walking up to the entrance,” Eden said, looking at her phone. “I told her we’d be right there.”
Randi turned to look into the backseat. “Okay, let’s go dancing!” She could see apprehension on Cari’s face. “Hey, it’s going to be fun,” she said reassuringly.
“I know,” Cari said. “But now that we’re here I’m not sure I want to look like a fool.”
“That’s the beauty of the two-step,” Randi said. “You have a partner and they’ll make you look good.”
Cari smiled. “You better! Or I’m taking it all back.”
Randi widened her eyes and could see the surprise on Analise’s face.
“I’m kidding,” Cari said. “In such a short time, you’ve all become my friends, not just people I work with.”
“Uh, we work for you,” Analise said with a smile.
Cari sat up a little straighter. “I guess you do.”
“Come on, let’s go dancing.” Eden hurried them out of the car.
When they got to the entrance, Tennie was waiting for them. They all went inside and the surprise on Cari’s face rivaled that of a kid at Christmas.
“I know they said it was big, but this is amazing,” she said in wonder.
“Let’s get a table near the dance floor,” Randi suggested, leading them past a long bar and into a large area filled with tables and chairs.
“What are we drinking?” Analise asked. “I’ll get the first round. Wait a minute—HLR will take care of everything.”
“Oh, you don’t have to do that,” Cari said.
“I want to,” Analise replied. “Half the group works there, so why not.”
“I’m having beer,” Randi stated.
“Me too,” Eden echoed.
The others nodded and Analise said, “Beer it is.”
“I’ll help you,” Tennie offered as the others settled at the table.
There were several couples circling the dance floor doing different versions of the two-step. Randi nudged Eden’s elbow and nodded towards Cari. She smiled as Cari watched the flow of dancers.
“Are you ready to give it a try?” Randi asked.
“Oh, I don’t know.” Cari looked at her wide-eyed. “I need some liquid courage first.”
“It really isn’t hard, Cari,” Eden said. “It’s back two steps and up one if you’re following or the opposite if you’re leading.”
Cari gasped. “I’m a follower, for sure.”
Randi chuckled.
“Hey, why don’t you show me,” Cari said. “I’ll watch and learn.”
Randi looked at Eden and raised her brows. “Okay, Eden and I will dance right here in front of you, but then you have to try it with me.”
“Okay.” Cari nodded enthusiastically.
“Do you want to lead?” Randi asked as they stepped onto the dance floor.
“Nah, you’re better at it,” Eden said and raised her arms.
Randi put her right hand on Eden’s hip and clasped her hand.
She listened for the beat of the music before taking a step forward.
They instantly fell into a familiar rhythm as Randi led them in a small circle near their table.
She was reminded of many nights when she and Eden had practiced the two-step around their living rooms. Just like Cari, they hadn’t wanted to look foolish when they went out with their new friends after moving to Texas.
Randi smiled and gazed into Eden’s light brown eyes. There was a sparkle in her eyes then Eden winked. “We haven’t done this in a while,” she said.
“Yeah, but we’ve still got it.”
Eden chuckled and Randi’s heart warmed at the familiar sound. She loved Eden’s laugh.
“Lead us over to Cari.”
Randi nodded and guided them to the edge of the dance floor. She motioned for Cari to come towards them. Analise and Tennie had made it back to the table with their drinks.
“Watch Eden’s feet,” Randi said as they danced by Cari.
“Two steps back then one up,” Eden said.
“I think I get it.” Cari smiled.
“Come on,” Randi said, stopping in front of Cari. “Let’s give it a go.”
Eden took Cari’s hand and put it into Randi’s then stepped aside. “You’ve got this.”
Cari widened her eyes and winced.
“Relax,” Randi said, shaking her hips. “That’s better. Now, step back—” Before Randi could finish Cari stepped and landed on Randi’s foot.
“Oh my gosh! I’m so sorry!” Cari exclaimed.
“It’s okay,” Randi said, squeezing her hand. “Let’s go again. Look down. I’m stepping forward with my left foot while you’re stepping back with your right. We’ll do that twice. Two little steps. Okay, good!”
She looked into Cari’s eyes and smiled. “Now pause. You can either lean forward or step forward one step. There you go. That’s it. Let’s repeat. Ready?”
Cari nodded and looked back down at their feet.
Randi led them through several steps going in the same direction. “Very good,” she said. “Now, look at me.”
Cari looked up into Randi’s eyes and released a big breath. “I’m doing it,” she said through clenched teeth. “Sort of.”
Randi chuckled. “You’re dancing. Relax a little. Feel my hand on your hip and my hand in yours and you’ll know where I’m leading us.”
Cari nodded.
“We’re going to turn a little to the left and dance back by our table,” Randi said. “If you’ll notice most couples are dancing in the same direction so they don’t get in each other’s way.”
“I noticed,” Cari said.
The song ended just as they reached their table. “Thank you for the dance, ma’am.” Randi bowed and smiled.
Cari giggled. “Oh, Randi, you’re too much.”
Randi laughed as they went back to the table. Everyone clapped for Cari when she sat down.
“You did it!” Eden exclaimed.
“I didn’t look anything like you and Randi,” Cari said. “Y’all were so natural and moved with ease.”
Eden chuckled. “We’ve practiced a lot in our living rooms.”
“Yeah, we wanted to fit in when we first moved here and honestly, it’s fun,” Randi said.
“I’m not the best at it, but Eden, would you like to dance?” Tennie asked.
“I’d love to,” Eden replied.
Randi watched as they got up and stepped onto the dance floor.
“Y’all really are good out there,” Analise said. “I could see you from the bar.”
Randi smiled. “It’s so easy with her,” she said, not taking her eyes off Eden. “She likes for me to lead, but I think she’s the one that makes us look good.”
“I don’t know,” Analise said. “You and Cari didn’t look like beginners.”
Cari shook her head. “You’re just being nice.”
“Hey, do you dance?” Randi asked, turning to Analise.
She smirked and took a sip of her beer. “I’ve been known to make a trip or two around the dance floor.”
“Oh yeah?” Randi said with delight. “Care to take a spin with me?”
“Um, we shouldn’t leave Cari here by herself,” Analise sputtered.
“It’s okay,” Cari said. “When you get back I’ll dance with Randi again.”
“You’re the one who wants to learn,” Analise stated. “You should dance.”
Randi leaned over and quietly said, “It’s okay if you don’t want to dance with me.”
“It’s not that!” Analise exclaimed.
“Then go on,” Cari encouraged her.
Randi raised her brows and had an idea why Analise was reluctant. She stood and offered Analise her hand. When she took it, Randi led them to the dance floor and stopped. “You’ve never danced with a woman, have you?”
Analise shyly shook her head.
“Do you want to dance with me?”
Analise nodded and put her hand on Randi’s shoulder. “Let’s go.”
Randi smiled, nodded with the beat, and off they went. After they’d two-stepped the length of the large dance floor she said, “You know what you’re doing.”
“This isn’t my first rodeo,” Analise drawled.
Randi laughed. “You are full of surprises, aren’t you, boss?”
“Oh, I’m not your boss tonight,” Analise said. “Raise your arm, I’m going to spin.”
Randi grinned and complied. Analise twirled once, twice, and was back in her partner’s arms.
“That was fun,” Randi said.
“You’re not so bad yourself,” Analise said. “I think all that practice with Eden has paid off.”
Randi shrugged and led them back towards the table.
“Cari was right, you know. You and Eden are natural together.”
Randi smiled but didn’t say anything. It had been a while since she and Eden had danced together. She’d seen her dancing with Tennie as they made their way around the floor and figured she wouldn’t be dancing with her again any time soon.
“We’d better go back,” Analise said, drawing Randi out of her thoughts. “We’re here so Cari can dance.”
“That doesn’t mean we all can’t have a good time,” Randi said. “Do you want me to find a cowboy for you to dance with? I will.”
“Uh, no!” Analise said. “I’m perfectly capable of finding my own dance partners. Did you not enjoy dancing with me?”
“I’m loving it, but I thought maybe you were uncomfortable. I mean, there aren’t many same-sex couples on the dance floor.”
“Who cares,” Analise said. “No one is giving us a second look.”
As they neared the table Randi said, “Save one more dance for me later. Okay?”
Analise smiled. “Yes, ma’am.”
Randi chuckled as they walked back to the table.
There was more traffic on the dance floor as the Friday night crowd grew. Randi continued to dance with Cari as she learned the steps and became more confident. Another couple bumped into them and Randi turned to see Eden grinning at her.
“Let’s switch partners,” Eden said. “Cari, you’ve only danced with Randi tonight. Everyone does it a little differently. Wanna give it a try?”
“Okay.” Cari shrugged.
“Let me dance with Cari,” Tennie said. “I’m used to leading.”
Randi let Cari’s hand go and watched as Tennie took her into her arms. After a moment off they went.
“I think she’s got it,” Eden said. “You’re such a good teacher.”
“Aw, thanks,” Randi said. “Shall we? Or do you want to go back to the table?”
“Let’s dance our way over there,” Eden said.
They stepped into the flow of the traffic on the dance floor and Randi smiled. “Is Tennie a good dancer?”
“She’s okay,” Eden said. “If I can get her to relax.”
“Maybe you make her nervous,” Randi said, raising her brows.
“Why would she be nervous with me?”
“Because she likes you!” Randi exclaimed. “And she wants you to like her.”
“I do,” Eden replied. She leaned in closer. “Still no sparks though.”
Randi felt a shiver pass through her body as Eden’s breath wafted across her ear. She wanted to sink into Eden, but that’s not something she did with her best friend. The feeling surprised and confused her.
“Are you okay?” Eden asked.
Randi took a breath and tried to calm her pounding heart. Eden must have felt the tension that had now taken residence in Randi’s body. “Yep,” she replied, pulling back to smile at Eden. “We were about to bump into another couple.”
Eden smiled. “Not with you leading us. Maybe we should do this again soon. I saw you dancing with Analise and her spinning. We should try that sometime.”
“Yeah, Analise is a good dancer,” Randi said. “I’m not sure I can keep up with her.”
Eden smirked. “Yes, you can!”
The song ended and they walked back to the table.
“That was fun,” Eden said.
“It was.”
“How did it go?” Eden asked Cari when she and Tennie returned.
“She did great,” Tennie said.
“You’re right, Eden,” Cari said. “It’s the same dance, but a little different.”
“Now you know how to two-step,” Analise said.
Cari grinned. “I guess I do.”
“Maybe we should work that into your bio on the back of your books,” Randi said.
Cari laughed. “Oh no! But maybe we’ll add it to a newsletter someday.”
They stayed long enough for several more trips around the dance floor then decided to go back to Dallas.
Randi felt Eden grab her arm as they walked to the exit. “Hey, I’m going to ride home with Tennie so she doesn’t have to go back by herself.”
“Oh, okay,” Randi said.
Eden grinned. “This was fun. Maybe we can do something else as a group sometime.”
“Team building, huh,” Randi said.
“Nah, just friends having fun.”
Randi smiled, but couldn’t get the moment they’d shared earlier out of her head.