Dance With Me 23

Dance With Me

Like other stories of mine, Dance With Me was inspired by a song, this time the 1975 Orleans hit of the same name. The characters are partially based on people from my past, sort of a conglomeration of many into one. Several real places are used only because they are real places and they fit into my story very well. Thanks for reading, and please remember constructive comments and votes are always welcome.

CJ Adams sat nursing his second beer of the night while watching dozens of gyrating college students dancing and listening to the pounding music rattling the windows of the fraternity house. His best friend Matt had invited him to the party, just like he does most every Friday night, in the hopes that CJ will find someone to talk to and maybe date. But for almost three years the plan hasn't worked. However, with the start of a new school year and new people on campus, perhaps tonight would be the night.

CJ was a senior, majoring in Business Administration and Accounting, a member of the Chess Club, president of the Computer Club, and was an RA in his dorm. To him, that was normal. To others, that put him firmly in the 'nerd' range, something he never disputed. His main problem with meeting people was that he was shy, especially with people he didn't know. He could carry on a conversation with people, but it had always been a struggle for him. His parents died when he was eight, and he was raised by the only family he had left, his uncle and aunt, Paul and Edna. They were wonderful people who took him in without question, but they were older than most of the parents of the kids in his new school. He had grown up in the Phoenix area, but after the accident, he moved to a town in southern Oregon. He made a few friends, but the overall culture shock made his new life difficult for several years.

Graduating from high school, he earned several scholarships that allowed him to pick and choose what college he wanted to attend. Longing for the sun, he decided to move back to the "Valley of the Sun" and attend Arizona State University in Tempe. The campus was not far from where he grew up, so he was excited to return to his roots. He made some friends, Matt being one of them, and became part of the university life. Not the partying life, but more of the studying life. He became part of several study groups, so that's where many of his friendships landed. His junior year he became an RA in his dorm, so his room and board were paid for - leaving one expense he didn't have to worry about. He wasn't sure what his plans were going to be after graduation, but he figured he had some time to get that squared away. In the meantime, he was going to enjoy his last year, and the free beer provided by Matt's fraternity.

Nursing his beer and lost in his thoughts, CJ didn't see the person walk up to him and stand there, waiting to get noticed. It wasn't until he saw a manicured hand attached to a long, tanned arm, thrust into his line of sight, that he snapped out of his trance.

Looking up, he saw the tanned arm was attached to one of the most beautiful women he'd seen. Long blonde hair, deep green eyes, and a smile that lit up the room were the first things he noticed before the woman spoke.

"Dance with me."

Looking around thinking she was speaking to someone else, CJ was taken aback when she said it again, this time looking him in the eye.

"Dance with me, I want to be your partner...please."

Hearing her tone of voice and the 'please', CJ stood up.

"Ok, but I'm probably the worst dancer you've ever seen. I can slow dance with the best of people, but anything with a quick beat kills me."

"That's fine. Please just dance with me."

Moving into the crowd of people, CJ tried to mimic some of the moves other guys were using. Unfortunately, he was highly unsuccessful, and began to feel more self-conscious than usual.

Suddenly, the music slowed down dramatically, so CJ pulled his partner closer. Smiling, she allowed herself to be pulled into his arms, and leaned her head close to his.

"You were right. You're a lousy dancer."

"Told you. But I'll try to make up for it now. Just follow my lead."

Suddenly, CJ turned into a college Fred Astaire. He led his partner across the floor with a smooth ease, and soon many others were watching them. When the song ended, a number of people applauded, leading to CJ feeling totally embarrassed.

Another song started, and CJ began to make his way off the dance area, but his partner had other ideas.

"No, please stay here with me. Dance with me some more. You're really good at this."

"I took a ballroom dance class two years ago as an elective, and just kept doing it. I hate fast dancing, as you can see, but I just love this style.

"But you intrigue me. You do realize that you used the opening line of the old Orleans song to get me to dance with you; a song that happens to be one of my favorites. So, if I may ask, why the sudden interest in me dancing with you? I've seen you in several classes and on campus over the years, but have no idea who you are, and if I may be blunt, you are way out of my league."

"The main reason is that someone keeps hitting on me, and I've told him repeatedly I have no interest in him. He seems to think 'no' is an invitation to keep trying. So hopefully seeing me in your arms will discourage him.

"Also, I recognized you from those classes, and even though you have no idea who I am, I know all about you, CJ Adams. And although I wanted to meet you, this wasn't the way I had planned. But it worked, and here I am."

"Yep, here you are. So would you be so kind as to tell me who you are, other than a stalker from my classes?"

Laughing, the girl smiled and pulled herself closer into CJ's arms.

"When the dance is over. I want to keep the mystery going longer. Just enjoy me standing close to you."

That was one thing CJ certainly did enjoy - the feeling of her body close to his. She was several inches shorter than his six-foot height, and felt like she had an athletic body. Her short, tight shorts showed off her long, beautiful legs; muscular, but not overly. She had strong arms that held him close - very close, so he could feel her breasts against his chest. Her perfume was intoxicating, and her hair smelled of a summer day. All in all, she was someone who normally looked the other way when he was near.

But all too soon the song ended, and the DJ sped things up once again.

"I think that's our cue to exit stage right."

Taking him by the hand, the girl led CJ to the front door and into the still-warm night.

"Walk me back to my dorm, please?"

So the two left and walked arm in arm back to her dorm, talking all the way. When they got there, she turned to CJ and hugged him, whispering in his ear.

"Amanda Peterson. I'm a senior majoring in Elementary Education. I'll be 23 just after the New Year. And I really had a good time tonight. Thanks for dancing with me, CJ."

Amanda leaned into his cheek, giving CJ a long, soft kiss.

"Please give me your phone."

Smiling, she put her contact information into CJ's phone and handed it back.

"I expect to hear from you sometime tomorrow. And yes, I'm interested. Good night."

And with that, Amanda turned and entered her dorm, leaving CJ standing there, wondering what just happened. Things like that don't happen to people like him. The beautiful girls go for the jocks, not the nerds like him. Well, he did get a chance to show off his dancing skills. And if nothing came of him and Amanda, maybe someone else there saw him dance and might be interested.

Back in his dorm room, sitting on his bed, he noticed the time - just after midnight. Pulling his phone out, he punched up Amanda's name.

"It's officially yesterday's tomorrow, so here I am, writing you. I had a great time with you tonight, Amanda, and hope it can continue. How about dinner tonight? Say 5:00, and I'll meet you outside your dorm. Pizza ok?"

Moments later, his phone buzzed in his hand.

"It's a date. Looking forward to seeing you at 5. Dream of me, as I'll be dreaming of you..."

Smiling at her response, CJ began to wonder what he was getting himself into. Saturday night would tell.

The next morning CJ was up early, so he decided to get his workout in. Today was a cardio day, but it was already 90 degrees outside, so he decided to head to the gym and use one of the treadmills. This time of day it hopefully wouldn't be too busy, and by running in the air conditioning he'd be able to run longer.

Finding a machine was no problem, so he pulled up his favorite running program and got his running music going. Ear buds in, he lost himself in his workout.

As he was finishing up, he looked up into the mirrored wall in front of him and saw a sight that made him smile. It was Amanda, here for her own workout. With her hair pulled back into a ponytail, wearing a sports bra and a pair of insanely tight leggings, she looked the part of a college man's wet dream. CJ noticed she was talking with several other women when an athletic looking guy stepped next to her. As he put his hand on her hip, Amanda moved away. He did it again, and she shot him a dirty look and moved once again. His next move was to grope her ass, and with that, the incident escalated. Pulling his ear buds out, CJ was able to hear what was said.

"NO! I said no, Chuck. What part of no don't you understand?"

"Come on, Amanda. You know you want me. I see you looking at me in class, and I know you're staring at me when I'm on the field. I think we'd be great together. Besides, no just means maybe."

"You don't care if we'd be great together. You just want to fuck me and add another notch to your bedpost. Well, buddy boy, it's not happening, not with me. So just leave me alone."

At this point, CJ started to head over to see if he could help Amanda. Just then, Chuck grabbed her ass again. Screaming 'NO!', Amanda slapped his face hard. And as Chuck raised his hand to respond, CJ calmly grabbed his arm.

"Didn't your parents raise you better than this? I thought you would've learned in middle school that no means no. And here you are, in college, and still not understanding. If I were you, I'd leave the lady alone and go on your way."

With fire in his eyes, Chuck turned to see who was interrupting him. Looking at CJ, he laughed as he dropped his arm.

"Well, what do we have here? Do you know who I am?"

Smiling, CJ gave an answer that just pissed Chuck off even more. Looking over the crowd, he answered.

"Does anyone know who this little boy is? He doesn't seem to know his name. Or his place."

As people began to crowd around, Amanda stepped away and next to CJ.

"Chuck, just go away. I'm not interested in being with you, not now, not ever."

"And what, this nerd is going to protect you? I doubt he can give you what I can, so why don't you just beat it, four eyes."

"Ahh yes, the 'four eyes' slam. Resorting to name calling, Chuck? I thought we all left that behind in kindergarten. And like I said, it's time to leave the lady alone."

The two men stood face to face, looking the other in the eye, waiting for the other to make a move. Then a smile crossed Chuck's face, and a look of recognition.

"I remember you. You're the one who cock blocked me last night at the party, dancing with her and then leaving with the bitch."

"Chucky, Chucky, Chucky - is that any way to talk about a lady? Especially a lady who has repeatedly told you to fuck off? I really think you better back off before you get hurt."

"Oh yeah? And who's going to do the hurting? You? I bench press almost 275 pounds. I bet the heaviest thing you lift is a text book."

"Have you seen the size of the Stats book? No, on second thought, I'm sure you haven't. I'm thinking Bugs Bunny or X-Men is more your style. I think we're done here."

Taking Amanda's hand, CJ turned away from Chuck.

"Come on, Amanda. Let's get your workout in."

Suddenly, there was a gasp from the crowd as Chuck ran towards CJ and Amanda. Turning just in time, CJ was able to grab Chuck's arm and throw him to the floor. Chuck got up and ran at CJ once again, and again CJ grabbed Chuck and threw him to the floor, landing hard on his back.

"I can do this all day, Chucky, so why don't you get up and leave while you still have two working legs."

Furious, Chuck stood facing CJ, pondering his next move. Amanda stood next to CJ, holding his hand, imploring him to leave with her before anyone got hurt.

"That's right. Run away, chicken shit. Don't worry, Amanda. I'll be back, but next time I won't be alone and nerdy boy won't be with you."

"Are you threatening me, Chuck? Just grow the fuck up, and leave me alone.

"Come on, CJ. Walk me back to my dorm, please."

As they turned to leave, Chuck picked up the only thing he could find - a five-pound dumbbell weight - and threw it at CJ, hitting him in the back of the head. CJ fell, and as everything went black, the last thing he remembered is hearing Amanda yelling his name.

*****

CJ opened his eyes, trying to get them to focus. When they wouldn't, he tried to figure out where he was. Everything around him was white, and he could hear voices softly talking. His first thought was that he was dead and in heaven, but then realized his head hurt too much, and moving it even a little bit increased the pain. Finally, someone realized his eyes were open, and the next thing he saw was Amanda's tear-stained face. Everything was still fuzzy, but he could tell it was her. Still crying, she put her head on his chest.

"You're alive. You're awake. I was so scared, CJ. I thought that asshole killed you."

"No, I'm not dead yet. But what happened? Where am I? At first I thought I was in heaven with everything all white. And then I saw your face, and I knew I was in heaven."

"No, this isn't heaven - it's the hospital. And stop with the Monty Python jokes. Now be quiet while we let the nurse know you're alive."

Moments later, a nurse was hovering over CJ, checking his vital signs. She was joined by a doctor, who began to check CJ's eyes, head, and neck.

"It's certainly a good thing you have a hard head, CJ, because otherwise you'd be in much worse shape than you are. As it is, you came out of this with a severe concussion and a contusion to the back of your head. We took x-rays, and saw no breaks or fractures in your neck or skull, so that's good news. However, we're going to keep you here overnight for observation, and recheck you in the morning. If everything looks good, we'll dismiss you tomorrow. But for now, just relax and try to get some rest. Let the nurses know if you need anything, and I'll see you in the morning."

"Thanks, doctor. Can I get something for my headache? It's really killing me."

"Can do. Nurse, will you take care if this? Thanks."

"Ok, CJ. I'm going to give you something for the pain; it'll make you sleepy, so don't fight it, and I'll check on you in a while."

As the nurse left, CJ looked up to see the now smiling face of Amanda near his.

"Just rest. I'll be right here when you wake up."

The last thing he felt, before the drugs took effect, were Amanda's soft lips against his.

*****

Hours later, CJ was sitting up in bed, eyes closed, listening to the radio broadcast of a college football game. Amanda was sitting across the room reading, when one of the nurses came into the room.

"Amanda, CJ, there's several people here who need to speak with you."

First into the room was a woman wearing a polo embroidered with 'ASU Athletics'. Joining her was a detective from the Tempe Police Department. The officer stepped to speak with CJ while the woman spoke with Amanda.

"Amanda, I'm Mary Helms, the Assistant Athletic Director, and we need to speak about this morning. Let's step into the hallway."

Amanda was attending ASU on an athletic scholarship, so she was instantly scared that she was in danger of losing it. Smiling to CJ as she left, Amanda was worried.

"Ms. Helms, am I in trouble? I don't want to lose my scholarship, but I've done nothing wrong."

"Set you mind at ease, Amanda. You're not in trouble and you're not going to lose your scholarship. However, Mr. Walsh is teetering on losing his."

"That asshole was Chuck Walsh, the football player? I know of him, but I've never officially met him."

"And this is what I want to hear - your side of the story. And just so you know, as of an hour ago, between our office and the Tempe police, we've received almost two-dozen cell phone videos of the incident, and all of them show that you and Mr. Adams were only standing up for yourselves.

"Right now, Mr. Walsh has been dismissed from the football team. He's also in danger of being dismissed from school, along with the charges being filed against him by the police. Now please tell me your story."

Taking a deep breath, Amanda began her story, starting with the party Friday night, the incident that morning, and the now-cancelled date that night with CJ. She noticed Ms. Helms was taking notes and asked several clarifying questions. When Amanda was finished, Ms. Helms smiled and put her notebook in her purse.

"Hearing your story after viewing the videos tells me you have nothing to worry about. And I have no doubt you'll have no trouble with Mr. Walsh ever again. Have a good rest of your weekend, and good luck with your upcoming season. And keep hold of Mr. Adams...he seems to be a keeper."

After telling her story to the detective, Amanda sat with CJ, listening to the football game until he fell back asleep. Several hours later a nurse came back in with some dinner for CJ.

"And once CJ finishes his dinner, Amanda, I'm afraid you'll need to go, as visiting hours are almost over. The doctor said CJ's going to have more x-rays early tomorrow; he's planning on getting here around 10, so why don't you plan to be back by then."

An hour later the nurse was shooing Amanda out the door.

"Amanda, it's fine. I'm probably going to sleep the night away, and I'm sure you need a good night sleep as well. Thanks for being here with me today; I'll see you in the morning. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, CJ. See you in the morning."

The next morning, Amanda was at the hospital just before 10. Entering CJ's room, she saw him finishing his breakfast while speaking to the nurse. Seeing her enter the room, CJ smiled and waved her in.

"Good morning, sunshine. How'd you sleep?"

"Like a rock. It's amazing what drugs will do for you."

Soon the doctor came in with a smile on his face.

"Good morning, CJ. I've got good news for you. Your x-rays still show no sign of any breaks or fractures in your neck or skull, so I'm going to dismiss you...but with some strict rules to follow.

"First, no electronics for the next five days. That means no phone, computer, TV...nothing. No reading either. In short, do not use your eyes for anything that will strain them or your brain functions. Next, no classes Monday and Tuesday. I'll write you a note for your professors excusing you from any class activities. Wednesday forward should be no problem. However, if you still are having problems focusing or having headaches, let us know right away. I also want to see you Friday after your classes are done. The nurse will set up the appointment before you leave. Any questions?"

"Wow. With no electronics and no reading, how will I keep up with my classes? Most of them are lectures, and my profs love to use PowerPoint, and they all expect us to take copious notes."

After a moment, Amanda stood up, smiling.

"I can help. I'll be your 'seeing eye girl' for the week. I'll send your professors an email later today explaining the situation, asking if they mind if someone does an audiotape of their lecture. I'll also ask if they could send any lecture notes to you. Plus, I know several people in your classes who would gladly share their notes. Will that work?"