Have you ever had an idea take form in your head? Something that shouted for your attention while you are working on other things? I did, and this story is it. It invaded my work, sleep and even some of my relationships. I have no idea if it is going to be a good or bad story...I just know I have to write it to get it out of my head so I can go back to writing what I prefer to write. My old editor once asked me if I was able to write on more than one project at a time, this case here proves I can't. I have to choose one or the other. Hopefully getting this out of the way will then clear up my thought space.
I wasn't sure what Category to put this tale in. After having some test readers look at it, they said it might be fun to put it in Loving Wives. I shrugged and thought, "Why Not?"
I want to say thank you to my fans, and thank you to the ones who hate my writing. For the compliments and kind words are a balm to my heart. The harsh words and non-constructive criticisms make me chuckle.
Chapter 1:
(Jim's View)
I have always loved this place...the Winston. I don't know if it qualifies as a bar or a pub or a club. Never bothered to look up the differences and it has been called all three things by its customers. I just know they got a wide selection of beer and liquor. Also, they make the best burgers and fries I have ever tasted in my life, and whenever they get a live band the place is packed! No, the Winston is not the subject of this story; it's my wife who is dancing with me right now in this sea of people.
Standing at 5 foot 8 with wide hips and a full chest and an easy grin and soft wavy brown hair she always reminded me of a small pixie you see in those fantasy movies. Except she decided to get human sized and ditch those wings of hers. Though that one Halloween she wore those wings she got from the costume shop with that Tinkerbell green dress...
...We never made it to the party!
The music was slowing down a little, and several people moved off of the dance floor as a slower number came on. I put my hands on her waist, my thumbs finding that little groove on her hips where they fit perfectly, she put her arms around my neck and she gently swayed to the soft music. I matched her movements and we stayed for the next number. I love the way my wife smells! The sweat from dancing mixing with her perfume and body spray all makes a very subtle aroma that causes my heart to beat a little more quickly. It is incredible to me that I even got her in the first place!
It was on one of our turns while dancing that I noticed a difference in the crowd. Obviously while dancing there will be an audience watching everyone on the dance floor. The people who don't know how to dance, the ones who are looking to dance with someone, and those who are just tired and staring off into space and you happen to come into their field of vision.
This was definitely none of those!
The man was tall, and wearing a very tight T-shirt. He had slicked back hair and his face was clean-shaven. His eyes were a startling bright blue. I say startling because I noticed his eye color even at that distance, and I couldn't tell you what his shirt color was! I wondered if he was staring at me, or...I slowed my dance a little and saw he was staring directly at my wife's back. I stopped dancing, and held still for a moment, his eyes moved up from where they were staring and met mine. I held his gaze for a moment without expression, then continued dancing, letting a natural turn break the eye contact.
"Jim? Something wrong?" My wife said looking up at me.
"Not really Beth, let's finish up here..." She nodded and kissed the bottom of my throat before continuing to dance.
The song came to its natural conclusion and we clapped for the band and walked back to the bar. I always preferred eating at the bar as opposed to eating at a table. I like being close to where my food is being prepared, and having direct contact with my server. Not to mention I am close to where all the good beer is!
Speaking of beer, "What do you wanna drink Beth?" I asked. She got mint lemonade with vodka, and I got an India pale.
As we waited for our drinks she looked slightly up at me since we were sitting side by side and tapped my arm. "You noticed those guys looking at me?" She asked. I glanced down at her in surprise!
"Guys?" I asked, "I only noticed one..."
She turned her head to look past my shoulder and I saw her light brown eyes widen then narrow a little.
"Well, I could be wrong...but one of them is really checking me out hard. He's got some people with him, but they only glance every now and then. Hmmmm... should we go over and say hi? Maybe I look like someone he knows from somewhere and he is too shy to come over to find out?"
I love Beth a lot, one of the reasons is because she usually looks for the good in people and expects that to be their motivations. Heaven help them when she realizes that their intentions are less than best!
"Nah, it's alright Sweets. Let me go over and see if he wants to join us?" She nodded and took another sip of her drink as I stood up.
I took another swig of beer as Beth began to order food. I always let her do that. She had an uncanny ability to take one look at a hungry person and know exactly what they needed to eat. I know it sounds silly but she always got it right. I heard her ordering a brisket sandwich and smiled. I would have just gotten a burger, but brisket sounded really good...love that woman!
I made my way over to where I last saw that guy with the slicked back hair and saw him almost immediately. Actually I saw him watching me as I scanned the crowd. Normally I do not do this, Beth has gotten checked out before, but she didn't see the way this guy was looking at her while we danced. Or maybe she did? Remember? She always believes the best about people. Which is kind of amazing since she works retail so one would think that she'd have a better idea about human nature.
