Joanie and Me

Thanks for making

Killing Me Softly

the most read story in IR for the month of November, to be followed with the same honor for

Beverly part two

in December.

Enjoy part two of this story, cheers.

Joanie and me

part two

The day following our conversation was a workday for both, I had a garage to finish wiring in the morning and needed to be back at the office by noon so she could go shopping in the afternoon. At least, that was the plan, which fell apart by mid-morning. Bob wasn't feeling well and called in sick, where I was supposed to be wiring a new garage the building was locked. Seems the carpenters had hung the doors the day prior and forgot to leave the keys with the owner. My thoughts of getting back to the shop a little earlier than planned went out the window when Joanie called to say the power at Marty's Meat Market was out.

I cringed when she told me, I knew what the problem was, I'd been telling him for months to upgrade his meter socket and panel, and Marty being the procrastinator he is, kept putting it off. No matter how many times I'd told him he couldn't run the entire market on a hundred-amp socket and panel he thought he knew best. Not anymore, I was thankful that I had a new 200-amp socket and panel in the shop. I called the power company for a disconnect and headed back to the shop for materials. When Joanie heard me come in the back door she walked back to where I was.

She didn't look upset, "This is gonna take all day, isn't it? I kind of thought it might after what you've told me about Marty's place. Listen, don't worry about how long it takes, I can go shopping this weekend, but you must come with me. Okay?"

"Thanks I'm not sure how long it will take. I'm gonna get the socket, mast, and new panel replaced so the power company can heat it up before they quit for the day. Once it's hot I can at least have a light and then reconnect all the circuits. I may be out until after supper, unless it's an emergency people will need to wait until tomorrow for service."

Touching my arm she spoke, "Yeah, people will understand. Half the town probably knows Marty's is shut down, I'll order another socket and panel to replace what you took out of inventory. Thankfully we have enough 4/0, 4/0, 2/0 in stock for the new mast. Supper will be waiting when you get home, and Ronnie, be careful, I want you home safe and sound. Now go, I've got things covered here."

It was after nine before I walked into the mud room, the warmth and smells of cooking made me feel at home. As I was taking my work shoes off Joanie poked her head through the door smiling.

"Welcome home, I had a burger, eggs and toast, does that sound okay? I didn't feel like making a big meal not knowing what time you'd be home."

I nodded and added, "Are there any of the leftover baked potatoes to have some home fries as well?"

"There are sweetheart, you should get cleaned up and changed. Food will be ready in about ten."

I was walking past her and stopped, with a grin I asked, "Sweetheart?"

She slapped my arm, "You know what I mean. Leave me alone, go clean up and get changed. Are you to keyed up to watch another episode of Shetland before bed?"

"Nope, that should be just what I need to put the day behind me. I get the couch."

She was laughing as I walked away, "Okay, but be prepared because I'll be sitting right next to you. Don't be thinking you'll be stretched out and falling asleep. I'm in need of a cuddle after the events of today."

Joanie was snuggled up next to me on the couch, I had my arm across the back above her. Reaching back she took my arm and draped it over her shoulders. Looking at me she spoke softly.

"There, that's the way it should be Ronnie."

That was the last I remembered until she woke me some time later advising me that I'd missed a good story and we'd have to watch the episode again later. She was standing and reached out her hand, with a grunt from me and a pull on the hand from her I was upright but that was about all. With my rapid rise came a head rush which left me slightly disoriented, I was suddenly aware of her hands on my chest holding me up to keep from falling into her.

"Hey, hey, you okay? Geepers, you scared me."

I needed to let her know I was alright, "Sorry, felt a little dizzy for a moment. I'm good now."

The TV, kitchen lights and living room lights were off as she held my hand leading me toward the hallway. When she let go she turned and scolded me.

"No more of that, you hear? You scared me Ronnie."

"It's okay sis, it was just a head rush. I'm tired but otherwise just fine."

She was smiling as she softly stroked my face, "Promise?" I nodded. "Okay, off to bed then, see you at breakfast."

What she did next startled and gave me hope at the same time. After giving me a quick sisterly peck on the lips she whispered, "Nighty-night" and headed up the stairs. I wasn't sure whether I should be encouraged or just grateful she'd given me a sisterly kiss as opposed to nothing at all. Either way I was dog tired, as she crested the top step she looked down and smiled before disappearing. Lying in bed my mind wandered, apparently the nap was enough to not fall asleep right away.

Was I imagining my sisters seemingly increased affection, or was it simply sisterly caring? Though I knew her, I didn't really. We'd been apart a long time, long enough that I'd become a man and she was in all rights, a very attractive woman. Were we not siblings I was sure a romance would have been developing between us, hell, I wasn't so sure that wasn't the case anyway. I wanted to show my affection for her, to say the things I was thinking, at the same time I didn't want to make her not trust me, or worse, go away again.

I knew what I needed to do, I needed to wait and see where she was willing to take this. I would continue being sweet and let her set the pace, if nothing more than siblings living together was the end, then so be it. I'd been without her for seventeen years, I certainly didn't want to lose her again. Saturday morning we were on the road by seven, stopped at The Pancake House for breakfast and headed to the city. At the mall she wanted to do some shopping on her own and asked if I would meet her in the food court at noon. There were things I wanted from Tractor Supply, I dropped her off and headed there.

On the way home she told me about the dress she'd bought along with new shoes and stockings. When I asked if I was going to get to see the outfit she told me I'd need to wait until our weekend away. On the way home we decided to stop at a country western kind of place that served food. What we didn't know was that they were hosting a spaghetti feed to help send the local high school girls volleyball team to an up coming tournament. It was seven dollars for all you could eat pasta, the garlic bread and a drink were extra.

It was like Joanie and me were on the same wavelength as I gave the girl a 50 and told her to keep the change. Joanie took my hand and gave it a loving squeeze as we moved on toward the serving table. The high school girls were great hostesses, making sure tables were cleared, drinks were served and anything else folks wanted. We were finishing when Joanie took hold of one of what we assumed was a mother.

With a smile Joanie spoke, "Hi, the girls are doing great by the way. Which one is yours?"

She laughed, "Oh goodness me, I'm not a mom, I'm simply helping my niece and the team. What can I help you with?"

"We're wondering if there are any decent dance joints in the area. Nothing fancy, just somewhere we can kick up our heels and blow off some steam."

She looked at Joanie and then me, "You guys are in luck, there's a place called Johnny's to the west on old county N. There aren't any signs until you reach his place, so drive until you think you've gone too far and then go another mile. It'll be on the left, he has decent bands, and it isn't all young kids bumping and grinding. If you know how to dance without looking like you're, you know, making out, you'll fit right in. The band starts at eight, you'll get there about the same time if you leave soon."

Nineteen minutes later I stopped on the side of the road.

"We had to miss it. Did you see anything resembling a dance hall?"

Joanie touched my arm, "She said when we think we've gone too far to go one more mile."

I nodded, "Okay, one more mile. If it isn't there we're going back."

Damned if it wasn't almost exactly a mile when we saw the place, as I parked, we turned and grinned at each other. When I opened her door she took my hand and stood.

"Let's go little brother, I feel like dancing. I haven't been in years, be patient, oh, and nobody cuts in. Agreed?"

The place was full but not crowded. We danced fast and slow, in between and just about everything else. I had noticed a tall guy with a somewhat muscular build making the rounds chatting up girls when their date wasn't next to them. Ever notice how there are some people you instantly don't like even though you haven't met them? Yeah, he was one of those guys. I'd gone to the men's room, when I returned he was at our table talking with Joanie, she did not look comfortable.

I stood looking down at them, he looked up and with a smirk asked, "Can I help you buddy? Me and my girl are talking."

Joanie was looking in my eyes silently begging me not to start a fight. I maintained my composure and didn't so much as raise my voice when I spoke.

"To start with she's not your girl, she's mine. Secondly, who asked you to sit? Did you hon?" Joanie shook her head. "Then I think you should leave her alone."

When he stood I thought to myself, 'here we go, this is gonna get ugly real fast'. What I hadn't realized is that the entire incident was being watched by two guys that I later learned were hired bouncers and had been keeping an eye on the guy all evening. Before it could escalate they were escorting him out the door. Why I'll never know, but an attractive young blond walked up and asked me to dance. Joanie was on her feet with her arm through mine in a flash.

"He can't sweetie, the last dance is mine. We're leaving after this one, aren't we babe?"

I nodded and led us to the dance floor. It was a slow number, as we danced she said, "I'm your girl?" I chuckled and answered, "He can't sweetie, the last dance is mine. What the heck was that?"

She countered with, "Hon?"

I countered with, "Babe?"

We both laughed as we leaned forward with our foreheads touching. She was close enough I could feel her breasts lightly brushing across my chest, I wanted to pull her closer, to smell her perfume and absorb her fragrance. To feel the softness of her hair alongside my face. What I got was.

"My feet are killing me. Can we go now Ronnie?"

It was well after eleven when we dragged our bodies along with her shopping bags into the house. I followed her into her bedroom, tossed the bags on the bed and started to walk out when she grabbed my arm.

"Thanks for stepping in tonight. The guy was a jerk, I wasn't sure how to get rid of him."

I gave her my I don't understand look before answering, "You tell him to take a hike, if that doesn't do the trick you get somebodies attention. That's how you get rid of him."

Tears began to well, I immediately grabbed and hugged her tight. Then asked.

"Why are you crying? What did I say wrong?"

"Nothing Ronnie, you didn't say anything wrong. It's just that in the past when I've done something like that I've gotten the shit beat out of me. I can't ever go back to that. I'm still afraid of men at times."

I must have looked hurt because she quickly put her hands on my face, "Not you though. I trust you."

I was a bit confused, "Okay, then what about douche bag last fall?"

"He was an experiment, one that ended badly. I want to get past this thing, it's hard though. Maybe next weekend when we're away I'll be able to dance with someone else and not be scared."

My heart sank, I turned slowly and muttered, "Yeah, maybe." She grabbed my arm.

"I love you Ronnie, goodnight."

I felt like a fool walking down the stairs, tears were forming in my eyes, I just wanted to close my bedroom door and sob. But then, that's not what men do, we suck it up and pretend we aren't bothered by anything. Which is what I did throughout the week. I wasn't distant or impolite, but something seemed out of place. I convinced myself that it was all me and I needed to get past it. She didn't have feelings for me the way I did for her, it had been nothing but a fanciful pipe dream on my part.

The resort was everything the guy said it would be and more. There were lots of young lovers and couples, I felt a bit odd knowing we were neither, and yet, I was determined to make it a fun weekend for Joanie. It was her birthday and valentine day celebration, I wasn't about to spoil it for her. I had spared no expense when I made the reservation, she was joyously surprised when we were met at the door by a valet and concierge who loaded our luggage onto a cart and took it into our lodge. The place was immaculate, everything shined and reeked of opulence.

I tipped the young man as Joanie roamed about looking at everything, I heard a loud squeal from her as she entered her bedroom. Thinking something may be wrong I rushed to her, as I was entering, she was turning. Her arms went around my neck, she kissed my cheek and said.

"There are chocolates on the pillow and thank you for the roses. This is the best birthday ever. If our dinner reservations are at seven, I'd better start getting ready, I want to show you the new dress. Now go, I need to make myself beautiful."

Not wanting to drive I called and arranged for a taxi to pick us up at 6:45. As I stood in the shower I wondered how the night would go. Mostly I wondered how things would be after we ate, would she be brave enough to dance with some other guy? Was I just her escort and protector if something should go awry? Would she go off with someone and I'd be left alone at the end of the night? It didn't seem likely considering what she'd said about not trusting men, but then one never knows. Looking in the mirror as I shaved, I spoke to the image looking back at me.

"We're going to show her a good time and that's all that matters. Quit feeling sorry for yourself and man up."

I was waiting in the living room when she emerged from the hallway. Seeing her literally took my breath away, she was stunning in a red pencil dress that hugged her enough to show off her natural curves without being too tight. It ended about three inches above the knee and had three quarter sleeves. A thin black lace choker, red dangling earrings and black three-inch heels topped it off. I hadn't even noticed the sheer stockings until she stepped toward me, the light shimmered off her calf.

As she turned slowly my heart skipped a beat, the stockings were seamed and perfectly aligned. How could she possibly know seamed stockings were one of my hidden fetishes? I foolishly let my mind wander wondering what she might be wearing beneath that lovely dress. I was startled when I heard my name being called.

"Earth to Ron, are you there? Ronnie, hey, where's your head at?"

"I'm, I'm sorry. It's just that you're the prettiest woman I've ever seen. Gosh you make that dress look good."

Walking to me she hooked her arm in mine, kissed my cheek and murmured, "Flattery will get you everywhere."

It was a short fifteen-minute ride to the restaurant, when we walked through the entry I think every male head and half of the women turned to look at her. It sure as hell wasn't me they were gawking at. I sensed a new confidence in Joanie, she walked with her head high and a smile on her face. It was as though she was walking down the runway of a modeling show. Fear invaded my thought process, would this be the night I lose her to some other man? She wasn't mine, but I sure wanted her to be.

Dinner was excellent and quite revealing, I hadn't seen her flirt with anyone but me since her arrival at the farm, and yet she was playfully flirting with the young waiter serving us. It was innocuous and harmless, but it was a side of her I'd not seen before. She'd been drinking wine with the meal, I don't care for wine and stuck with a glass of milk followed by a beer afterward while we waited for the cab. By the time we walked into the dance hall she was on her way to being tipsy, I suggested she lay off the wine and sober up, she smiled and brushed me off.

It took no time for numerous men to gather around asking her to dance, she accepted a few but didn't look comfortable. That is until a handsome guy an inch or so taller than me swooped in, he looked to be her age or very close. Each time she'd come back and sit with me she'd comment on how nice he was, what a good dancer he was, how cute he was, on and on. I knew at that point I was toast, she'd found a man she trusted as much as she did me. At least on the surface.

I felt like a fifth wheel until a cute red head asked if I wanted to dance. From then on when Joanie and I were at the table she steered the conversation in the direction of me being with the redhead while she concentrated on tall, dark, and handsome. Unfortunately it isn't what I wanted, and the more inebriated Joanie became the more upset I was. The red head was available, of that there was no doubt, but she was also three sheets to the wind. In the past I'd been with girls who were drunk, sex amounted to not much more than a piece of meat lying motionless beneath me as I got my rocks off. In the morning it was always the same, me feeling as if I'd taken advantage and her asking.

"Did we? Did I? Oh shit."

Yup, about as much fun as pissing into a strong wind. The evening had reached the point where she was dancing with the other guy every number while I sat trying to keep the drunk redhead from falling over on her chair. It was getting late, I was ready to wrap up this torture session when I remembered something from the prior weekend. As a boy my mom would play a 45 titled 'Save the Last dance For Me' sung by the Drifters. I remembered it was a song Joanie would sometimes sing along with me and mom. I went to the DJ and asked if he had a recording of the original, he nodded and said,

"Comin up in about five."

When the song that had been playing ended, she and the guy stood on the dance floor looking at one another. When 'Last Dance' started to play she stepped back and looked around, it was as though something inside was moving her away from the guy. Patting him on the chest she found my eyes with hers and walked to me. She was drunk, shit faced drunk. I wanted to throw her over my shoulder and carry her out when she looked up at me and slurred.

"I believe this is us Ronnie. The last dance is yours, it will always be yours."

As we moved around it was obvious why the guy had been holding her so tight, she could barely stand. I went through the motions, when the song ended I continued to hold onto her. Mister wonderful walked up and asked if she was ready to go. I damned near fell over, what the hell was going on? Her eyes looked like piss holes in the snow, no life in them whatsoever. I lifted her chin so she was facing me.

"Well Joanie, what's it gonna be? Him or me? If it's him, I'll leave a key at the check in and see you Sunday night. I'm sure Romeo will bring you home."

He looked pissed and took her arm, it was when she pulled away from his grasp that I felt as though there was still a sliver of hope. I didn't care that she was my biological sister, dammit, I was in love with her. I wanted to be with her and no one else come hell or high water. She put her right index finger on my chin and spoke so softly I could barely hear.

"Take me home Ronnie, I'm with you."