AllFreeNovel
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The show was fun to watch, and they stayed until the end. It was then time to think about eating again before the dance, which started at seven. As they headed for the food booths, the woman from the beer tent walked by and smiled at John. He nodded and touched the brim of his hat.
Ember squeezed his arm. “That’s her.” She looked over her shoulder at the woman’s receding back. “She’s pretty. You said she wasn’t.”
“I said I didn’t notice or care.”
“Well, she is. In a slutty cowgirl sort of way.”
“Whoa. You’re judging the woman and you’ve never met her.”
“She finds my stray puppy mildly attractive. That’s all I need to know.”
They ate some dinner, sharing the table with Bob the goldfish and Pussy Willow’s doppelganger. Then they talked until it was timefor the dance to start. As they prepared to head for the community building at the edge of the park, Ember looked at John.
“Are you going to actually dance with me?”
“Sure. Why not?”
“Just asking.”
They arrived at the building, which was already filling up, and found a table near the dancefloor. John sat and put Bob in the middle of the table next to the stuffed cat, then removed his hat.
“I might need a beer or two first, though.”
Ember smiled. “I’ll go get us a couple while the line’s not too long. I don’t want any more women hitting on you.”
John watched her go. This had been a really good day. And now here they were with the prospect of dancing for a couple of hours. He was looking forward to it. But he was a little apprehensive. The beer would definitely help.
He looked at the fish. “What do you think, Bob? Am I wading into the deep end here without a lifejacket?” The fish swam to the glass and looked at him. Or it seemed Bob was looking at him. John picked up his hat and set it over the fishbowl. “What do you know?”
Ember returned a few minutes later with three beers. “I figured I’d get you two while I was there.”
“Thanks.” He opened one and took a drink.
Ember frowned at John’s hat over the bowl. “Is Bob in timeout?”
“Yeah. He was staring at me.”
She moved his hat and set it next to the fishbowl. “I’m sure he’s learned his lesson.”
The band started playing by the time John finished his first beer. He set the empty down and cocked his head at Ember.
“Okay. It’s time to see if I know how to dance.”
“I’m sure you’ll do fine.”
They both stood, and he took her hand, then led her to the dancefloor. He took a moment, then pulled her in close. “I’ve got this part down.”
She laughed. “Yes, you do.”
They began dancing, and it was everything John hoped it would be, and a bit more. It felt right. Ember in his arms. How could something that felt this good be wrong? He continued dancing with Ember, riding the fine line between good friends and something more. When she laid her head on his shoulder, he pulled her in a little tighter. She didn’t seem to mind.
They danced through two songs, then went back to the table. Ember glanced at him.
“It seems you’re a very good dancer, John.”
“Maybe because I’ve been doing it for so long.”
“A lot can be said for older and wiser.”
