Protector - Laurel Dewey [156]
Jane unwillingly lurched forward. But once she was on the floor, she knew that turning back would only attract more attention. Emily shouted “Cowboy Hustle,” and Jane nodded in agreement. They kicked off a series of synchronized steps that drew the attention of Dan and almost every other male in the place. Heather and her friends continued their tired dance steps, unaware that directly behind them, Jane and Emily were boot scootin’ to a different drummer. After carefully watching the dance pattern, Dan sidled up along Jane and matched her step for step. He proved to be as good a dancer as Jane, shuffling and sliding in perfect rhythm. Kathy stopped taking photos of her daughter long enough to observe the trio that had taken over center stage. A look of dismay mixed with indignation fell over her.
An admiring group of onlookers circled around the trio, cutting off Heather and her friends. The crowd cheered on the impromptu troupe as Heather was forced onto the sidelines. The hooting and hollering reached a fever pitch as the singer belted out the last line of the song. In perfect sync, Jane and Emily along with Dan stomped on cue to the last beat of the music. The crowd erupted. Both Jane and Emily looked around, a bit overwhelmed by the out-pouring of appreciation. Emily caught Heather’s jealous eye and smiled broadly toward the brooding brat.
One of the Festival organizers walked onto the stage and took the microphone. “I think everyone will agree,” he said to the crowd, “that we have a brand-new winner of the line dancing contest this year! Come on up here, gals! You, too, Dan!”
Jane and Emily were shocked by the announcement. Dan backed off, wanting Jane and Emily to take the spotlight, but Jane urged him on the dance floor. The last thing she wanted was to be featured in front of all those people. Emily climbed onstage as the announcer brought out a twelve inch, gold plated statue that depicted a single line dancer in a distinctive pose. He handed the statue to Emily. “What’s your name, darlin’?” the announcer asked, poking the microphone in her face.
“Patty,” she said nervously.
“And who’s this?” the announcer asked, pointing toward Jane.
Emily looked at Jane and smiled. “She’s my mom. She taught me how to dance.” The crowd let out a chorus of whoops and hollers. Emily looked out at the jovial crowd and saw Heather. If looks could kill, Emily would have been shot dead.
“Come over here, Mom!” the announcer said, beckoning Jane toward the stage. Jane waved him off, preferring to stay as far back as possible, but Dan nudged her forward. “You turn a mighty fine step out there!” the announcer proclaimed. “How ’bout if we give the floor to you and Dan for the next number?”
Jane wanted to decline the offer, but the crowd wouldn’t have it. Dan leaned over to her. “You do owe me two dances!”
Jane took his hand as the drummer laid out an opening riff, followed by the guitarist and piano player as the singer jumped into “Watching My Baby Not Coming Back.” Jane looked around the room for Emily. Once she caught sight of her on the side of the dance floor clutching her trophy, Jane mouthed “Stay there.” Emily nodded.
Dan twirled Jane around the hardwood floor. In between synchronized two-steps, several complicated foot changes and a dizzying array of whirling, Dan and Jane looked as if they had been trading dance moves for years. The drummer skimmed his stick on the crash cymbal and suddenly the song was over. The surrounding crowd burst into a frenzy, chanting “One more time!”
“Let’s stop while we’re ahead!” Jane yelled above the din. Spotting Emily, she made a beeline toward her.
Emily glanced over to see Kathy closing in on the trio with Heather close at hand. Heather never took her eyes off Emily, shooting daggers of hatred toward her.
Kathy tapped Jane on the shoulder. “Well, my, my!” Kathy exclaimed, her plastic smile firmly embedded on her face. “That