It seemed that everyone in the room was frozen in place while Billy was aware of the presence of the Indian. It was then he noticed that Mallory also appeared to be looking at the doorway as well. She appeared to be unfazed unlike the rest of the people in the room.
The flash subsided and what had appeared to be the Indian faded out.
A crash of cymbals, a sequence of strobes, as the frontman called out, “We are Lightning Strike”, and set off into their first dance song of the evening.
Now Billy was looking directly at Mallory, “Did you see?”
She raised her voice to be heard better, “See what?”
“Over by the entrance, I thought I saw someone standing.” He said it loud enough for her to hear what he was saying but not enough for others to overhear.
“Probably just a reflection that was a pretty large lightning flash.”
Had he really seen something or was it his mind playing tricks? He had this feeling, that she wanted to say more, but decided not to push it for now at least. “I’d like to hear more about the Indians.”
“We can talk about it more later. It’s too loud for a decent conversation right now. Besides, you promised me dancing.” She grabbed his arm and pulled him out onto the dance floor.
They spent the next several hours dancing and having a great time. During the breaks they just had some small talk and had another drink or used the facilities. Though Billy had not forgotten his curiosity about the Indians, he was really more focused on Mallory and enjoying her company. He could search out more information later. He was certain this was the beginning of something good, something important for both of them.
Just before 11:30 the band announced that it was the last song of the night and they would finish with something slow. Billy started to head off the dance floor when Mallory grabbed his arm and pulled him back. “Where did you think you were goin?”
“I uh…”
“Not so fast buddy. Don’t worry I don’t bite.”
Billy laughed a little nervously, “Been a long time since I slow danced.”
“I’m sure you’ll do fine.” She slipped her right hand into his left and placed her other on his shoulder. He slipped his right around her waist and onto her back as the music started to play.
As he took her in frame he could feel the heat emanating from her body, mixing with his own. The music was slow but his heart was racing. As he led her through turns and promenade, interchanging their positions and feeling one with the music, one with his partner he felt only great joy.
The music came to an end and Mallory gave him a big hug. “You’re a lot better dancer than you led me to believe.”
“I don’t know it just all felt right.”
The front man stepped up to the mic one last time. “We are Lightning Strike. Hope you all had fun and we’ll catch you on the flip side.” The dancers who had stayed till the end broke into applause.
Once the applause had come to a stop and the band started the process of breaking down and packing up, Carla announced from the bar, “Last call, bar closes at midnight.”
They gathered their stuff and headed out to the parking lot. As they left the parking lot and headed for the highway Mallory turned to Billy and smiled. “I had a wonderful time tonight despite the close call at the beginning of the evening.”
“Believe it or not, I’d actually half forgotten about that. I had a great time too.”
On the way back to her place Mallory asked Billy about his project at school and what kind of deadlines he faced to wrap up his degree. As they pulled into the driveway Gomer raised his head and ran over to the Bronco as it stopped. Mallory let herself out as Billy climbed out the driver’s side. Instead of going to Mallory, Gomer went directly to Billy instead. Billy scratched the big golden behind the ears. As Gomer leaned into it Mallory laughed, “I think you’ve won his approval.”
On the porch she unlocked the door and Gomer bounded inside. Mallory turned around and gave Billy a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. “I really did have fun. Why don’t you come by later tomorrow morning and we can talk some more, I’ll make us lunch.”
“Sure. What can I bring?”
“Bring a side, I’ll leave it up to you.”
“Okay. See you then. G’night.”
“Good night.” She closed the door behind her.
Billy felt like he was floating on air as he climbed back into the Bronco and headed back to his parents house.
As he came out of the bathroom and headed towards his room ready to crash, a violet glow began to form showing through the crack underneath. The intensity seemed to fade and increase rhythmically, pulsing like a heartbeat. Not sure what he was headed for he reached for the doorknob. The hairs on his arm started to raise. Kee rack!
Now what’s about to happen to Billy? Come on back next week and find out.
Episode 15 – 7/19/21
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