“Mother, we’ve been over this,” Selene whispered. “I will make a name for myself without your interference. It’s the only way to gain respect when I arrive at the top.”
“Respect is highly overrated in the work force.”
Sheki looked beyond Selene to where Craig stood waiting. She reached out her hand to him, and as if he were a lowly subject, he inched forward to accept it. Jolene felt immensely grateful that her father had never included her in any social events involving the upper-crust, and as she witnessed Craig touch the glove—ever so gingerly—she could see the humor hiding behind his eyes. Jolene knew him far too well.
“So nice to meet you, Ms. Gabel,” Craig said.
“My naughty daughter has kept us apart, and now I know the reason why. You are quite the catch.” Craig bit his lip to hide the dimples that always betrayed his inner thoughts.
Jolene would have loved to share a good old laugh with him later, but her enthusiasm died when she remembered her position in this love triangle. After all, the woman could be his future mother-in-law, so she supposed he’d better get accustomed to it.
Not that the woman portrayed ill-meant phoniness, for Jolene saw genuine expression seep through her make-up mask. The multi-millionaire was probably simply living her norm – or at least that’s what Jolene hoped, for she would not be thrilled to tippy-toe around both mother and daughter for the remainder of the vacation.
She sought her father amongst the people in the room that had mostly lost interest in the new arrival and had resumed their conversations. All except Trace Sumpter, who stared at Sheki with intense scrutiny. Barbie appeared to be in awe, standing in the same resort as the owner of the counties most famous women’s magazine – one, she no doubt, subscribed to.
Jolene felt cornered in her space by the door, unable to go forward or backward, and easily able to overhear their conversation as it unfolded.
“Have you booked a room, Mother? I doubt there is one available, it being Christmas in July.”
“What?” she asked as she slipped the gloves from hands.
“Christmas, Ms. Gable. The resort and nearby town are famous for celebrating the holiday twice a year,” Craig said.
“How absurd. I barely have time to squeeze one in, let alone two.”
“Then consider yourself blessed. You have arrived in time to attend the kick-off dance tonight. If you don’t have anything appropriate to wear, the resort supplies some loose items that will give you a pass inside.”
They regarded the others as they bent over to dig inside the box of accessories and came up trying on the tacky items that made them look like a walking Christmas tree.
“Hardly,” was all Sheki said and turned away from the scene.
“Being the designer that you are, you could probably just put a red bird and some cranberries in your hat and that would get you in the door,” Craig said.
“I came to console my daughter, but, of course, did not realize she’d brought company along.” Her tone was snappy implying Craig had lost his brownie points with that last comment.
Craig turned to Selene. “Why don’t I go and see if there are any vacancies?” He smiled graciously at the women, and left.
Jolene swore she could hear his sigh of relief as he sped past her.
When Craig was out of earshot, Sheki spoke, “Really, darling. Such a commoner? Not at all our class of people.”
“He’s nice Mother, and he treats me good.”
“If by that, you mean he gives you all the space you need and is a decorative hang-on at galas, then way to go, girl. Can’t imagine that you need anything else from a man.”
“He tries to understand my drive to succeed.”
“Watch out for that angle, my dear. It won’t last. Men tend to get possessive. Women like us do better without them.”
“Says the woman who has discarded three husbands and put one six feet under,” Selene said. “Come on, let’s go to the desk. From Craig’s expression I don’t think he is having much success.”
On the way by, Sheki glanced in Jolene’s direction who busied herself repositioning the back strap of her sandal in order to appear not to be eavesdropping. When she straightened, the woman’s focus remained glued to Jolene, and in spite of the awkward intimidation she felt, she smiled bravely and turned to escape up the stairs to dress for the evening outing.
Jolene jumped in the cab her father had hired to drive them to the town hall where the dance was being held. It was within walking distance but not in the heels that Barbie wore.
“I suppose you dressed to accommodate the royal ball theme that crowning the new temporary king and queen of Pineville represents,” Jolene said. “I packed attire for the more casual country-Christmas part of the evening.”
“Did you not see Sheki Gabel arrive? She will not be wearing anything blue jean or casual,” Barbie said. “But I did bring a checkered scarf I can throw on later.”
“You are not competing with her, so relax,” Jolene said as she pointed to her own clothing. “So, are you implying my jean skirt, Christmas plaid top, red cowboy boots, and a felt-hat to match would not be eligible for one of her magazine covers?”
“Probably not, but it does look lovely on you. I hope you find yourself a grand cowboy to dance with all night long,” Barbie said earnestly. Jolene could not help but like her father’s barbie doll.
“Thank you. I shall be on the lookout.”
Soon after they arrived, the competition and tally-up of scores for the reigning couple began. The owners of Heritage Inn were two of the judges and an older lady donning a hat of equal flair to Sheki’s, was the third. Points had been documented from the entire senior year for scholastic and volunteer contributions to the high school. Only ten candidates remained in the running for the prestigious honor and the judges made the thirty-minute finale challenging for the contestants. On the sidelines, the crowd set a festive spirit of Christmas and the night was off to a great start.
Jolene didn’t acknowledge Craig when he slipped in beside her. Clapping and shouting began, as the bystanders divided down the middle to allow the new reining couple the first dance in the center of the brightly polished floor. In her hurry to get out of the way, Jolene bumped into Craig.
“Excuse me,” she said while scanning close by for the Gabel women; but Craig was alone. “Where are your lovely companions? I can’t imagine them wanting to miss out on a bit of the fun.”
“Fun means different things to different people,” Craig said. “They did get dressed, sort of, then laughed so hard at the ridiculousness of their attire, they decided to stay home and catch up. They don’t see each other often.”
“Did the Inn find a room for societies monarchy?” Jolene asked, her smile suggesting disapproval of such nonsense.
“None to be had. I cleaned mine out and gave it to Selene’s mother. I’m crashing on the sofa in the main room – a central mediator between two hot-heads.”
Jolene could not hold back the giggle, but soon straightened and stated dramatically, “Well, that’s terrible news! Thrown out of your own room and losing your dancing partner all in the same evening.”
“I was hoping you could help me out in that department. We used to dance well together,” Craig said.
Jolene sighed. This had all the makings of another disaster. “Craig, I don’t think…”
“I promise to be good,” he said. “We know all the line dancing steps in our sleep. We could rock this place.”
“I suppose one doesn’t need a partner for line dancing, so the arrangement sounds acceptable,” Jolene said. “Yes, I will stomp the same floor with you – if you like.”
“I like,” he said. “And there’s square dancing, too. I know you’re itching to learn that. I think the group switch up partners a lot, so, even for those, we wouldn’t be an official couple.” He took a deep breath, then exhaled. “Come on, Jolene. You’re more fun, anyway.”
“Have you told Selene that?”
&
nbsp; “I’m planning to end it with her. The job in the city is almost complete and I want to come home.”
Jolene could not keep the joy from leaping in her face but quickly covered it. “I still work bizarre hours, Craig. We won’t be taking up where we left off.”
“That’s not a decision for tonight,” Craig said. He reached for her arm. “The youngsters are done and the band is winding up for a country rocker. Let’s just let the good times roll, okay? Can’t do no harm.”
Jolene had come to have fun, and the idea of entertaining a stranger with small talk did not sound appealing. Might as well stick with the familiar. “Let’s do it then, Craig Landers.”
Chapter 9
“We’re going to get this started slow and easy,” came the band leader’s voice.
She took the arm Craig extended, and he led her onto the dance floor. The eager participants lined up facing one another ready to do the steps in unison to a perfect waltz tune. A great warm-up for the evening of music ahead of them.
An hour later she plunked in a chair while Craig went for drinks. Her father came and sat next to her.
“Having a good time, daughter, with someone else’s boyfriend?”
“She’s not here, and we have a history of dancing together.”
“History is not future,” Trace said. “I see the way you look at each other, all in fun, but a keen eye can spot there’s something deeper.”
“Don’t you have a bride somewhere to talk to?” Jolene asked.
“Just trying to save you another heartbreak when the man picks up and goes home with the girl he came with.”
“He doesn’t love her.”
“I think I’ve used that line a time or two,” Trace said with a raised eyebrow.
“We were friends who thought it should develop into something else. We figured wrong, and we realize that now.” Jolene worked up her believability with every word, trying to convince herself as much as her father. “Besides, work will call us to different states next week, and Heritage Inn will be a distant memory.”
“Sounds very structured – too bad the heart doesn’t work like that,” Trace said.
“Craig is coming back. Don’t make a big deal about it,” Jolene said. “Honeymoons are for having fun. Go find your bride and leave your daughter alone.”
He walked away and nodded to Craig as they passed.
“I got the look,” he said as he handed Jolene a glass of warm, cinnamon cider.
“Ignore him,” Jolene said. “He’s worried about my heart when all I want to do is have fun.”
“Are you having fun?”
“You know I am.” She sipped the sweet tasting liquid. “I can’t wait for the first round of square dancing.”
“The band leader told me it will start in five minutes. He’s at the drink table relieving his parched throat. I imagine calling tunes is exhausting.” Craig nudged Jolene’s arm. “He’s returning to the stage. Are you ready for a new experience?”
“I certainly am,” Jolene said, “but mostly because I’ll be dancing with an old friend.”
Craig howled. “Are you reminding me or you? You realize, besides the canoe ride, that this evening has been the highlight of my vacation so far.”
Jolene wanted to agree, wholeheartedly, but did not trust her heart. Her father was right. They were playing with fire and her heart was not going to be all right when they parted company at the end of the week.
The caller took his place with the band. “Okay, ladies and gents its time to do-si-do. Gather in groups with three couples.” After a small segment of partners moved onto the dance floor, he bellowed out. “Come on now, folks – you came to dance. All you Christmas cowboys and gals are going to love this. Brought some pro’s along to help y’all when the need arises, so they’ll be joining up with each group to make a total of eight dancers. But if you lose your place, don’t worry; just wait for the next call and join in. Let the fun begin.”
Craig grabbed Jolene’s hand and raced into the middle. Jan and Jim – the experienced couple – joined them, as well as Trace and Barbie and a younger duo; that gave them eight. As others gathered into groups around the room, Jim grabbed the few minutes to cue his set.
“Imagine we have an eight-foot-square,” Jim said waving his arm in their immediate area. While exchanging names, he placed the group into their starting positions. He placed Jolene on Craig’s right side with their backs to the caller; Trace and Barbie went on the callers’ right, and the third couple faced the caller, while Jim and Jan, the fourth couple, stood to the callers’ left.
“You two look like you’re going to catch on fast,” Jim said to Craig and Jolene, “so you and the young whipper-snappers straight across the square are what we call the head couples and Trace and Barbie and us are called the side couples.” He looked at his eager followers. “Everybody good so far?”
Everyone nodded and Jim continued with instruction. “The gent’s corner, or corner lady she’s sometimes called, is the lady on his left. And the lady’s corner or corner gent is the man on her right.”
“A Set can also refer to a group of three changes or square dance patterns. The first change is usually a pattern danced to a jig, the second change is a singing call and the third is a breakdown danced to a reel.”
“Sounds complicated,” Barbie said.
“Not at all. You’ll catch on in jiff-time with that spry young man by your side leading you.” He winked at Trace and to Jolene’s astonishment, her father flushed. “The traditional evening dance format tonight is two couple dances followed by a set of three-square dance patterns and repeated until you all drop with exhaustion. We have two callers tonight so enjoy yourselves.”
Jan added, “No one is looking for perfection, but in looking around the room, I suspect we have the best set of amateurs on the dance floor.”
Everyone laughed. Soothing background music filled the air. “We’re ready, folks,” the caller shouted. “Going back in time for some jingles that carry a 2/4 or 6/8 beat. Got us a fiddler, a piano, guitar, banjo, drums and even found us someone to play the accordion. You’ll swing to these tunes easy enough – we aim to make you all professionals before the nights over.”
For the next hour, Jolene and Craig listened and followed the calls repeatedly until it became a natural response, never missing a beat. The group of eight dancers soon had all the commands down pat; promenade, circle left then right, swing your partner, allemande or do-si-do – music to their ears. They laughed and danced with unbridled enthusiasm.
The music turned to other forms of entertainment for the diversity of participants and when the polka started up, Jolene threw her hands in the air and exclaimed, “I need to rest.”
Jolene pivoted abruptly and lost her balance. Craig reached out to catch her and before she knew it, she was in his arms, mesmerized by the hypnotizing stare holding her frozen to the spot. She saw him transfer his gaze to her lips and knew she was helpless to fight off what they both wanted more than anything at this moment. As he leaned in, she closed her eyes for the inevitable kiss.
Suddenly, Craig was yanked from her arms and she stumbled backward in surprise.
Her eyes bolted open to find Selene swinging her arm back to slap her boyfriend’s face. Craig caught her hand mid-air, before it made contact, aiming a stern scowl toward the girl.
While Jolene attempted to back off from the scene, she watched Selene’s shocked expression turn to fury as she ripped free of Craig’s hold.
Without glancing at Jolene, Selene said with venom in her tone, “Too late to run now, hussy! And you,” she focused her glare on Craig, “when I said to have fun, I didn’t mean for you to kiss my competition.”
“I’m not…” Jolene said but was interrupted by Craig.
“Selene, stop making a scene. Go back to the Inn and we’ll talk in the morning,” Craig said.
“My mother somehow knew about you two. Said you dated not that long ago,” Selene said.
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�She probably does a check on all your boyfriends – she likes to interfere in your life on the sly,” Craig said.
“Why would she do that? I’m a big girl. Besides, she said she liked you.”
“She says a lot of things,” Craig said. “Has she said anything about her connection with Trace Sumpter? Maybe you should start there with your accusations and leave me alone.”
“We’re through! Take your stuff from the room and get out of here tonight.”
“Not happening,” Craig said. “My name was on the reservation for the resort too, and I’m staying. Maybe you should go home instead.”
Tears pooled in the corners of Selene’s eyes. “You’re right. We should talk in the morning. Good night.” She turned and walked quickly toward the door and disappeared outside.
“Craig, you should walk her back to the Inn,” Jolene said. “Could be muggers hanging around in the dark.”
“In peaceful, Christmassy, Pineville?” Craig asked. “I doubt she’s in any danger.”
“Do what’s right,” Jolene said. “One thing I always appreciated about you was your courteous manner with people.”
He stared at Jolene. “I do not regret wanting to kiss you and I am going to end it with Selene and come back to Sebring. You can count on it.”
That said, Craig turned and followed Selene out of the building. Jolene went to the refreshment table and ladled out a large glass of cold lemonade. She found a seat in the corner and tried to blend into the background. Only a few stragglers searching for a partner managed to find her, but her time on the dance floor was done and she refused. But she did remain at the dance, not wanting to return to the resort until most of the guests had retired – especially Selene and Craig.
Her father sought her out. “Troubled heart?”
The moment she looked at him, tears flowed. He sat beside her and held her close until her shaking stopped and she pulled away.
“You warned me,” Jolene muttered. “He was my first love – my only real love. How am I supposed to forget that?”
Christmas Hearts in July Page 6