MYSTERY OF THE TEXAS TWOSTEP

CHAPTER NINETY FIVE:

NIGHT TO REMEMBER

Written by Rick Archer 

limbo month twenty two
APRIL 1981

ANTICIPATION

Crazy Jane had made quite an impression on me during last week's Twostep Cheerleading event.  The memory of her whoop, clap and stomp her feet during the Slow Slow Quick Quick display was something to behold.  Jane's unusual methods had made me question my own approach to teaching dance.  Up till now, I was uncomfortable with Jane's attention-seeking ways because they went against my tendency to resist the limelight.  When I taught, I saw no reason to draw extra attention to myself.  A few jokes and some teasing, but jumping up and down?  Not my style.  However, after witnessing how Jane's wild antics had created so much enthusiasm, I reevaluated my opinion.  Sure, I could make fun of Jane if I wanted to.  Anyone who behaves like a cartoon character invites criticism.  On the  other hand, when viewed a different way, Jane may be crazy, but she was crazy like a fox.  I could not get over how much Jane had raised the energy level of the entire class.  Jane's cheerleading act went far beyond anything I had ever accomplished with my mild-mannered approach.  Her success opened my eyes.  Because Jane's talents were so much different than mine, I had misjudged her.  Jane was no longer just a goofy attention-seeking machine.  I was starting to understand her rah-rah tactics were an effective teaching tool.  If anything, her knock-their-socks off approach went far past my ho-hum approach.  Perhaps there was a place for silliness in dance class.

Based on my newfound respect, I made a vow to use more humor in my classes.  I could never in my life see myself whooping and hollering; that was just not me.  However, I was pretty good at teasing people in a light-hearted way.  This moment was a breakthrough of sorts because I decided the more fun we had, the better the class would go.  From this point on, I vowed to emphasize the entertainment angle more and find new ways to keep things light-hearted. 

What really struck me about Jane is how she could insult the men and get away with it.  I was not comfortable with openly insulting my students even in jest, but 'Teasing' was one skill I was pretty good at.  Maybe I could take it a little further.  As long as I kept my sarcastic quips good-natured, I noticed people laughed and relaxed.  The kidding was good for them because it made them more accepting of their inevitable mistakes.  Of course, the flip side is that the students began to tease me more, but this was good too.  I learned not to take myself so seriously all the time.  It took me a while to get the hang of it, but over time I developed the skill to be an entertainer as well as a teacher.  I credit this idea to Jane.  You might say she was rubbing off on me. 

Jane was a born teacher in her own right.  She might have a different approach, but her style was just as effective as mine.  In fact, as teammates, we were perfect together.  I was Coach and Jane was Cheerleader.  Rah, Rah, Sis Boom Bah.  We really clicked throughout the April class.  In fact, we clicked too well.  My next thought made me very uncomfortable.  I began to wonder if Jane's outlandish stunts had a hidden purpose.  Was Jane auditioning for a role in my life?  Every week I felt like Jane was lining me up in her gun sights in much the same way as Victoria once had.  Underneath that ditzy public persona was the mind of a shrewd woman.

Incidentally, neither Jane nor Victoria knew about each other.  Since Michael watched Stephanie on Tuesdays and Thursdays, he was reluctant to add Wednesdays.  Unless she could find a babysitter, it was easier for Victoria to stay home.  That was fine with me.  With Victoria out of the picture, I was free to focus on Jane.  Throughout the week leading up to April Graduation Night, my thoughts repeatedly crept into Forbidden Territory.  I had finally admitted to myself how badly I wanted to have an affair with Jane.  In fact, my desire for Jane far outweighed my previous interest in Victoria back in the old days.  I know this sounds odd, but while Victoria and Michael belonged together, Jane and Harold were a mismatch.  I had resisted Victoria's advances out of loyalty to Michael, a man I liked.  However Harold was such a cold fish, it seemed like he could care less what his wife did.  Victoria once had the nerve to claim Michael had encouraged her to have a European-style affair with me.  I had openly scoffed at the suggestion.  There was no way Michael had said anything of the sort.  But Harold was a different story.  It was almost like Harold deliberately left the door open.  Why?  Why would a man step back like that?  Harold was in the same room as Jane.  He had to know what his wife was up to, but he never interfered. 

Did that mean I had Harold's tacit permission to pursue?  That question had been there for some time, but I tried to avoid thinking about it too much.  Now I no longer had any choice.  I thought about Jane all the time.  My original thought had been a one-night stand.  However, the moment I realized that Jane had the potential to be a dance teacher, this important discovery unlocked all sorts of fantasies.  Now I began to dream of a relationship.  Was there a place for Jane in my life?  Perhaps she would like to help me run the studio someday, a dream Victoria appeared to have relinquished.  If so, I could imagine Jane would be very effective. 

My attraction to Jane went well beyond my appreciation for her physical assets.  It was the substance behind her Ditzy Blonde persona that drew me to her.  Although I knew little about Jane and whether this would work, my loneliness was so extreme that I found myself daydreaming about lasting scenarios.  As my interest in Jane as a person grew, my desire doubled.  How do I explain sex appeal?  Some people have it, some people don't.  There was something about Jane that went well past her hourglass figure.  Mae West was right when she said, "A man may admire a girl's curves on first introduction, but the second meeting shows off new angles."

How could I explain my complete inability to take my eyes off of Jane?  The way she teased me and other men had every one of us lusting for her.  I might add the ease with which she allowed her breasts to touch me when we danced suggested she enjoyed being in my arms.  Now that Victoria's divorce was final, I fully expected she would be moving on soon.  Maybe Victoria would fall for Vincent and set me free.  Was there some way I could keep Jane secret from Victoria until my Parole Papers came through?

But then I would snap out of my fantasy and return to reality.  For one thing, Jane was a married woman.  I thought I had learned my lesson... married women are Taboo!  They also say be careful what you ask for.  If Jane were to become my girlfriend, I was far too possessive to watch Jane publicly flaunt her breasts on a nightly basis.  Harold seemed to tolerate it, but not me.  Would she be willing to tone it down?  As for the 'love me or love me not' problem, I had no idea if Jane was anywhere near as serious about me as I was about her.  But I dismissed that thought.  I would be very surprised if my interest was one-sided.  They say a woman always knows.  Maybe so, but my intuition wasn't too shabby either.  I was pretty sure Jane was thinking about me while I was thinking about her.  I believed we had both reached the same conclusion.  Without sharing a single word, we both suspected the other was interested in crossing the line.  I anticipated this attraction would come to a head at our upcoming Graduation Night.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 1981

JANE HAS A SURPRISE
 

It was Wednesday, April 22, time for Winchester Graduation Night.  This would be our fourth visit to the club.  The plan was for Judy Price and me to teach from 7-9 pm, then both classes would head over to the Winchester at 9 pm.  Due to rain and traffic, I got to class a bit late.  It was 7:10 when I walked into the room.  I expected my class of 40 students would razz me for being late, but I was wrong.  No one even noticed my arrival.  They were all preoccupied with something, but what?  As peals of laughter filled the room, it had to be Jane.  Who else could generate this kind of uproar?

The crowd was milling around over in the corner.  This was weird.  I could not imagine what the fuss was about.  However, first I had to get everyone settled down.  I knew from experience the only way to calm things down was to separate the students.  So I raised my voice and shouted, "All right, everybody, you know the drill, boys over here, girls over there."

As the crowd dutifully parted to either side of the room, a man whispered, "Rick, you are not going to believe this!"

Good grief, now what?  I was very curious because everyone was grinning ear to ear.  Where is Jane?  She had to be the cause of this.  I quickly looked back over to the corner where all the commotion had been.  I saw Jane hiding behind several women. 

"Jane, get over here," I shouted.  "What's going on?"

That was the moment Jane came out of hiding.  I shuddered the moment I saw her.  Jane was wearing a full-length raincoat and her face was shrouded by a hood.  I stood there frozen in disbelief.  What on earth is this woman doing?   Jane proceeded to walk to the center of the room where I stood. 

Jane wasted no time.  Addressing the class, Jane said, "Guess what, everybody?  I have a big surprise for you tonight!!"

Then she paused to let the tension build.  I had no idea what Jane was up to, so I acknowledged her.  

"Uh, good evening, Jane.  Would you like to tell us about your unusual attire?  I know it's raining outside, but wouldn't an umbrella have served just as well?"

Jane grinned.  "Thank you, Rick, for that helpful observation.  No, this has nothing to do with rain.  This is about preparing the men for tonight's dance event." 

Seeing that Jane wanted the stage, I stepped aside and joined the men.  Jane moved to one end of the room so everyone could see her.  She began by dropping her hood, thus revealing her pretty face and thick mane of dark brown hair.  Everyone was snickering nervously.  Everyone but Harold.  I made a point to look for him.  He was off in a distant corner shaking his head at his wife's antics.  Harold was not amused, a detail that heightened my anxiety.  Due to Jane's reputation, I expected something was up, but what?  That raincoat had every man in the room breathless.  They were biting their nails.  Me too.  Jane's raincoat covered everything but her bare ankles, so obviously she was not wearing pants.  What was she hiding under there?  What was she wearing?  I was just as curious as everyone else.  At this point, Jane began a rehearsed speech.

"As some of you know, I am an elementary school teacher by profession.  For Show and Tell tonight I have prepared a visual aid that I think will help the men dance better at the Winchester."

Jane paused to let that sink in, then continued.  "As I have pointed out on several occasions, the men in this room have trouble hearing the beat.  This all started with my husband Harold."

Jane nodded at Harold as he stood by a distant wall.   As everyone turned to look, Harold managed a weak smile.  He looked very uncomfortable, almost sheepish.  My curiosity was driving me crazy.

"Harold cannot hear the music when he dances.  As a result, it is difficult for me to follow him.  When we move at different speeds, he always seems to stumble over my feet.  At first I thought it was just Harold, but then I discovered he is not alone.  I have noticed several men in this class have trouble keeping the beat of the music.  I have decided the men in our class will need help when we go dancing tonight!"

Jane paused again for dramatic effect.  She smiled at the men who were clearly worried, then addressed the women.  "Ladies, you know I'm right.  Back me up here!"

Like a church chorus, the women chanted in unison.  "Yes, Jane, you're right!  The men need help!"

The women were so perfect, I wondered if Jane had coached them before class.  Were the women in on this?  I couldn't decide.  Meanwhile, everyone grinned.  Jane's spiel had us fascinated to know where this was headed.    

"Over this past month, several men have told me how disappointed they were when I missed Graduation last month.  They begged me not to miss again.  However, I told them I was skeptical about going because I can't stand dancing with men who can't keep the beat.  I said if they promised to improve their rhythm, then I would join them.  With that in mind, last week I noticed our men performed much better when I insisted they call out the rhythm along with me."

Jane paused a third time.  Whatever stunt she was pulling, Jane was mining it for all the gold.  The rabid look on the men's faces was unmistakable.  They were seriously worked up over the unveiling.  If the women had not been around to enforce a veneer of civility, the men would have ripped open that raincoat long ago.  Now Jane turned to address me.

"So, Rick, I remembered your suggestion to whisper the rhythm to Harold when we dance together.  That was a very good idea.  But then I asked myself, 'Gosh, what happens if the music at the Winchester Club is too loud?'  What if Harold can't hear me whisper?  What if he gets off beat and I get my feet stepped on?  What if I scream in pain?  What if I stumble and fall?  Would people laugh at me?  I cannot have that.  I have my dignity to consider."

I laughed to myself.  Jane is suddenly worried about her 'Dignity'?  That was not a word I would typically ascribe to our class clown.  We called Jane 'Crazy' for a reason.  Meanwhile Jane was looking around the room.  Seeing the men holding their breath, I realized I was too.  I wanted Jane to open that raincoat in the worst way.  Even the women were on edge.  Jane's build-up was a long, slow tease. 

"So I thought to myself, 'How can I help the men keep the beat better?'  That is when I had an idea.  As an elementary school teacher, I have learned that Visual Aids are an invaluable teaching tool.  Therefore, since the music will probably be loud and since none of the men in this room are able to keep their eyes off my chest, I have come up with the perfect solution."

And with that, Jane gently dropped her raincoat.  As her raincoat fell to the floor, the whole room gasped.  You cannot possibly guess, but you are welcome to try.  This moment would become studio legend. 

Jane wore a tight shirt with the words "SLOW SLOW QUICK QUICK" covering her massive chest in bold block letters.  No one said a word.  We just stood there frozen.  As we stared in shock, a woman next to me whispered, "I cannot believe the nerve of that woman!!  She must be out of her mind!" 

It took several moments for the shock to pass, but then the room erupted.  Knowing what a stir Jane's visual aid would create at the Winchester later on, a huge burst of laughter broke out.  What a spectacle!  Class had not even started yet, but they were so pumped up everyone was ready to head over there right now.  Now the wisecracks began. 

"Dancing a breast thanks to her chest!"

"I love reading material when I dance."

"I'm near-sighted, but I don't think I will need my glasses tonight."

The entire time, Jane just stood there beaming as she proudly displayed her gift to the world of country dancing.  My eyes were riveted.  Nor was I alone.  Everyone stared at her message with their jaws open.  The women had the decency to cover their mouths, but the men were oblivious.  Some admired, some disapproved, but no one... repeat, no one... took their eyes off her.  Jane didn't care what people thought.  She craved the attention.  Jane lived by the motto 'When you got it, flaunt it.' 

The excitement was so great, I did not bother trying to calm things down.  Easier just to let the energy run its course.  We weren't going to be learning much tonight anyway, not with Jane's carnival act.  I was too astonished to know what to think, so I just stared in awe.  I had never seen anything so preposterous in all my life.  What a stunt!!   This had to be the most brazen woman I had ever met.  The ingenuity alone was unbelievable.  I was really impressed.  Brazen and clever... a dangerous combination.  Like I said, Crazy like a Fox.  And what a fox she was.  Shaking my head in quiet admiration, I was overcome by the longest, deepest sigh of my life.

Meanwhile, we were making so much commotion that Judy Price heard us from the other room.  She came to see what the fuss was about.

"Rick, what on earth is going on in here?   We can hear you all the way at the other end of the hallway."

I said nothing.  Instead I simply pointed to Jane.  Judy's eyes turned and she gasped aloud.  "Oh my God!!  I don't believe it!  Who is that woman?!"

"That, my friend, is the infamous Crazy Jane. 

Lowering her voice considerably, Judy exclaimed, "Good lord, are those breasts real?" 

"Yeah, I think so." 

"I have a feeling Jane will be a very popular girl at the Winchester Club tonight."

I nodded.  "You can say that again."

"Good lord, Rick, so that is the famous Crazy Jane.  Now I see where she got her nickname.  How did she ever come up with an idea like that?!?"

"It's a long story, Judy.  I'll tell you later."

Just then Glen came in the room too.  "What is all this noise about?"

I pointed to Jane.  No word was necessary.  Now it was Glen's turn to open his mouth in astonishment.  Glen and Judy looked at me, then looked at Jane again in amazement.  Shaking their heads in disbelief, Glen and Judy went back to their rooms.  I could not stop grinning at Jane's chutzpah.  The woman was brilliant, that's all there was to it.  A moment later, I heard a knock on the door.  Opening the door, I was surprised to see Judy's entire class stroll in.  Jane was more than happy to let them look.  With pride, she stuck out her chest for the world to see.  Judy's class went nuts as Jane beamed with delight.  It was bedlam in the room.  Everyone celebrated and laughed for a good ten minutes with no sign of abating.  It did no good to wait, so I went out in the hall and hit the gong to signal for Break Time to begin early.  The added 20 minutes gave everyone ample time to settle down. 

Jane had the most nerve of any woman on the planet.  Here was a woman with the comedic instincts of Lucille Ball, the body of Marilyn Monroe, and the smart-mouth brass of Mae West.  This was a once in a lifetime prank played by a once in a lifetime woman.  I felt privileged to have seen her performance.  My only regret was the absence of a camera.  This had to be seen to be believed.  Thankfully, Jane had the sense to bring along a baggy sweater to conceal the message during class or we would not have gotten anything accomplished.  Even so, we did not learn much that night.  The highlight came when I asked Jane to call out "Slow Slow Quick Quick" to music as we danced.  While Jane called out the words, we chanted right along with her.  The laughter was loud and the quips continued. 

"Using her rack to keep us on track!"

"Jane, you're my breast friend."

"I'm going ask Jane if I can use Braille."

WHAT SHOULD I DO?
 

Jane's noble gesture accomplished its goal.  Thanks to her bold letters, I think the men in Jane's class finally caught on.  Unfortunately, her shirt failed to inhibit the substantial movement of the twin towers.  As the comics noted, when the men danced with Jane, their heads bobbed up and down.  ha ha ha.

I smiled.  Beer Bust Night, Who Waxed the Winchester, Yogi and the Talent Show, Ammonia, Cotton Eyed Joe, Big Bubba.  Now Crazy Jane.  Where had the Winchester Club been all my life?   As expected, Jane's three-dimensional 'SLOW SLOW QUICK QUICK' caused a major sensation at the club that night.  Our busty school teacher was quite the celebrity.  As news of Jane's bold move made the rounds, every person in our group made sure to check her out.  Nor did it stop there.  All night long a steady stream of Regulars made a pilgrimage from the other side of the floor.  Jane was quite the ambassador.   She was more than happy to laugh and tease with all comers, friends and strangers alike.  Watching the Regulars smile in appreciation, Jane did more to pacify the animosity than I ever imagined possible.  I think Jane was the reason the Regulars decided maybe our group wasn't so bad after all.

Harold was nowhere to be seen.  This left Jane free to dance with every admirer... of which there were many.  As one might guess, a legion of rhythmically-challenged men lined up for their turn.  Mrs. Visual Aid was on the floor most of the night giving her breast effort to help.  I don't think she sat down the entire night.  When it was time for the Talent Show, the wags suggested Jane enter the contest.  All she had to do was walk around the floor and wave to the crowd.  Jane definitely had the winning combination.   

Among the highlights of the evening, Jane developed an unusual fan club.  There was a group of young fraternity guys who sat at a table on the other side of the dance floor amidst the Regulars.  These young men had been drinking a lot of beer, so when they spotted Jane, they went bonkers.  Once these young men saw what Jane was up to, they dedicated their night to paying homage.  Since none of them knew how to dance, they sat at their table and made a huge fuss every time Jane passed by on the dance floor.  They would clap and cheer for her.  Was Jane embarrassed?  Heck no.  The young men weren't mean about it, they were just acting the way horny Frat guys behave when they get drunk.  Jane was a good sport.  She would smile, wave back, blow kisses.  The more she played with the boys, the more enthusiastic they got.  

My favorite part came when five frat guys began doing the 'Crazy Jane Wave'.  As we recall, Western dancing moves in a counter-clockwise circle around the floor.  Every time Jane looped by with her latest partner, the men stood up and saluted military-style.  Then they let their heads bob up and down to mimic the unmistakable rise and fall motion of her breasts.  Jane loved it.  One time she shimmied for them.  The boys died and went to heaven.  Seriously, if they got any drunker, I expected they would rip off their shirts and start thumping their chests.  The college boys weren't the only ones drinking beer.  The men guzzled down mass quantities for courage as they waited their turn to dance with the star of the night.  Chuck Clayton quipped, 'Jane put the Bust in Beer Bust Night!'  

I was overwhelmed by Jane's popularity.  Plagued by a rising insecurity, I was starting to see why Harold was so uncomfortable all the time.  How was I supposed to remain on even terms with her celebrity status?  It wasn't just Jane's brilliant idea that impressed me, it was her ability to parade her massive chest for all to see and maintain her poise.  Incidentally, there was a less pleasant side to the hilarity.  Jane had to contend with crude cat-calls all night long.  She also had to endure so-called 'accidental' pawing from some of the inebriated men she danced with.  It is one thing to have her breasts on public display, another thing entirely to have them treated like a public playground.  Once I saw Jane leave her partner and walk off the floor mid-song.  How she kept from slapping some of those guys was beyond me.  Add to that the bitchy comments and ice cold stares from several women.  I could never imagine myself handling that kind of scrutiny, especially the touching and rudeness.  However Jane never wavered.  She maintained that smile all night long and kept on dancing with her legion of admirers. 

Watching the ease with which Jane handled the attention and fuss, I concluded she had some sort of rare star power.  I could not have done what she did.  Due to my shy side, I had avoided the spotlight my entire life.  Two years earlier, I had worn a skin-tight leopard outfit to a Halloween party at a club.  By wearing a hood, I was able to disguise my identity.  Thanks to the anonymity, I was able to enjoy the attention I got.  Jane was not like me.  She was not at all modest.  Her attitude was let 'em look.  At first I enjoyed the Crazy Jane Show, but as the evening wore on I sunk into a very bad mood.  Things were not working out like I had hoped.  All week long I had dreamed about sweeping Jane off her feet.  That was not going to happen, certainly not with that swarm of men buzzing around Jane and the twins.  I didn't bother asking Jane to dance, not even the Cotton-Eyed Joe.  My pride prevented me from standing in line.  Sick of watching Jane take one victory lap after another, I found my favorite dark corner to sulk. 

For the third Graduation Night in a row, I was in a very bad mood.  In February it was Victoria and Ammonia, March it was Bubba, tonight it was Jane.  Sipping my beer, I thought long and hard about Limbo, Jane and Victoria.  This loneliness was driving me up a wall.  I should be able to enjoy myself like everyone else.  Instead I sunk into these dark moods because all this look but don't touch was wearing me down.  Heck, I wanted Jane just as badly as every other man in the room.  Considering I was the only man here who knew there was more to Jane than her chest, I might even have a legitimate shot.  However, after watching Jane in action, I was discouraged.  Deep down, I worried she was out of my league.  Jane was limelight, I was twilight.  We were as different as night and day. 

Nevertheless, I ached to be alone with Jane.  Furthermore, I continued to believe she wanted to be alone with me.  Indeed, Jane had glanced at me several times, so I was almost certain she was keeping track of my whereabouts.  I found Harold's disappearance disconcerting.  How convenient that he wasn't here.  I wondered if Jane's stunt had something to do with me.  Did Jane pull this stunt to show me what she was capable of?  If so, she succeeded quite well.  I wondered about Harold.  Judging by his deep frown in class tonight, he did not approve of Jane's stunt.  Who could blame him?  Why would Jane risk alienating her husband?  Her incredible stunt could very easily backfire and damage her shaky marriage further.  Harold was smart not to come here tonight.  If Harold had one jealous bone in his body, he would go nuts watching Jane in action.

I wondered if Jane's bizarre act might have something to do with me.  This display might be her way of showing me what she was capable of.  I had two reactions.  I was very impressed of course.  Sheer genius.  But I was also insecure.  Jane was so far out of my league it was ridiculous.  I was suddenly awash in a flood of self-pity.  I was hardly flashy enough to keep up with her.  But then I rallied.  Maybe Jane liked me for other reasons.  I yearned to pursue Jane tonight.  Should I or shouldn't I?  Victoria had just gotten her divorce.  If she was a free woman, then I should be a free man.  If I wanted to break my Limbo chains and chase Jane tonight, there wasn't much stopping me.  Just then the ghost of Mae West whispered in my ear.  "He who hesitates is a damn fool."

The thought that Jane might have done this to get my attention was more than I could bear.  It was a grand gesture indeed, but what was the use?  Jane was a Forbidden Woman.  Look what happened when I gave into Victoria.  My life had been ruined ever since.  Did I really want to go through that again?  I was still paying off my debt to Victoria.  Did I really want to risk making things worse?   Jane was so close and yet so far.  It was one thing to entertain fantasies, but I refused to cheat again.  I could tell myself that Victoria had tricked me into the first affair, but if it happened again, this time I had no excuse.  Besides, the real prize was not Jane.  The real prize was the success of my dance studio.  With so many people watching Jane, how did I expect to stay off their radar if I made a move? Considering the likelihood of a scandal, I risked offending some and becoming a laughingstock with others.   Given the low odds of keeping any sort of fling hidden, Jane was sure to get me busted.  Ah, another pun. 

I had come to believe the discipline I had shown throughout this Limbo stage of my life was the key to the studio's success.  My hands-off approach to women not only kept Volatile Victoria at bay, it made me more effective as a leader.  Right now, this curse of loneliness was the price I had to pay in return for my good fortune, I was sure of it.  Hopefully the day would come when I could strike a better balance between work and play, but right now I felt a responsibility to guide the Magic Carpet Ride to its zenith.  We were getting close, I could feel it.  Thinking back to my decision to avoid Ammonia, did I dare jeopardize the studio's momentum by chasing Jane?

I knew keeping my distance was the right thing to do.  Although I detested my decision to avoid women like Lynette, Taylor, Julie and Ammonia, I accepted it.  I could see plain as day how my sacrifice had helped me accomplish my mission.  If there was any doubt, all the proof I needed was on display tonight.  Surveying this vast room filled wall to wall with dance students, I was amazed at what I had accomplished so far.  Yes, I despised Limbo, but it was working in my favor.  Did I really want to risk sabotaging this positive energy?

But what if I was wrong?  What if my mumbo jumbo-based decision to help Victoria through her divorce was misguided?  What if all this 'Calling' and 'Divine Mission' stuff was a crock of nonsense?  That doubt was at the root of my misery.  If so, then the joke would be on me.  Here I was passing on a heck of a woman based upon my unverifiable Belief System.  Besides, even if the studio was a Calling, where was it written that I had to behave?  That idea drove me to despair.  Why not give in and indulge my desire?  In Jane's case, it didn't look like Harold was putting up much of a fight.  What husband lets his wife go to a nightclub ALONE looking like that?  Jane had her pick of a hundred men in this room.  Surely she was dealing with temptation issues of her own.  Considering the rapport we had established over the past two months, maybe she would choose me. 

All I wanted from Ammonia was a fling, but Jane was different.  If I could get her to tone things down a bit, we could have a future.  If it is true we only live once, I would deeply regret passing up on this woman who might make me happy.  Faced with this dilemma, I was unwilling to give up too quickly.  What if I could find a way to pursue Jane and somehow keep the studio safe from scandal and Victoria's wrath?  What if I could hide Jane from Victoria the same way I once kept Jennifer out of sight?   No, forget it, that wasn't possible.  Jane was not exactly the type of woman to stay hidden.  With her outsize personality and tendency to seek attention, Jane didn't strike me as the type to slink around in secrecy.  Harold was sure to find out.  Victoria's radar would smoke me out as well.

Speak of the Devil.  At that very moment, as if on cue, Victoria walked in the door.  Her arrival helped underscore my dilemma.  Did I really want to risk upsetting Victoria?  Two years ago my friend Joanne had made the mistake of letting her feelings for me show in front of Victoria.  In full view of her husband, Victoria had exploded into a jealous Tirade.  Victoria was more dangerous than nitroglycerine.  Practically anything could set her off.  One look at me and Jane and she was ready to explode.  Did I really want to aggravate the Snarling Tiger Woman?  Of course not.  Did I want to explore another affair with my watchdog still in the picture?  No, no, no! 

What would happen if Jane and Victoria squared off?  Did I want to invite the Catfight of the Century?  While everyone else grabbed a beer and fought for front row seats, I might as well begin digging my grave.  If there was a public showdown, how exactly would that benefit the studio?  I shook my head at the futility of it all.  This would never work.  It was settled.  There would be no Affair.  Then I changed my mind.  Although my better judgment told me to avoid Jane at all costs, my heart could not accept parting.  There had to be a way.  Fully on guard against another attack of Doorstep Night Cosmic Stupidity, I analyzed my dilemma as carefully as a chess master.  I looked at this from every angle.  Finally an idea came to me.  I saw a slim opening.  It was based on precarious timing and a few lucky breaks.  Previously my mind had been locked on making something happen tonight.  However, with Victoria in the building, I needed to switch gears.  What was the hurry?  This did not have to happen tonight.  Why not be track Jane down later on and tell her how I felt?  Why not simply ask her to meet me for coffee and use the privacy to see where she stood?  That made sense. 

However, first I had to survive the peril of the two Alpha women seeing me in the other's presence.  Since Jane was radioactive in the extreme, my biggest fear is that Victoria would see us together.  Thanks to the mailing list, I had Jane's address and phone number.  Let Jane have her big night, keep my distance, then call her when things settle down.  That was my best hope. 

WALKING THE TIGHTROPE
 

Lost in my thoughts, I jumped out of my skin when someone laid a hand on my shoulder.  Whirling my head sharply, I relaxed when I saw it was Jann.

"Hey, Rick, what are you doing hiding over here in the corner?  The party is over there."

"Oh, hi, Jann, how are you?"

"I'm doing fine, but you look like you lost your best friend."

"It's that obvious, eh?  I have a tendency to get pretty moody at times and tonight's one of those nights."

"Want to talk about it?"

"Maybe one of these days, but this is not a good time."

Just then I noticed Victoria had finished crossing the dance floor.  It was time to make my move.

"I'm sorry, Jann, but I really need to speak with Victoria."

Speaking to Victoria was the last thing I wanted to do, but sitting here moping was not going to cut it.  Resigned to stay away from Jane, I excused myself from Jann and went to ask Victoria to dance.  The easiest way to avoid her suspicion would be a Duty Dance, my term for an obligatory spin around the dance floor.  Thanks in large part to the sensation Jane had caused, the dance floor was packed tonight.  I timed our entrance for when Jane was on the opposite side.  I wanted to keep a minimum of one hundred people between the two women at all times.  However, it didn't work.  Victoria somehow saw a crack in the crowd.  Victoria had no trouble spotting her.  Darn it, why did Jane have to be six feet tall in heels?   I cringed when Victoria pointed across the floor to Jane.  An interesting feature of the Twostep is that people can have a conversation if they skip the fancy stuff.  Victoria decided to comment on what a floozy Jane was.

"Who is that woman?  I saw that shirt she's wearing when I entered the room.  Of all the cheap tricks!   Everywhere she goes there is a pack of panting dogs with their tongues hanging out.  She ought to be ashamed of herself.  She prances around the room like a bitch in heat.  That's disgusting."

Listening to Victoria complain about Jane, I agreed simply to avoid an argument.   "Yes, Victoria, shameful.  The woman is definitely a tramp."

Victoria's eyes narrowed.  "What do you know about her?"

"Uh, very little."

Recalling that Victoria could read minds, I deliberately changed the subject and brought up Victoria's post-divorce woes.  Good distraction.  Victoria commented on how lost she felt.  Victoria said every day was a struggle.  I listened, but my heart wasn't in it.  I was still mad about Vincent.  Although Victoria had the sense not to talk about him anymore, I assumed he was still in the picture.  All I could think about was my wish to be rid of my captivity once and for all.  Set me free and let me pursue the woman I had a crush on.  I did not dare point out that underneath Jane's bawdy exterior, she was a carbon copy of Victoria.  They had different styles, but both women masked their loneliness with their outgoing nature.  I wondered if Victoria had any idea she was looking at her potential successor.  Victoria must have read my mind because she returned the conversation to Jane. 

"What is that woman's name?  It looks like she is with our group.  Who is she?  Who is her dance teacher?"

It was time to play dirty.  Using Western Swing patterns, I began to double turn Victoria.  This was an old trick.  Women cannot talk and spin at the same time.  When I was done with her, Victoria was so dizzy she could not see straight.  I escorted Victoria off the floor, then swiftly accepted a dance request from a girl named Gail to extricate myself from further probing questions.  Once I finished my dance with Gail, I needed a place to hide, so I went to sit down on the other side of the room among the Regulars.  No one would ever find me here.  I assumed I could be alone with my thoughts, but it didn't work.  I immediately felt a tap on my shoulder.  Uh oh.  For the second time that night, I nearly jumped out of my skin.  Was it Jane or Victoria? 

When I looked up, to my relief, it was Ammonia.  Right now she was the least of three evils.  Who would have ever thought? 

"My, my, Cowboy Rick, aren't we jumpy tonight?  I love having that affect on men."

Ammonia stuck out her right hand.  This was how she signaled her desire to dance.  I accepted immediately.  As we strode to the floor, I laughed in spite of myself.  Ordinarily I would not dream of dancing with Ammonia when Victoria was around, but this might just work.  Why not use Ammonia as a decoy?  I've heard of fighting fire with fire, but this was the first time I had ever played chest against chest.  If I could get Victoria worried about Ammonia, I could keep Jane off her radar.  A quick glance revealed Victoria was deep in conversation with a pair of women across the room.  No doubt Victoria was seeking solace for her divorce like she always did at dance events.  As Ammonia and I circled the floor, I was convinced this was the weirdest night of my life.  Definitely a night to remember.  With Victoria preoccupied, I relaxed and decided to enjoy dancing with my former lust object.

"To what do I owe this honor?  I thought I was on your shit list, Mona."

"You will be on my shit list for eternity, Cowboy Rick.  But just because I hate you doesn't mean I won't stoop low and allow you to dance with me.  Besides, I want the lowdown on the new vixen.  I'm having a bad night and that damn Slow Slow Quick Quick hussy is responsible.  That bitch is sucking the oxygen out of this room.  All my boyfriends are hot for her and I'm not getting many dances tonight.  I'm stuck with you because you're the only man I know who doesn't seem to be chasing her."  

Oh, the layers of irony in that statement!  Usually Ammonia was more perceptive than that.  If my play-it-cool act could fool Ammonia, it should fool Victoria as well. 

"So what you are saying is that I am basically the only guy available for a dance at the moment?"

Ammonia laughed.  "Yeah, I guess you could say that.  Considering I don't like you anymore, I must be desperate.  I am sick and tired of watching that circus act gobble up all the unattached men.  What the hell, am I invisible or what?"

"Don't worry," I laughed, "you stick out just fine.  You're just mad because Jane thought of a clever trick before you did."

Ammonia nodded, then grinned a little.  "You are absolutely right.  I hate her guts."

I was highly amused to hear Ammonia complain about Crazy Jane.  Listening to Ammonia bellyache about the absence of dance partners was the funniest thing I had heard all night.  Ordinarily the women complained about Ammonia and the way she threw her body around.  Now that the shoe was on the other foot, Ammonia's misery at getting out-boobed made me laugh for the first time all night. 

"Ah, gee, Mona, you poor baby.  It's the law of the west.  There's always going to be a faster gun and a bigger chest.  It looks like you've met your match.  Now that you're standing at the end of the line, how does it feel to be washed up?"

Ammonia gave me a dirty look and stuck her tongue out in defiance.  Then she grinned.  "I have to hand it to the tramp.  Stretching her shirt with that message was sheer genius.  I got beat by superior marketing.  I might even have to try that myself sometime."

I cocked my head and took a good look at Ammonia's ample chest.  "Well, Mona, you have room for your own slogan.  Plenty of room to advertise.  What do you intend to say?"

Ammonia looked down at her own sizable breasts and smiled. 

"You're right, Rick!  I have enough space for at least two sentences.  But I need something clever, something that will get me as many glances and dances as that damn Crazy Jane.  What do you think I should say?"

Now that Ammonia had opened the door, something came over me.  Behind way too many beers, I seized my opportunity. 

"Why not say 'Press one for English, Press two for Service'?  Here, Mona, let me show you how it works." 

And with that, I wrapped one hand around each enormous breast.  It was like grabbing two cantaloupes.  Ah, wonderful!  Big, soft, inviting, just as I imagined.  Very out of character for me, but based on the mood I was in, I didn't care.  As if I wasn't in enough trouble with Ammonia for ditching her last month, what did I have to lose?  I thoroughly enjoyed my impulsive gesture.  

Ammonia was so shocked she allowed my hands to linger a bit too long.  Finally Ammonia half-heartedly pushed my hands away.  I expected a slap, but oh my gosh, Ammonia didn't seem to mind.  In fact, Ammonia tried hard not to smile.  Frowning at me in mock disapproval, she said, "Ha ha ha.  Very funny.  Don't you wish!  You had your chance, butthead."

Ammonia was usually a pain in the ass, but at least she had a sense of humor.  Thank goodness she was drunk or she probably would have slapped me silly.  Instead she had a big grin at my audacity.  Hmm.  If Jane didn't work out, maybe Ammonia would give me a second chance.  Based on the way she was licking her lips, this might be a good time to ask.  However, just when I was about to say something, I reconsidered.  Bad idea, not with Victoria and Jane in the house.  So I bid Ammonia a fond farewell as the song ended and returned to my seat.  Don't tell anyone, but touching Ammonia and seeing the wild look in her eye had turned me on.  As if I wasn't horny enough already.  I had been turned on ever since Jane dropped the raincoat to expose her magnificent body.  Now thanks to the super-charged sex appeal of Ammonia, the pressure from my over-heated sex drive was getting to me.  All these women chasing me and I couldn't have any of them.  What did I do in my previous lifetime to deserve this torture? 

GAME TIME

I didn't even make it to my seat.  Before I could sit down, I heard a different voice address me from my blind side. 

"Hey, Rickie Ricardo, watcha doin' over here?  I've been looking for you." 

When I turned around and saw Jane smiling at me, my eyes began to undress her.  What I wouldn't give to have Superman's X-ray vision.  Just looking at her, the urgent bulge in my pants became excruciating.  Trembling, I managed to say, "Uh, hi, Jane.  I see you've had a busy night."

Jane nodded.  "No kidding.  But I finally managed to clear my dance card just for you.  Hey, Rickie, it's time for you to take me and the girlfriends for a big ride around the floor!"

Be still my beating heart.  First Ammonia, now Jane.  I swear, it seemed like there was danger lurking wherever I went.  I wondered if Jane had seen my little stunt with Ammonia a moment ago.  Probably not.  The floor was really crowded.  As I beheld Jane in all her glory, I was dying to repeat that squeeze trick.  My hands twitched at the very thought, but I restrained myself.  Was it my imagination or too much beer, but Jane's shirt seemed much tighter than I remembered.  Right now those block letters were obscenely stretched.  Maybe Jane's chest had swollen from all the attention.  In fact, the two 'QUICKS' jutted out so far it looked like they were preparing to grab me.  In a sense, that's exactly what they did.  They drew me to Jane like a tractor beam. 

Jane was happy to see me.  With permission written all over her face, it was all I could do to keep control.  I was so turned on I couldn't see straight.  Feeling an involuntary shudder as a wave of desire overwhelmed me, my carefully thought out decisions about avoiding Jane and avoiding scandal went out the window.  Against my will, I had become way too aroused.  When a man gets like this, reason ceases to function.  Victoria was right about one thing... Jane was in heat.  And I was a dog helplessly summoned to the mating scent.  Now that Jane was this close, I had to have her, damn the consequences.  The Caveman side of me wanted to drag Jane to the nearest dark corner.  I was completely out of control.  With my better judgment at the mercy of a throbbing erection, all Jane had to do was reel me in.  Thankfully, Jane pointed to the dance floor instead of the dark corner. 

Stripped of willpower, I threw caution to the winds and took her out there.  I moved to the most crowded spot and prayed Victoria did not notice us dancing together.  As we circled the floor, whenever we were in Victoria's vicinity, I moved to the center and danced backwards to hide Jane as best I could.  Fortunately Victoria was still talking to those women, so she did not look up.

As we danced, Jane asked, "Is Big Bubba here tonight?"

"No, I haven't seen him.  Thank goodness.  I don't want to go through that again."

"Oh, you need not worry, Rickie mi amor, I Love Lucy will protect you.  One look at me and you would become, uh, what would the Cubans say, 'Eenveesible'."

Despite my panic, I grinned.  No truer words had ever been spoken.  Holy Guacamole, just look at her. 

"What about you?  How has your big night gone so far?"

"Well, Isaac Peyton Sweat proposed to me over the sound system.  When I said no, he invited me to come up on stage and sing with him.  I can't sing a lick, so I had to turn him down on that too.  Every man I dance with asks me for my phone number, so I give them a wrong number to get rid of them.  I haven't had one guy make eye contact all night long.  We should have a quiz.  Guess my eye color.  You would not believe the jokes and corny lines.  One guy asked which breast was Slow and which breast was Quick.  Another guy asked if he could buy the shirt.  How much for the shirt and how much for the shirt with me in it.  I've been propositioned a dozen times.  The frat boys invited me to drop by their fraternity house later on and teach them how to dance.  Someone told me the women are collecting reward money for anyone willing to slit my throat.  A couple men offered to spill beer on my shirt.  Just what I need, a wet teeshirt contest.  It's been that kind of night."

Jane took a deep breath and let out a big sigh. 

"Thank goodness I found you.  It's starting to get to me, Rick.  But it's my own fault.  I've always wondered how Mae West must have felt.  Now I know."

"Pray tell."

Jane altered her voice to imitate Mae West.  With wide eyes and a shocked expression, Jane flung open her arms with mock exasperation and exclaimed, "Oh my God, TEN MEN waiting at my door?  I'm really tired tonight, please send one of them home!"

I smiled.  What a great line.  Hearing Jane's Mae West impersonation helped me relax.  Calming down a little, I asked Jane a loaded question.  "So where's Harold??  He didn't want to watch your night of infamy?"

"Oh, Harold.  Yeah, Harold had a pretty good idea what awaited me.  He's such a pussy.  You won't believe what he did.  Harold got all the way to the Winchester Club, then had the nerve to say he wasn't feeling very good, let's go home.  I said I had promised a lot of trouble that I was coming." 

"You said 'trouble'.  Didn't you mean 'a lot of people'?"

"Oh, right, Freudian slip.  Anyway, Harold said I could go in by myself if I wanted to.  I said that was fine by me.  So he dropped me off and went home in a snit.  Good riddance.  I'm having more fun without him."

With that, I raised an eyebrow.  "So how are you getting home?"

"Oh, I'm sure I can catch a ride from someone.  I'm very popular.  Or I can always walk home.  I don't live too far from here.  Of course, that wouldn't be safe, would it?  Do you have a better suggestion?" 

At that comment, Jane batted her eyelashes.  I got the hint.  This was a set-up, a pre-planned trick so we could be alone.  Oh, God, save me, I was losing control.  The idea that Jane was suggesting we could be alone with me was more than I could take.  As we danced, I fought a violent urge to pull Jane closer and test her reaction.  Finally I gave in.  I knew this was a bad idea, but I could not help myself.  When I brought her closer, Jane offered no resistance.  In fact, she wrapped her left arm around my back to let me pull her closer.  Now that I think of it, she pulled me closer.  Next thing I knew, we were hip to hip, cheek to cheek with her breasts cushioned against my chest.  Jane let out a contented moan, but I let out an agonized groan.  I felt a sudden stab of pain as my erection got stuck pointing the wrong direction in my jeans.  Damn it, that really hurt!  The pain was so bad, I had no choice but to reach down to my pants and rearrange my anatomy. 

Jane grinned.  She knew what I was doing and was proud of herself.  Resuming her Mae West dialect, she commented suggestively, "Is that a gun in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?"

"Go to hell!"

Laughing, she commented, "Anything I can do to help?"

Actually, yes, but I did not dare say a word.  Judging by her bemused smile, she would have cooperated.  Damn her for teasing me!  If there was one thing in the world I hated, it was being out of control.  Right now I was at this woman's mercy.  With Jane focusing her considerable sex appeal on me, I was putty.  Terrified, I looked around.  Was Victoria watching this?  No, thank God.  She was still talking to her two friends. 

Seeing Victoria had a sobering effect on me.  I visualized what Victoria would do if she caught me holding Jane like this.  Recalling past encounters with the Snarling Tiger Woman, I would rather take my chances with Big Bubba.  I never thought I would appreciate the threat of Victoria's sharp claws scratching my face bloody, but right now that was exactly the vision I needed.  The terror sobered me up a bit.  No matter how badly I wanted Jane, there was no way I would defy Victoria and expect to come out of this unscathed.  Noticing all the people on the floor watching us, I was in enough trouble as it was.  That realization was exactly what I needed to regain control.  With that, I decided the time had come to say something to Jane.  I owed her that much. 

"Jane, we need to talk."   I pointed to the same dark corner I noticed earlier when I was yearning to rip her clothes off.  I guess it was the tone in my voice, but a worried look crossed Jane's face as I led her over there.  Now that we had a modicum of privacy, I stopped and looked at her.

"What is it, Rick?"

"I don't know how else to say this, but I have a rule about married women."  

A sharp look of hurt crossed Jane's face.  She was so crushed, her vulnerability made me ache.  It took a moment, but Jane recovered her poise. 

"Oh, Jesus, I was afraid you would say that.  Would it help if I said Harold and I have an understanding?"

Ah, it was back to Europe again.  However, I didn't trust her.  What kind of husband would give a woman who looked like Jane permission to stray?   I had a sudden flashback to the Jet Set Club from three years ago.  Was Harold a wife swapper?  No, that didn't feel right.  The Jet Set husbands were all over every woman in the club.  Harold had shown no such interest in the other women in dance class.  Were Harold and Jane in some sort of open marriage?  If so, Harold would never lack for partners.  Harold was very handsome.  In fact, maybe too handsome.  In fact, Harold was downright GQ... perfectly groomed, perfectly dressed, very stylish.  That is when I froze.  Suddenly it all made sense. 

"Jane, may I ask a tough question?"

Now it was Jane's turn to freeze.  She was instantly on guard.  "Yes, I guess so." 

"This is none of my business, but is there a chance your husband is bisexual?"

When a look of alarm flashed across her face, I had my answer.  She said nothing, but her darting eyes said it all.  My vision of Harold had reminded me of Mark, my well-groomed gay friend from the past.  Since there was no point in hiding it, Jane shrugged dejectedly. 

"How did you know?  Is it that obvious?  Harold doesn't act effeminate, does he?"

"No, it isn't obvious, Jane, but it is the only explanation that makes any sense.  The only kind of husband who would not be jealous of a woman like you is a man who isn't interested."

A haunted look crossed her face. 

"Actually you would be surprised.  Harold is lot more jealous than he lets on.  He is very attached to me.  Harold is a prominent man, a judge, and I am perfect for his career.  He likes to dress me up and walk in with me on his arm.  You may not know this, but I am capable of behaving when I want to.  Harold loves to show me off to his sophisticated friends and I do my best to fool everyone into thinking I am civilized.  You would not even recognize me.  I wear loose blazers to disguise my figure."

I laughed bitterly.  "I am sure I would recognize you."  I paused for a moment, then asked, "Do you guys have sex?"

"We did earlier in the marriage, but not for some time.  Harold has been fighting this thing as long as we have been married.  In the beginning, he was bisexual, but those days are over.  He doesn't want to have sex with me any more, but he doesn't want to share me either.  We've been arguing about it a lot lately and I have threatened to leave him.  Harold doesn't want that.  He knows about my interest in you and we have fights.  He has finally given me permission to pursue you as a stop-gap measure to avoid me leaving him.  The truth is, he agreed to drop me off tonight.  I really don't have a ride home."

I didn't know what to say, so I just stared. 

Jane paused for a moment.  "Oh my god, I cannot believe I am telling you this." 

Jane turned her head for a moment to dry her eyes.  Then she looked directly at me.  "Rick, don't pull away.  Give me this chance.  I think you and I could have something special.  Talk to me, please." 

Jane did not know it, but she had just uttered the worst possible words.  Once upon a time Victoria had used those same words, "We could have something special", to lure me into bed.  Given how things turned out, this was a road I would prefer not to travel again.  When Jane saw me shake my head, she was crestfallen.  Gone was the comic personality.  Jane had crocodile tears streaming down her face and didn't bother to hide them.  Wearing her heart on her sleeve, my heart melted.  Jane was so vulnerable that I felt sorry for her.  However, I was not willing to take her word for it that she had Harold's permission.  The memory of Victoria saying similar things about Michael made me suspicious.  The moment Jane said Harold was jealous, I felt with certainty that he would freak out.  I assumed a man did not have to be straight to desire to possess his wife.  Harold was smart enough to know sharing his wife was likely to mark the beginning of the end for their marriage. 

As for me, I wasn't willing to be party to breaking up another marriage.  I had come along one promise too late.  Besides, there would never be a way to keep Jane hidden from Victoria's infamous sixth sense or the inevitable gossip from suspicious minds.  Someone was probably watching us at this very minute.  Due to the recent divorce, Victoria was too volatile to deal with something like this in a rational manner.  The timing could not possibly have been worse.  Victoria would go nuts.  Harold would go nuts.  It was hopeless. 

With a cracking voice that betrayed my sense of despair, I said, "Jane, you're right, we could have something special.  But the worst mistake I ever made was making love to a married woman whose husband still cared about her.  After that, all hell broke loose.  I will not allow myself to do that again.  Plus I think you are deceiving yourself.  Trust me, an affair is not satisfying.  You would be miserable.  Guilt, jealousy, longing, regret.  Listen to me.  I know this for a fact.  I've been through it and it isn't worth it."

Jane looked down dejectedly and nodded.  "I know.  I'm not stupid.  I've told myself the same things.  I guess I have known all along that this is what you would say.  You don't strike me as the type to play around.  It really is kind of hopeless." 

Now Jane was the shaky one.  She was pale and unsteady, so I placed my hands on her shoulders to brace her.

"No, Jane, it isn't hopeless.  Look, I care about you.  But having an affair is not the right way.  Go talk to Harold.  If you guys decide to part ways, come find me.  Just drop by the studio sometime.  I would welcome you with open arms."

With those words of hope, Jane looked back up.  "Do you mean that?  Do you want me to come find you?"

Without hesitation, I replied, "Yes, of course I do.  But take care of business first.  That is the right way to handle this."

"You won't tell anyone about Harold, will you?"

"No, of course not.  That is not my style.  Your secret is safe."

"Can I at least have a goodbye hug?"

"Of course." 

I should have known better.  Jane was unwilling to give up without a fight.  In the darkness, she placed her face against my face and wrapped her arms around me.  Then she pulled me close.  I moaned involuntarily as Jane moved her body sinuously against mine, no doubt willing her hips to persuade me to reconsider.  I liked how she felt.  Jane was so irresistible, I wanted to change my mind.  My hand was just about to slide inside her skirt when I stopped and pulled away.  I could not take this any longer.  This was the point of no return.  It was break free now or surrender.  So I pulled away.  This was the end.

"Jane, maybe someday, but not tonight.  I have to go." 

Jane nodded.  Her face was streaming with tears.  Jane looked so pitiful, but I did not dare kiss her goodbye.  I put a finger to my lips as a symbolic kiss.  Then I ran.  Yes, I ran.  I had to get away.  It was sheer torture to leave and I felt sick to my stomach.  This was one of the most difficult things I had ever done.  Crossing the dance floor, I noticed for the first time that Vincent was here.  I saw him dancing nearby with some woman from the studio.  Frowning, I could not help but think what a strange, twisted life I led.  I kept going until I reached Victoria's side.  I was terribly out of control and feeling very shaky.  Just because I had done the right thing did not mean my lust had abated.  In fact, my poor body was trembling with adrenaline and desire.  My emotions were going haywire.  Try as I might, I could not get rid of the horrible feeling I had made a mistake.  How could I walk away from a woman I might be in love with?  Right now I wanted to scream.  That is when I looked up and saw Victoria staring at me with alarm.

"Are you okay?  Where have you been, Rick?  What's wrong?  What happened?"

Looking down at the floor so Victoria could not tell I was lying, I muttered, "Oh, I almost got in a fight with some lowlife who was hassling one of our girls.  I left abruptly because I was trying to avoid a scene.  Victoria, listen, I really need a favor.  I am very upset.  I was so mad I wanted to kill that guy.  Right now I am shaking.  If I stay here a moment longer, I might go back and start a fight.  Or maybe he will come looking for me.  I have to leave now.  Will you walk out with me?  I don't want this guy to see me leaving alone because he might decide to follow."

"Are you afraid of him?"

"No, I just want to avoid the embarrassment of an ugly confrontation in front of my students.  And if something does happen, I want to have a witness."

Victoria's eyes widened.  This was very uncharacteristic of me.  Fortunately, to her credit, Vince or no Vince, she did not hesitate.

"Sure, Rick, I will leave with you if that will help."

Hand in hand, we left immediately.  No doubt Jane saw us walk out together, but I didn't dare look.  It would have broken my heart to see her face.  It crushed me to cause her pain.  Jane needed tenderness, but what she got instead was bitter disappointment.  It was so unfair that her night of triumph would end in such misery.  Life can be a real bitch sometimes.  Jane deserved better. 

When we got to Victoria's car, I stopped her.  In a plaintive voice, I asked, "Can I come home with you?  I don't want to be alone."

Victoria was taken aback.  This was the first time I had ever asked Victoria to go home with her.  This was so unlike me, she didn't know what to think.  No wonder she was confused.  Nor can I say I asked with any confidence.  She had to sense my desperation.  Victoria knew something was wrong, but what?  When she gave me the weirdest look, I was terrified she suspected something.  If so, thankfully she didn't pursue it.  Instead with a funny little smile, she nodded yes. 

When I got to her house, I was surprised to find Stephanie was spending the night with Michael.  I wondered if Victoria had cleared the decks for Vincent.  That might explain the weird look she gave me.  Hmm.  Despite a twinge of suspicion, I was too shaken to be jealous.  The moment Victoria locked her front door, I led her straight to the bedroom.  Unable to hold back, I swiftly undressed her.  To my great relief, Victoria responded to my urgency.  This was the most passionate love we had ever made.  Due to her recent divorce, perhaps Victoria needed me for all the wrong reasons as much as I needed her for all the wrong reasons.  Crazy as it sounds, we were sensational together.  Now that she was single, I suppose this was the first guilt-free sex we ever had.  What a shame we weren't thinking of each other.

Want to know something interesting?  If that kind of energy could have been sustained, perhaps we could have fallen in love.  But in a very strange twist, tonight's fireworks were our last hurrah.  We never made love again.  Victoria's life would soon move in a startling new direction.  And so would mine.