Old dance hall on the outskirts of town

[a_time_slip]

The old wooden building was built from graying planks, and the windows were covered by shutters that looked like they'd fly away at the gentlest of breezes. Inside was another story, as the walls were a cream color, the tables and bar were nearly black, but so old that no one could be certain if they were wood, or had been spat out of a factory somewhere. The smells of alcohol and cigarette smoke mingled with solemn old jazz music, all making the place feel old and comfortable.

Janie wore a red dress and heels, with her hair pinned back at the ear, and cascading in soft curls over her shoulders and down her back. She grinned up at her partner, a tall man wearing a black trench coat and wide brimmed black hat.

She walked towards the bar and ordered a scotch, and the man silently hurried out the door.

Comments

[lostinthefog]

"Ah, is that a challenge? I'm in." He smiled, raising his glass.

"Well, that leaves us with a lot of possibilities. I was thinking about going for a swim at the beach ... but I suppose you're not too keen on that?"

[a_time_slip]

"A swim would be alright." Janie said, after thinking for a long moment "If you see anything in the water will you protect me? And, if a jellyfish bites, just get me to my boat. If you get attacked I'll save you."

[lostinthefog]

Julian grinned, delighted, as he hadn't thought Janie would agree.

"I swear I'll protect you from anything in the water, and we'll stay close to the coast. We'll look out for each other, this way nothing can go wrong."

[a_time_slip]

"I trust you." she said, before ordering another drink and drinking it quickly.

"I don't think anything will go wrong here. We'll dance before we go, won't we? I feel safe when we dance."

[lostinthefog]

"Of course, we're here for dancing, aren't we? But we don't have to go if you'd rather not. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable."

[a_time_slip]

Janie looked at Julian for a long moment, then smiled.

"I'm comfortable with you. I think we'll have a great night."

[lostinthefog]

Julian returned a wide smile and seemed clearly happy.

"We will. I'm really looking forward to this, it's been a while ... Here's to a great night." He grinned and raised his glass.

[a_time_slip]

"To a great night." Janie said, touching her glass to Julian's.

After finishing her drink, Janie set some money on the counter and stood, waiting to go to the dance floor once more before going swimming.

[lostinthefog]

Julian emptied his glass as well and stood up, offering his hand to Janie. Mentally, he went through all the dance steps Janie had thought him, as he wanted to make it better than the guy she had danced with before.