Chapter 28

Other kids were here with their dates, as a couple or in groups, their parents must be members. During the course of the meal, kids would walk from table to table to say hello. Our table was treated the same as the others.

Well other than the fact that in every group one of the guys thought he was a genius by calling me, “Tex.” I took it in the fun it was meant. I think my companions got tired of it before I did.

I was in such a glow that when the check was brought, I told the guys that I’ve got this. I signed my name and away we went. The girls exchanged looks and my social status went up another click. I would pay Mr. Hastings what I owed the club in the morning.

Mr. Sullivan was waiting in the car at the entrance to the restaurant. He took us back to Janet’s house where we changed into jeans, shirts with light jackets. I was able to wear one of my belts with the large silver buckle. Everyone asked about that. I explained it was for the National Junior Championship in bull riding this year and that it was 100% silver. You could hear my status click up again.

The game was great; we beat Kenton in a close game 21-20. At half time the homecoming Queen was crowned and kissed. After the game, we headed back to Janet’s to change. Getting in the limo I mentioned to Mr. Sullivan that this was the only way to travel and that he would see me again.

He chuckled, “Not in this car, the cards went the wrong way last night. We were allowed to keep this commitment and then have to turn it over to the new owner. Easy come, easy go.”

“That’s tough!”

“I had this job for ten years; this is the way it is. We always end up ahead but sometimes the road gets bumpy. After tonight I suspect we will actually buy one.”

It was chaos at Janet’s house as we all changed back for the dance. Bill had managed to mess up the tie I had pre-tied for him, so I had to stand in front of a mirror and tie it, then slip it off and slip it over his head. Okay, so I pulled it a little tight, he lived.

We were only going to be a little late, which was okay as it was only ‘fashionably late’, according to the girls. I wish someone would explain that to my teachers.

The dance was okay. The youth center had been decorated for the occasion and every table had a centerpiece. Tom had a chance to shine here. His older brother told him about past dances, so Tom had paid extra and reserved us a table.

It was a table for eight and there were only six of us. Linda Harvey and her date Jason Robertson joined us. None of us really knew them, the only interaction I had with Linda was to help her get through a crowd at school. It turned out that Jason was visiting from Louisiana. It was a town I had never heard of. Monroe. He came with his dad on business with Mr. Harvey. He seemed nice enough, but I bet he had to shave twice a day.

There were more kids than seats, so other girls would leave their purses at our table when they danced. This allowed us to talk to a lot of people without having to walk all around. It was a good thing because Tom Humphrey and some of his pals were kicked out because they tried to take some other freshman’s table.

Janet and I danced a lot and had fun. While she allowed me to hold her close it was not too close, if you know what I mean. I guess I had secretly been hoping for more.