Chapter 10

When Lupe came home, Brandi had a light dinner of Chicken Caesar Salad waiting, along with sparkling lemonade. She was informed that they were going out dancing. Thus the reason for the light meal. “Hard to dance with a tummy full of heavy food!”

Rather than fight for parking, the girls got an Uber to bring them to the nightclub. ‘El Encanto’ was actually just a few blocks from the IGA, and was a popular weekend destination for dancing in a club that featured bands, or several disc-jockeys playing the latest music as well as some of the classics, upon request.

As they exited the vehicle, several heads turned. Each was wearing a classic “LBD” with just enough differences that they didn’t match, beyond the color. Hemlines were mid thigh, and enough cleavage was seen to entice, but not look trashy. Lupe wore a pair of strappy heels with a 2” lift, but Brandi decided that she was going to wear a 4” closed toe that was sexy as well as functional. Matching turquoise earrings on all four ears shimmered and the simple silver necklaces completed the look. A comment of “God damn!” was muttered as they went through the door.

Inside, the girls checked their purses, and Brandi had a tab opened against a credit card. Her tab number was stamped on the inside of her left wrist in ink that could only be seen under a blacklight wand, when an order was placed.

Getting two bottle of water, the girls made their way towards the main room, where the sounds of Latin Pop were heard. The bass and drums vibrated as bodies moved on the floor to colorful lights that flashed and spun overhead.

Looking around the crowd, neither recognized anyone, but didn’t really mind. Tonight was about having fun and blowing off some energy! Placing the bottles on a ledge, the two made their way to the dance floor and started to move to an energetic Samba.

Sometimes they danced separate, sometimes one would lead the other. It wasn’t long before a few men came by to see if one of them was interested in a dance.

“Gracias, but no,” Lupe smiled at one fellow in particular. The rest nodded in understanding and continued on.

“Ah, señorita, I just wish to keep the lobos away from such a beautiful woman!” He wasn’t giving up easy. “Please, allow me to spend time dancing with you.”

“I have a dance partner.” she smiled. “However, I’m certain that there are other ladies here that would enjoy a dance with you.”

The man turned and saw Brandi coming up to stand with Lupe. “She’s with me, tonight,” Brandi smiled and put her arm through Lupe’s.

Not used to being ‘shot down’, especially by another woman, the fellow got a disgusted look on his face. “Oh. Lesbians. How charming.” He stormed off muttering curses about ‘carpet munchers’ and other nasty things. Several people who had witnessed the exchange, smiled.

The girls danced together for one more song, and then headed off the floor to where their bottles of water were waiting.

“Ms. Winters, I would advise against drinking that!” Brandi looked up as she was about to take a sip. A tall and handsome fellow was looking at her. She recalled seeing him at church a few times.

“Excuse me?”

“While you were dancing, someone tried to put something in your unattended bottles. I’m not sure if they succeeded or not, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.”

The girls quickly put the bottles down. “Oh, thank you.”

“You are most welcome. In case you didn’t remember me, my name is Ramón. Please, would you like to join my wife and I, over in a booth? We are with friends and all of us can talk a bit while you enjoy a fresh drink and relax.”

The girls followed Ramón to a semi secluded booth where a striking woman in her early twenties sat. She looked up at him, the devotion in her gaze was obvious. Another couple smiled as the woman sat, but the other man stood.

“Ladies? May I introduce you to mi corazone, mi vida, Valeria. And, these are our dear friends, Luna and Mike”

Greetings were exchanged and the girls sat down. Fresh drinks were ordered, with Lupe asking for a strawberry daiquiri. Brandi ordered a seltzer with a wedge of lime.

“I saw the two of you dancing a few minutes ago. You looked great out there!” Valeria smiled. “I sometimes wish my guy would relax enough to just let himself enjoy the music and go with it!”

“My love, you know I have as much dancing skills as chicken on roller skates. And besides, you are not wearing steel toe shoes!” he laughed.

“He only likes the slow dances because he can hold me tight and sway,” she grinned.

“And just what is wrong with that?”

Another song started, prompting Luna and Mike to stand. “No steel toe dancing shoes needed for me! C’mon, big guy!” They wove through the crowd to the dance floor.

Lupe looked across the table. “Would you mind if I had a dance with your Lady? Mine can stay here as collateral.”

Everyone laughed as Brandi answered; “And here I thought you loved me for my mind, and not as a bargaining chip!”

As they watched the two hop up and head to the dance area, Ramón took a sip of his drink. “Thank you for joining us, Brandi. There are some who might be reluctant to do so.”

“Why?”

“Valeria’s family, along with myself, are feared by some, because of certain business activities we are involved it. A lot of those fears and concerns are overly exaggerated, based on rumors and gossip. Please believe me when I tell you that it’s not as bad as some might say.”