The building was two stories, surrounded by a medium sized parking lot. Like most dance clubs in smaller towns, the parking wasn't really...orderly. Which meant that there might be a fight from time to time. Maybe. Jill and Jacinda walked up to the double doors, only one of which was open, a bouncer standing at the inside doors. The man behind the counter looked at them only briefly before asking for their hand to stamp. Then he waved them inside. Of course. 'No cover' for ladies was pretty standard. The ratio, right?
It was dark, but not overly so, and the music- pretty regular country stuff- wasn't too loud. You could actually still talk even with the music. A set of stairs ran up the left side of the wall to a second level with guard rails wound with Christmas lights, where she could see pool tables and a bar. Under the stairs was another bar, as well as chairs and booths and tables. The dance floor was on the right, black and white tiles alternating and people swung and two stepped and cowboy cha-cha'd. Some of the men wore hats and colorful button down shirts, tight jeans with large belt buckles while others were more casually dressed in caps with jeans and t-shirts, slacks and short sleeves, and all manner of in between. Likewise, the women ranged from more traditional jeans and button downs to blouses, some dresses, and so on.
Her kind of place. She and Jill headed to the bar and Jacinda ordered a shot of tequila. Jill looked hesitant. Speaking up a bit louder because of the noise, she said "I wanna see college Jill!" Jill looked at her for a moment and then grinned.
"Shot of tequila," she said to the bartender.
Jacinda pulled her close with arm to give her a hug. "Wooo!" and then, when the drinks came, held hers up. "To college!!" Some of the guys next to them looked at her oddly- they were a bit too old for college girls- but she just laughed and then they downed them. Then an order of margaritas for both of them and they headed away from the bar.
They found a couple of seats at a round table and watched for a little bit. Jacinda was feeling a restless energy as the rhythm of the music made her tap her feet. She looked around, sizing everyone up. Most were here to either meet someone or were with someone. A few tables looked like friends out for a fun evening. The ages were surprisingly varied, from early 20s to maybe even late 50s. That said something. This place had been here a while and wasn't generally one that had a lot of trouble.
She spied a younger guy in a green ball cap looking over at them. More specifically, Jill. Jacinda quietly let Jill know. It was kinda dark, but she still swore the girl had blushed. "Haha! See? You're like the bait for me." She did a search, trying to see if any women gave off a gay vibe. She was her wing-woman, right? "See anyone your speed?"
Jill looked around but she didn't sound enthused. "I doubt there'd be many, here."
Jacinda heard her but she had already noticed a couple of girls dancing. They looked like friends just having fun, but she pointed them out anyway. Jill shook her head with a smile, rolling her eyes. "Wrong."
Jacinda was going to say something- her gaydar wasn't that off- when she noticed green cap was walking towards them. "Haha! You have a visitor," she whispered.
Jill grabbed her arm."Don't you dare leave," she said with a smile and not a little threat too. Jacinda laughed.
"It's just talking, Jill. Being friendly. Not like you have to be into him." But she didn't leave.
The boy came up and spoke to Jill only, ignoring her. Rookie mistake. "Ladies. Couldn't help noticing you over here. Uh..." he stammered. Jacinda's heart went out to him. She looked at Jill and she looked terrified. Poor thing. "...So...uh, care to dance?"
Jill squeeked, "No thank you." He looked heartbroken and Jacinda felt bad for him. It took courage to make that long walk over here. Like walking toward a gun pointed at you.
She squeezed Jill's arm, reassuringly, hoping to take the pressure off her. "I'll dance with you." The boy looked at her and smiled.
Jacinda took his hand and led him to the floor where they began to two step. Jacinda leaned into the dance so he'd take hold a little more forcefully. It was nice to be directed and then be twirled about. The lead had to be a good base, though. That was important.
She was having fun. As the entire group circled the floor she passed Jill who smiled up at her. She felt a little guilty. This was Jill's night, not hers. She wanted to dance but only if Jill got to have fun too. When the dance was over she told the boy thanks. he smiled at her and walked away, seeming a bit taller. Good on him. Maybe he'd go ask other girls now.
She sat back down in the chair, feeling good. "Sorry. Just felt sorry for him. But they're gonna keep comin', though, ya know?" Easy way to fix that, though. She snapped the covers onto their drinks- no sense inviting a roofy. They would indicate if they had been opened. She stood and looking sheepish now- trying to imitate the kid's manner- held out her hand. "Uhh....so...wanna dance with me?"
Jill smiled and took it. Jacinda again led them out to the floor, only this time, she took the lead. It only took about a half-second to slip into it properly. Soon, it was Jill twirling around Jacinda, as they two stepped their way around the floor with the flowing rest of the dancers. They both were laughing and having fun.
And it felt nice. Jacinda had never danced with a girl. It felt...different. Soft. Not weak, but not like men. At least the men she danced with. And despite her height, she wasn't used to being the taller one.
It was oddly empowering. And she liked the way Jill looked up at her, the way her face lit up with each move. Then the cha-cha came on. She wasn't really familiar, but these dances weren't rocket science. And messing up and giggling was part of the fun.
Most people ignored them, but occasionally she caught a look directed in their direction. Oddly, it was usually a younger guy. Yeah, maybe a small town. But for all of that, they were left alone. Now if they had started kissing- or maybe it had been a slow dance with their bodies pressed together- maybe that might get attention. But this was innocent.
She did find herself curious, though. Dancing with Jill was a completely new experience. She was fascinated at the way her mouth moved when she spoke. Just the cutest little twist to her lips. She'd never noticed that before.
After a third song, they went back to their seats and sat. The drinks were fine and she enjoyed the nice warm fuzz in her head. Jill seemed to beam and it lit up the room. Then something blocked the light and another guy stood over them, white cap on backwards. No shyness, no nervousness. Just cocky. And maybe- just maybe- a bit of a chip on his shoulder.
"Either of you ladies wanna dance?" Jacinda tried to be friendly.
"No thanks. We're having a girl's night. But thanks for the offer." His eyes hardened but he didn't say anything as he stalked back to his seat alone in the corner. She leaned into Jill. "Sorry. Didn't mean to speak for you. Did you wanna dance with him?"
Jill burst out laughing as she looked over at him. "Ohh...yes please. Can you please fetch him for me?" Another laugh, and he got up and headed toward the back. Probably where the bathrooms were. Whatever.
So that's how it went for an hour or two. Most of the guys got the hint. And they got to dance. And Jacinda saw college Jill. Relaxed Jill. A free Jill.
And she liked it. She truly hoped she'd be able to live her life on her own terms one day. I mean, she'd already felt that before. But now...it just broke her heart to remember the Jill from the house. The Jill who lived hidden and shut up and unable to breath.
It was getting late. And they were here for a reason. Not that there was a lot to do until somehow the skinwalker revealed itself. They headed outside, passing both sets of doors and were walking passed a group of people heading in when someone body-checked Jill on the shoulder.
"HEY!," Jacinda yelled. "Watch where you're fucking going."
A face turned and it was the guy with the white hat. "Fuck off, bitch. Ya'll need a real man, you fucking bull dy-"
The asshole dropped to the ground, struggling to breath. The heel of Jacinda's palm had struck with all her strength into just below his solar plexus. Something might even have cracked. On his knees he struggled to get his diaphragm to start working again.
Jacinda took the moment to drop to her knees and grab his ear painfully, nails digging into the cartilage at the back. She whispered. "Oh I've had plenty. But not from little boys who throw temper-tantrums because no one wants to touch their little pecker." She smiled maliciously, her whisper for his ear alone. "Instead, I'm gonna go home with my girlfriend there. And when we're not going down on each other, we're gonna be laughing at you." Her look was feral as she stared into his eyes
it all took less than a minute- the bouncer hadn't even come out yet- and then Jacinda was next to Jill, holding her hand as they walked away.
Nearing the hotel, she let go. "Sorry. The guy pissed me off."
Jill smiled at her, looking up at her in the dark. "It's ok."
They went into the room and Jacinda headed for the restroom. While they were in civilization, it felt good to freshen up before bed. The little things were nice.
She came out in boxers and a t-shirt to find Jill standing over the bag on her bed, clad only in her panties and a tank top. Jacinda froze. Jill looked at her over her shoulder briefly and then went back to looking for whatever it was she was looking for. Turned out to be a pair of boxers too.
For some reason Jacinda felt a bit tongue-tied, then shook it off. She was a little drunk. Not three sheets to the wind, but still sporting a good buzz.
She slipped into her cool sheets and then looked over at Jill who was putting her bag away. "Fun tonight, aye?"
Jacinda looked at her with a big grin. "Very much. Thanks for the push." She paused. "Maybe after this is done, we can head down to Flag. I can show you some cool places."
Jacinda felt warm. "Yeah. I'd like that."