Chapter Five
Etta sat at a table in the corner of Lu Lu’s thinking Belle would show up any time now. She’d lost sight of her after the initial jumping around, and hugging, and carrying on. But she just assumed her sister would be around eventually to introduce her to the incredible Roger, and at the very least, give her the car keys so she could go home like she’d wanted to do hours ago. Hell, she’d danced with Donny Joe, hadn’t she? That had been their bargain.
She’d lost sight of Donny Joe after the dance, too. Roger’s loud and boisterous appearance had saved her from making any awkward, “thanks for the dance” conversation, and he seemed to take the opportunity to make his escape.
She drummed on the table impatiently and scanned the room once again. Still no sight of Belle, but her gaze collided with Donny Joe’s, who was back at the bar, this time facing the crowd on the dance floor. She looked away, but felt as much as saw him get up and start moving in her direction. When his boots stopped directly in front of her she couldn’t avoid acknowledging his presence.
“What happened to your ride?” His question was gruff in tone; one might even say crotchety.
“I’m sure she’s around. She’ll show up soon.” She craned her neck to see past his looming figure. “I’m happy to wait.”
“Suit yourself, but if you’re interested I’m headed home.”
Her head shot up. “Are you offering me a lift?” She didn’t mean to make it sound like she’d been offered a ride with the devil, but by the arch of his brow and the curl of his lip he must have taken it that way.
“From where I stand it sure looks like you’ve been abandoned, and since I live next door, taking you home won’t exactly qualify me for sainthood.”
He sounded so cantankerous it made her smile. “From what I’ve heard about you, that would be a tall order, but since you put it that way, I’d appreciate it, Donny Joe.” She’d had all the fun she could stand for one night.
Without another word he turned and headed to the exit. She stood up and hurried after him, taking three steps for every one of his long-legged strides. They were halfway across the floor when an old guy grabbed Donny Joe’s arm. “Hey Donny Joe, Ray Odem’s in the back room saying he’s ready to tear you limb from limb.”
“What did I do this time, Elroy?” Donny Joe kept moving to the exit, and she stayed right on his heels.
“Says you told Sue Ann she looked real pretty when you saw her at the grocery store yesterday.” Elroy seemed mighty worked up as he delivered the message.
Donny Joe waved his words away like they were nothing more than annoying gnats. “She did look pretty. I didn’t see any reason to keep that opinion to myself.”
Elroy’s shaggy gray eyebrows shot up toward his receding hairline. “And you kissed her on the cheek.”
“Did I? I don’t really remember.” Donny Joe smiled, acting all proud and tickled with himself.
Elroy was out of breath as he tried to keep up with Donny Joe. But his tone turned solemn. “Son, you know how jealous Ray gets, and I think you get a kick out of getting him all riled. And now he’s on another tear.”
Donny Joe stopped and faced the older man. “All right. Don’t worry. We’ll just slip out the side door. Come on, Etta.” He led her to an exit away from the front entrance.
He herded her out the door just as she heard a man’s voice bellow. “Donny Joe, if you’re here come out and face me like a man, you wife-stealing son of a bitch.”
Donny Joe kept marching across the parking lot like it was no big deal.
“What the heck was that all about?” Etta asked. Gravel skidded under her feet as she tried to keep up.
“Nothing.” His hat was low on his head, so she couldn’t see his face.
“Nothing? That man wanted to fight you.” She couldn’t believe he treated that so casually.
“Like I said, it’s nothing. I dated his wife for a few months way back in high school. He thinks I still carry a torch all these years later.”
“Do you?” Donny Joe suffering from unrequited love. Now that was an intriguing concept.
“Not even an ember. What can I say?” He tipped his hat back and winked. “I seem to inspire jealousy in certain quarters.”
“You seem awfully proud of that.”
“I’m just stating the facts, ma’am.”
“Why doesn’t he just show up at your house?”
“It’s some sort of odd code he operates under. He just goes after me in public.”
When they reached his truck he waited and opened the passenger door for her. As she scooted inside he said, “I should probably warn you that when a woman is seen climbing into my truck it’s not always good for her reputation.”