Page 68 of One of Them Girls

I’m going to do everything I can to forget Xavier Walsh.

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Xavier

“I’ve never been to a country bar before.” Tinsley’s eyes are wide as we walk through the door.

I smile. I remember it being a culture shock for me as well my first time here. Especially the dancing, which is why I brought Tinsley. She will love the dancing.

We go up to the bar and I order us a couple of sodas before finding a place against the railing surrounding the dance floor.

“Oh, my goodness. Look at how they move. It’s so cool looking,” Tinsley gushes.

I see Virgil talking on the other side of the dance floor. Finley’s going to hate me, but Tinsley is going to love it.

“Just wait. You haven’t seen the best yet. I’ll be right back.”

I walk over to the man, standing to the side as to not interrupt their conversation.

“Well, don’t be shy, son. Come on over here.” He gestures.

I walk closer and hold out my hand. “Hello, sir. My name’s Xavier. I have a favor I would like to ask of you.”

He gives my hand a firm shake. “Virgil. What is it you need?”

“You see that pretty girl over there?” I point toward Tinsley.

He looks over with a smile. “The pretty young brunette over yonder?”

“That would be the one. It’s her very first time in Texas and I was wondering if you would dance with her. She would love it.”

He pats me on my shoulder. “It would be my pleasure to give your young lady a stroll on the dance floor. You’re a good man. Not many men are willing to let their ladies dance with another fella.”

I laugh. “Oh, she’s not my lady. She’s a friend visiting from out of state.”

He chuckles. “Are you trying to put yourself out of the game before it starts?”

“Nah, her game’s not the one I want to be playing,” I say, thinking about Cassi.

He gives me a wink. “Noted. Well, how about I go show your lady friend how us men in Texas do things. Maybe make her want to move here.”

I laugh. “Thank you.”

We walk over to Tinsley together, her eyes questioning as we approach.

“Tinsley, this is Virgil,” I say, stepping up to her side.

“Well, hello there, little lady. I was wondering if you might fancy a stroll on the floor with me?”

I smirk at her when she looks up at me, not sure what he just said, knowing he’s putting it on extra thick just for her.

“He wants to dance with you. Go.” I push her off her stool.

“I don’t know how to dance to this.” Her eyes now wide with fear.

“Don’t you fret. By the time we’re done, you’ll be the envy of everyone in here. All the guys will want to dance with you while the girls will wish they looked as good as you out on that floor.”

Virgil’s a smooth talker, that’s for sure.

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