Dancing Shoes and Honky-Tonk Blues Read Online Free Page A

wonder if I pronounced one of the words wrong . . . I do that sometimes. “Did I say something amusing?” I ask but then almost clamp my hand over my big-ass mouth. Oh, why did I have to go and say that?
    “No, not at all,” he assures me smoothly with a smile that makes his eyes crinkle. “I’m just enjoying your southern drawl. I love how you give words extra syllables.”
    “I do?”
    He chuckles. “You doo-oo.”
    “Yankees love makin’ fun of how we talk,” I say with a sigh. “They think that having an accent means that you’re stupid.”
    He takes another sip of his coffee and then says, “I’m not making fun, Abilene. I’m enjoying it. There’s a big difference.”
    “Okay,” I tell him with a shrug. “No offense taken.”
    “None intended. Listen, on Comedy Corner we poke fun at just about everything, sometimes just for laughs but more often than not to prove a point. Dancing with the Rednecks is supposed to be a spoof on reality television and how insane our culture has become. But you have to be willing to laugh at yourself, too.”
    “I understand.” I want to tell him that I’m no stranger to being laughed at but I don’t.
    He rubs his index finger over the rim of the coffee mug and looks at me thoughtfully. “But while we’re poking fun at reality shows, this in effect is one . . . unscripted, so who knows what might happen? Sure, there will be humor but . . .” He shakes his head. “Then again you might be better than anticipated and show the audience a thing or two about Misty Creek, Kentucky. You just never know . . .”
    Oh, I know all right that we’re gonna suck, but I give him a serious nod like I’m buying into his scenario. I suddenly picture Travis Tucker or Betty Cook twirling across the dance floor and have to swallow the laughter that bubbles up in my throat. Luckily he’s unzipping a fancy-looking leather case so he misses the amusement that’s nearly choking me.
    “Here is a packet of information for you. Please read it over carefully. I’ll need everything signed and returned to me within the next thirty-six hours. The dance instructors will be arriving any day now and we hope to start rehearsals by the weekend. We’ve had a crew at Rabbit Run Lodge stocking the kitchen and setting things up.”
    “Isn’t this moving kinda fast?” My heart starts doing a tap dance in my chest.
    “Yes, but we need to film this show while the whole ballroom dancing craze is still hot. Yesterday’s news isn’t funny.” He gives me a level look with those amazing blue eyes. “You do want to do this, right, Abilene?”
    “Yes!” I quickly nod. “Oh, and pul-ease call me Abby. Mama is the only one who calls me Abilene . . . well, unless Jesse’s mad at me and does it just to get my goat.”
    He smiles at my unexpected candor. “Your brother is a talented young man. His essay had me laughing my head off.”
    “Really? Jesse’s usually so . . . reserved.”
    “Well then, he’s got a hidden talent. With a little polish I could see him going places in this business.”
    Wow, I think to myself. Who knew? Of course Mama and I’ve been so consumed with keeping this diner afloat that life has been passing us by . . . including Jesse’s childhood. What a sobering thought.
    “Are you okay, Abby?” He sets his coffee cup down and gives me a concerned look.
    “I must admit that this is all a bit overwhelming, but why do you ask?”
    “For a moment there, you looked as if you had the weight of the world on your shoulders.”
    I shrug but I’m a bit unnerved that this stranger is reading me so well.
    “If you’re worried about your mother, well, she seems like she can handle things in your absence.” He reaches over and pats my hand. “This will be an adventure, Abby. Fun. Exciting . Soak it all up and enjoy yourself.”
    “Okay,” I answer with a smile. Mitchell Banks has somehow managed to calm my nerves and get me looking forward to this crazy thing I’ve gotten