Second session (November) she delivers announcements, paying Homage to Charlton Heston’s Moses. The Chess game is on, she’s going straight for a quick checkmate.
“Anyone caught on other floors of the hotel will be expelled. Your parents will be called to get you.” (What stupid shits, I thought. You go running around a hotel, knowing it’s full on a weekend night. Did they expect someone would treat them to a scotch and soda?)
“Also, the coat closet will be locked at 7:15. We are responsible for your safety and welfare until 9 PM. If anyone feels they must leave, you may call your parents from the pay phone. All parents were notified that they must tell us if anyone must leave before 9 PM.”
I catch a few boys squirming. Yep, just who I’d expect to be ‘rebellious and stupid.’ Across the room, two girls turn and look at a third one, whose eyes are fixed on a ceiling tile–now, suddenly fascinating.
We resume dancing.
“Stop The MUSIC!!!!” Our gracious host is red in the face. A quick lookup front tells me it’s time for a little payback.
“Ladies! I have just heard one of you turn down a boy who asked you to dance. THIS IS NOT ALLOWED!”
There is a snotty girl up front, arms folded, poison eyes alight. She has already told (not asked) 3 other boys plus me not to ask her to dance.
“Ladies, these gentlemen have the courtesy and optimism to walk over and invite you to dance. It is not easy. You WILL always say ‘yes’. Saying no tells me you are not mature and do not belong here. You do NOT get to choose partners!! The next person I hear saying no will never see a dance again. If anyone does not agree, please ask your mother to call me about a refund for dances you’ve paid for.” She turns to the knife-eyed rich girl. “And you, young lady will stop your pouting or leave NOW. You can sit this one out. The rest of you–I hope I made myself clear!!”
Music starts. A breeze of subtle guffawing moves through the room. We see our friends as we dance, sharing thumbs-up. The girl never returns, she is the one I alluded to awhile ago who carried a perpetual scowl through high school. All us creatures below her nose forgot she existed.
As Lou said years ago……