Pickup Man
By Deirdre O’Dare
Jana Tucker paused on the sidewalk outside the Club El Paso. She needed a moment to gather her courage. Over the door, the garish neon sign flashed, dazzling her eyes. No time like the present. I’ll never win that bet with Kim and Tracey if I don’t try. Squaring her shoulders, she pushed the door inward and stepped into hazy cacophony.
Inside the club, a well-amped country and western band rocked the room while the smoke was so thick she could barely see two feet ahead. She paused to let her eyes adjust to the dim light, feeling as out of place as a sheepherder at a tea party.
Why did I ever let myself get talked into this? Damn old friends who know you can’t resist a dare!
From what she’d heard, the bar was crowded every weekend, but tonight, with the big
