Sunset Cove. Rookie School

Chapter 6 A Night To Remember

The ball was beginning shortly…The night air felt like magical…There is nothing like love or the illusion of love to get the ball started…

As you come in the grand ballroom red carpet stretched outside the huge double doors and into the foyer you felt like a “Movie Star.” Entering inside you could see the luxurious ballroom awaiting. It was timeless you could see the splendor of the water fountain in the middle of the room with 3 tiers of water flowed changing colors as it bubbled up out the top of the fountain and back down the tiers.

The most magnificent staircase. Its railings were old time Victorian. They were lit up a certain color and then changed through 4 different shades. The stairwell between beams was about a foot across and went up into an arch. It had all the apartments at the top all the way around in a circle apartments are next to each other. You can walk up around the circle and back down the other set of stairs. It was completely open so that you can watch the ballroom by just looking over the rail. The stairs and walkway were made of black and white marble. It had lights with frosted glass bells as covers. They had the lights to the staircase off, because the last minute show was added including the leads. Not to mention the bosses who surprised them with this routine just 15 minutes before show time. This was to make sure they could come together at the last minute and do what had to be done. This was just a fun way to prove they have what it takes to work together. If only they have to prove it to themselves.

The girls had on old fashioned ball gowns, hair put up in curls, an umbrella in one hand, and a fan with different colors of roses depending on the color of dress they were wearing. There was: purples, lavenders, yellows, pinks, blacks, and even some greens the shades were magnificent. They were centered on the steps of the staircase. Backs to the crowd. With their umbrellas up behind them so all you could see were the umbrellas turning in the shadows. Each one was spaced perfectly across from their partners.

Shawna was thinking to herself, “Help me out up there or this is going to be one hell of a show. The guys had matching cumber buns in the color matching their mates dress. With white tuxes.

As the lights hit and the music began to play. The girls and guys looked over at each other from a far. The girl’s umbrella’s continued to turn as they fanned themselves. All you could see were their eyes romantically enticing the gentle men whose heart she played out the role of giving him hers at least for this dance. The only for this dance. The only way to do it right? The guys saluted them and they all faced the front the glitter and fog together was rising up into the ballroom.

The first couple walked to the beat she had set her umbrella and fan down at the side of her step on cue.

She lifted her white gloved hand up to her man he kissed it she bowed to him and they began the waltz on the huge ballroom floor. Couple after couple descended the stairs in the same fashion to meet their mate.

Soon the ballroom floor was filled with awesome dancers waltzing on the floor. The colors were spectacular spinning around. It was just like something you would see in the days of old on a movie

Screen but it was going on right in front of them and they were breathtaking. Truly a work of art the way they held each other and danced. Heads up and arms locked gracefully gliding in perfect step with each other.

The music stopped they bowed first to each other and then to the audience. They got a standing applause.

It was like everyone could feel the romantic vibrations all the way to the soul. Even the dancers were feeling it. There was definitely stimulation in the air. It hyped up the party with all of them knowing it was going to be a great night.

The dancers started up the stairs, picking up their souvenir umbrella and fans on the way, they could still hear clapping as they disappeared into their apartments to change.

The girls and guys whose apartments weren’t there. Left extra clothes at others places as instructed by their leaders.

Johnathon took the mike he was still in his Tux. While all our dancers/lifeguards are changing into some more comfortable attire. Find a partner the music is about to start. Enjoy yourselves until everyone returns and then we’ll begin our meal.

As he turned the microphone off “The Dance” by Garth Brooks came across the speakers. Since many people didn’t know each other they turned to the person next to them and sked if they wanted to dance?

Pretty soon the dance floor was full with slow dancers still feeling the vibes in the room prior dancing couples who sat the mood. It was ecstatic.

Love happens quickly happens swiftly especially since all the hard bodies were overwhelming.

Shawna, Kiara, and Juliann took each of their groups and went to change into more sexy comfortable attire. The girls removed the ball gowns and replaced them with the original ones they bought at the store earlier in day. All three dresses were beautiful and although they were made the same the different fabrics and colors made each dress unique. The Lace Rose in the back were on all three dresses and they were all split up the sides. Although they were all three beautiful in their own special way. Shawna had the long fiery natural curly red hair and green eyes. Juliann had Medium length straight black hair and magnificent shaped brown eyes the slant to them made them look exotic. Kiara went dramatic on everyone and now has short neckline with spiked hair in the back and long bangs in the front a beautiful blonde bombshell with baby blue eyes.

Conner, Shawn, and Devin did the same thing only they weren’t going to change their tuxes. Only there were some guys who had left their clothes at Shawn’s place they just wanted to go in suits or just tux shirts and pants. Not the whole tux. So while everyone was getting dressed anyone who wasn’t changing just made them a drink and chit chatted until everyone was ready to go back to the party. It took a while for everyone to get situated and then back to their tables.

“I don’t know about you, Juliann, but it’s been a long day. I’M READY TO P-A-R-T-Y!” Shawna said.

“Yeah me too! I’m ready to cut loose and dance the night away.” Juliann replied.

“Kiara walked up on the conversation. “Got room for three?”

“Always. We’ll make the room. Do you dance?”

“Do I dance was the next word’s out of Kiara’s mouth. I got moves yawl ain’t ever seen. She started twisting her body in an “S” and went all the way to the ground and back up.

“Whew” Juliann and Shawna whistled, clapped, and laughed. The energy in the room was so electric already and they were just getting started.

Shawna could wait to see what else the night would hold for her. She still kept seeing John walk into her apartment earlier that morning. He was just so good looking to her that tan muscled skin. That long black hair she just wished she could run her fingers through. Those big dark eyes were a place she could defiantly get lost in. She snapped back to present, “Yeah that’s pretty good shaking. I’m not sure I could beat it.” Shawna said.

John walked up on the girls. “What did I miss?” he asked raising his eyebrows. Shawna figured just with those eyebrows being lifted she had already turned 5 different shades of red. She didn’t know what it was about him. But something between us is going on. I just have to find out if he feels it too.

Once more Shawna was having to jerk herself out of LA LA land in order for conversation can take place somewhere outside of her own head.

“Oh you didn’t miss a thang we were just sitting here goofing off. Having the time of our lived while were doing it. It’s just a lot to take in I don’t think any of the three of us have ever been in such a wonderful place.” Juliann replied looking over at the other two girls sitting at her side.

“I’m glad because that is what tonight and tomorrow’s activities are for. Come Monday at the butt crack of dawn, around here you guys will be buckling down for the ride of a lifetime.” He turned and winked at Shawna. For the second time that day.

“You dish it out and I’ll take it. Then I’ll throw it right back to yaw.” Shawna said. “Didn’t you say you read my file? If that were so then you would know I am one tough chic.”

“I actually must have skipped right over that part. I’ll have to go through that thing more closely so I can find out all your dirty little secrets.” Was his reply. “Want to dance? It’s just two-stepping right now to Carrie Underwood, but later it’ll get crazy. Probably even be some good old fashioned rap.”

“Sure let’s go,” Shawna handed him her hand. Turned to the girl’s, “well I’m out for now. Go mingle, dance, have fun, and I’ll see yawl in a bit.”

John already had her swung onto the dance floor in a spin. Then he had her held so close to his chest. They couldn’t have been even ½ inch apart. He whispered in her ear, “This is a lot different than the waltz we just finished. You’re a damn good dancer, Shawna< I mean that. I rarely say things that I don’t mean. You’re beautiful and I feel this connection pulling us together. I’ve felt it since I looked up and our eyes met this afternoon. Do you feel it?”

“Oh yeah, I do and it’s the best feeling I’ve had in a long time. Actually I can’t recall ever feeling this good or alive in my life.” Shawna replied.

“I’m glad because I’m so not a player. If I tell you something I’m being as truthful and honest as I can be. Whether that be in my private life or professional life either one. I guess I’m just wired that way. I like to think that other’s feel the same way. Only that sure has let me down in the past. So I guess what I’m asking is if that is how you are too?”

“That’s is good to know. I wouldn’t give any less nor would I take any less.” She replied.

Then they got quiet and just enjoyed dancing in each other’s arms. Needless to say their smiles could honestly brighten any room.

Bridget had just finished a dance and sat down. “Can I have this dance?” Shawn asked.

“I just finished and sat down to catch my breath. You’re welcome to sit and join me in a glass of wine and then we’ll take the next one. If that’s okay with you?”

“Sure sounds great.” He picked up the bottle of wine like he had done it a hundred times before. Yeah you guessed it. First time. Actually he had never even tasted wine in his life. I guess he was going to now. Shawn poured it as if he was a pro. He even remembered to pour hers first. He even knew that when the glass was almost full you made a turn with the bottle so that it didn’t dribble any out.

He watched her take a sip and then met the glass with his. As she watched him with his wine she thought how he was so cute. The wine was definitely stronger that the beer he was used to drinking. He did his best not to let it show on his face. Although he was pretty sure it did. Right now however he didn’t care. He was just high setting at her table taking her all in.

“How long have you been a lifeguard?” He asked her once they were done, checking each other out, of course.

“A little over two years. See my dad is one of the Lieutenants of Sunset Cove. For as long as I can remember, growing up here and watching the lifeguards guard the beach. I knew right then that I would become one of them and that was my dream in life I guess since I was a little girl. I just knew that was where I belonged. I started being a junior life guard when I was 15 ½ years old. What made you want to become a lifeguard?” Bridget asked taking another sip of her wine. He followed suit by pressing the glass again to his mouth.

“Oh God, that mouth she thought to herself. Why am I feeling this way over him just putting a glass to his lips and drinking? Yet, here she was with butterflies all in her stomach.

“I guess just living in that city. It was a hard life and the swim team was all I had. I felt like I wanted to use that in my career. I’m good at it and I love it. How many people can actually say that about their jobs? Plus I can save people’s lives who aren’t as strong of a swimmer and just got in over their head. So to say.” Bridget can’t help but think, good-looking, cares about the welfare of others, and knows he’s good at what he does. Now she’s really licking her lips. How can I get so hot and bothered I don’t even know this guy yet he’s sending off these vibes? That makes her know she wants to get to know him back to reality. “I just wanted to do something good with my life. I saw this opportunity. So I snagged it up. I know I have a long way to go that’s why the word SCHOOL is in it. RIGHT?” Now he’s teachable too. She thought to herself. Perfect guy at least for her anyway.

“That is right about the learning part. There is so much to it. Honestly the weeks in the program are not enough. So pay real close attention and learn everything you can and if you’re serious about becoming one of us. I will help you out in any way I can. All the veterans will have good advice and look to them for support. They’ll be there. Oh this is my song. Ready for that dance?” Before he could even answer she pulled him to the dance floor and began spinning him around. The song was Joan Jett’s “Crimson and Clover” but I didn’t mind. I was holding her in my arms slow dancing with her extremely close our bodies almost touching. You could feel the heat radiating between them. He wasn’t surprised at all he felt it the first time he looked her direction.

She, however was surprised as she looked into his eyes. This had never happened to her before. Falling for one of the rookies, but that is exactly how it felt dancing in his arms. She wasn’t sure she had ever felt this way so quick before. Not with anyone she had ever dated it took time to mature. Maybe that is why they are not in my life now she thought. Huh? It scared her, exciting scared, and she moved her body close enough that they were touching.

He could feel her uneasiness and he just held her closer. Until she gave in and laid her head on his shoulder. Shawn knew then she surrendered the fight and she was his completely.

Romance was definitely in the air tonight. The song stopped and everyone clapped and returned to their seats.