MYSTERY OF THE TEXAS TWOSTEP

CHAPTER FORTY EIGHT:

THE GREAT ESCAPE

Written by Rick Archer 

LIMBO MONTH TWO Monday, NOVEMBER 26, 1979 PEACEFUL EASY FEELING

Round and round we went.  What was this, our sixth song together?  Maybe seven.  I lost count.  All I knew was that Sally had become a permanent fixture in my arms and she didn't seem to mind a bit.  Where was Jennifer?  Where was Victoria?  Where was Joanne?  I could not believe a woman who was a complete stranger had bailed me out of the most serious crisis of my dance career.

It was close to 10:30.  Sally and I had been on the floor for half an hour.  At this point, I was no longer hiding in the middle of the floor.  We had graduated to the Outer Circle.  I was pleased to note the Jury had dissipated.  Not that I was worried.  In fact, many of my students were dancing along beside us.  Everyone smiled as we passed on the floor.  I was one of the gang again.

Sally was getting fatigued, so I suggested we sit down.  I had a big smile on my face.  I still could not believe I had pulled off the Great Escape.  Ordinarily I don't recommend drinking when it comes to dance, but I could not have done it without the assistance of the four beers.  I recalled how the adrenaline had been pumping wildly through my system.  Scared out of my wits by the conspiracy, I had never been more nervous in my life. 

I prefer not to drink when I dance.  A clear mind helps a man remember leads, footwork, and patterns.  A fuzzy mind leads to stumbling which might hurt the lady.  Men also get bolder and try riskier moves.  In addition, some men get rough with women when they are drunk.  They don't do this intentionally, but in a drunken state they don't know their own strength. 

However, in my case, tonight's four beers had been a real blessing.  The booze had shut down my fear-crazed brain in a crisis.  I needed all the courage I could get.  Without the beer, I don't know where I would have found the guts to get out on the floor.  Fortunately the drinking had relaxed me enough to make the big move.  No doubt my dancing had been sloppy at times, but Sally, bless her heart, assumed my rookie mistakes were her fault. 

As Sally and I sat at the table, my world was spinning a bit.  However, the dancing had cleared my mind enough to take stock.  In the early part of Fright Night, I had been stuck in my brain counting Polka footwork over and over.  123 456, 123 456.  Or I repeated 'Slow Slow Quick Quick' like a mantra.  I was so busy counting in my brain, I never heard the music.  This explains why I was always off the beat in class, a problem which infuriated Joanne.  No doubt it increased my students' suspicions as well.  Since I did not hear the music, that also explains why I was always confused which song was a Polka and which song was a Twostep.  I was probably the only dance teacher in history who refused to listen to music.  But I was better now.  I was starting to listen.  As a result, for the first time I could 'Feel' rather than 'Think' how the music and footwork connected. 

After a brief rest, Sally asked if we could dance some more.  Sure, why not?  Now that the threat of exposure had passed, for the first time I began to dance Western for the fun of it.  The more I practiced, the more my footwork became automatic, a phenomenon known as 'muscle memory'.  Since I did not have to think about my feet so much, I was able to stop counting the steps in my head. 

Then it happened.  I was shocked to hear the familiar strains of Peaceful Easy Feeling being played.  I was so surprised, I actually stopped dancing.  Good grief, I had no idea one of my all-time favorite songs was actually a potential Twostep.

Sally asked, "What's wrong?  Did I make a mistake?"

I laughed and reassured Sally she had done nothing wrong.  "I love this song they are playing, but I had no idea that the Eagles were a country-western band in disguise." 

Tortured by Joanne's Wailin' Waylon and Wild Willie, my distaste for Western music had become unshakeable.  I was willing to dance to it, but refused to listen to it.  But the music here was different.  I was surprised to realize I did not object to the music they were playing here.  Wonders never cease.   I never ever never expected I might actually enjoy Country music.  This observation was so unexpected, I actually kind of pinched myself just to be sure I was not dreaming.

Although I am getting ahead of my story, this is a good time to reveal that the excellent music at Cowboy was no accident.  It was done by design.  Irving Azoff, manager of the Eagles, was directly responsible.  Contacted by Clay Felker during the formative days of the Urban Cowboy project, Azoff was well aware how the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack had skyrocketed the career of the Bee Gees and other artists.  For this reason, Azoff took a gamble and purchased rights to the upcoming Urban Cowboy soundtrack. 

Azoff wanted to take Country music in a new direction.  In his opinion, the raw 'Outlaw Country' sound of Willie and Waylon was holding back the progress of Country music.  Azoff's work with Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne and the Eagles had convinced him the softer 'West Coast Country' sound was key to reaching a wider audience.  Azoff made sure to pass this hunch on to Lance McFaddin, the man who would own Cowboy. 

Lance McFaddin was a shrewd businessman.  Trust, but verify.  While the renovations for Cowboy were underway, McFaddin commissioned a study of country music trends.  McFaddin wanted to know scientifically what kind of C&W music would be most acceptable to his target customers, Fake Cowboys and Yuppies.  Survey research revealed that Azoff was right.  The emerging country-rock sound of the Eagles was the direction to go. 

Of course I knew none of this, but tonight's music at Cowboy was the result of that study.  If you will allow me to generalize, the rough crowd at Gilley's liked the angry 'Outlaw Sound' while city folk preferred something a bit more relaxing.  There's a world of difference between Take this Job and Shove it or Up Against the Wall, Redneck Mother versus Peaceful Easy Feeling.  Trust me, this unanticipated departure was music to my ears.  It allowed me to drop my barriers and become more receptive to Country music.  Lo and behold, I started to listen and dance to the beat.  Imagine that.  Technically speaking, I knew how the music was supposed to fit the steps, but I had never 'felt it' before.  It was so much easier to dance now that the music guided me.  Lap after lap, Sally and I floated around the floor.  I started to grin.  Hey, some of this music is really pretty!   On this night of surprise after surprise, I could not believe I was actually enjoying listening to Western music.  I didn't like every song, but in general I liked the music a lot.  I even caught myself humming to some of the songs. 

As I continued to dance with Sally, my mind wandered.  Peaceful, Easy Feeling was a hit song from the Eagles' first album back in 1973 when I was in graduate school.  At the time, I had no idea this classic Eagles song could be considered 'Country music'.  By coincidence,  I had seen the Eagles perform a free concert in Denver during my time at Colorado State.  It was love at first sight.  Hooked on the band, I played the Eagles album non-stop throughout graduate school to ease the constant pressure.  Take it Easy became one of my all-time favorite songs and I liked Witchy Woman as well.  What a thrill it was to hear Peaceful Easy Feeling again.  But the interesting thing was finding how easy it was to dance Twostep to this song.  Well, I'll be darned! 

This was the moment I first grasped that many of my favorite songs were danceable to Twostep or Polka.  Memories of past favorites suggested possibilities.   Rocky Mountain High, John Denver.  Country Roads, John Denver.  Someday Soon, Judy Collins.  Tequila Sunrise, Eagles.  Box of Rain, Grateful Dead.  Could I have this Dance, Anne Murray.  Solitary Man, Neil Diamond.  The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, Joan Baez.  Lay, Lady Lay, Bob Dylan.  I am a Child, Buffalo Springfield.  Heart of Gold, Neil Young.  And if I wanted to stretch things a bit, Riders on the Storm by the Doors.  These were all longtime favorites.

Now that my resistance had faded, the music came in loud and clear as we danced.  I began to concentrate on the lyrics to the songs I liked.  Many of them told an interesting story.  A major criticism of Disco music were the mindless, inane lyrics repeated over and over again... 'push push in the bush', 'love to love you, baby', 'shake your groove thing, yeah yeah', 'ooh, ooh, let's all chant' and so on.  In this night of discovery, I realized I liked listening to the stories.  For example, they played a song called Send Me Down to Tucson, Mel Tillis.  It told the story of a man who had always been faithful to his wife.  However, when his job forced him to temporarily relocate to Tucson, he met a woman who aroused an overpowering passion within him.   Now the man faced a difficult moral dilemma.  Due to the ordeal I had undergone fighting temptation for Victoria, I could relate. 

I know my lady's not to blame cause they raised her prime and proper
While another takes her pleasures where she can
The one in Tucson she don't hide it and when she gets excited
She makes you feel you're every inch a man

Another favorite was a song called Couldn't Do Nothin' Right' by Rosanne Cash.  I listened carefully to the words. 

I couldn't stay here if I wanted
I couldn't stay here if I tried
You were always so disappointed
I could never do anything right

I liked that song so much I didn't want it to end.  I thought of Jennifer.  When it came to Jennifer, I definitely 'couldn't do nuthin' right'.  No matter what I did, no matter what I said, I could not get through to Jennifer.  This song made me feel better because it reminded me that disappointment in love was common to many people, not just me.  I wasn't the only guy in the world who had ever struck out with a woman.  As Sally and I danced, I listened to every word and nodded my head in mournful agreement.  I began to feel very sad.  Tears came to my eyes, but I didn't mind.  I could use a good cry. 

I had no idea Country music could be therapeutic.  For the first time I understood why Country Music enjoyed so much popularity.  Although I still considered Disco music 'sexier', Country had the ability to touch a person on an emotional level.  It told stories people could relate to, happy stories as well as sad ones.  Now I realized why the phrase 'cryin' in my beer' and Country Music went hand in hand.  Sad songs made good country songs.  Writers have known this for a long time.  Sad stories make for lots of chapters.  Look no further than this book.

Hmm.  Maybe country-western music wasn't so bad after all.  As is the case with most prejudices, my dislike of country music had been fueled by ignorance and unfamiliarity.  I am not going to lie about it, I could not tolerate the 'twang' and the 'Outlaw Country' sound.  Nor would that prejudice ever change.  However, tonight was the first time I realized I had a choice.  I thought I was stuck with Joanne's Outlaw music for eternity, but now that there was an alternative, I had the biggest smile on my face.  Tonight's music was my awakening.  How wonderful to discover a different country sound so much easier to relate to.   And what a pleasure to dance with a pretty lady like Sally and interesting music at the same time.  I found myself enjoying Western music far more than I would have ever imagined. 

DISCO ESCAPES THE DEATH SENTENCE

I was having my first real fun in ages.  As I danced the night away at Cowboy, I caught myself softly humming the refrain to some of the songs.  Look at me, here I was floating and singing to the music.  Boy, was I drunk!  My giddy mood was partly related to drinking, but mostly it was the release from eleven months of unbearable tension over the threat of Urban Cowboy.  Another aspect was the music.  My sudden conversion from Country-Western opponent to committed fan was hard to believe, but I had to admit there were real benefits to the music.  And the dancing too!  I liked holding Sally close.  I liked it a lot.  The dance floor had become a place of happiness with my arms wrapped around my guardian angel.    

I was becoming increasingly aware that holding her close was having a physical effect on me.  Maybe Sally wasn't the only one with a crush.  I pulled her a little closer and Sally didn't seem to mind.  I was very turned on.  I remembered an old line... 'Dancing is the vertical expression of horizontal desire'.  No kidding!  I estimate I had danced Disco with a thousand women over the past two years.  Not once had I gotten turned on out on the floor.  How could I?  We moved too fast!   But western dancing was different.  The pace was slower and holding a woman to close to a pretty song had a dangerous romantic effect.  Peaceful Easy Feeling was a good example.

I want to sleep with you in the desert night
With a billion stars all around
'Cause I got a peaceful easy feelin'
And I know you won't let me down

Hmm.  Would Sally let me down if I asked?  Before I could answer that question, the music made a sudden shift.  Just as I felt myself slipping into dangerous territory, a Disco song came on to break the spell.  It was Boogie Oogie Oogie, a Disco classic sung by Taste of Honey.  This had always been one of my favorite songs.

If you're thinkin' you're too cool to boogie
Boy oh boy have I got news for you
Everybody here tonight must boogie
Let me tell ya, you are no exception to the rule.

Get down, boogie oogie oogie
Get down, boogie oogie oogie 

Well, I'll be darned.  They are even playing Disco music here at Cowboy.  If that doesn't beat everything.  Disco lives!  Who would have ever thought a Disco song could be played in a country joint without a fight breaking out.  In a night of full of surprise and discovery, put this one at the top of the list.  Once I got over the shock of hearing Disco music in a Western club, I asked Sally if she would mind if I asked Lynette to dance.  I added that I had made an earlier promise to dance with Lynette sometime during the night.  Sally looked disappointed, but said okay.  I rushed to find Lynette as fast as I could.  I had no fear of dancing with Lynette when it came to Disco.  In fact, I looked forward to it.  This woman could really move.  However, when I approached her, Lynette's initial reaction was a deep frown. 

Seriously, Lynette gave me the dirtiest look.  Fortunately, I was so drunk, I didn't care.  Rather than feel rejected or apologetic, I got sassy.  "Oh, knock it off, Lynette, you know you love to dance with me.  Give me your hand!"

Caught off guard by my cheerful defiance, Lynette grinned in spite of herself.  She changed her mind and agreed to dance.  As we approached the floor, I noticed it was suddenly packed.  In fact, the dance floor was just as packed as it had been to Western music.  It was so crowded Lynette and I did not have room to partner dance, so we danced freestyle instead.  I had the oddest hunch more people in this club knew how to dance to Disco music than Western.  I looked to see if anyone from my class was out there.  Sure enough, several of my Disco superstars were right beside us.  No doubt they were just as thrilled as me to discover Disco had life after death.

To my delight, there was a second Disco song, Boogie Nights, so we danced to that one too.  The floor emptied a bit, so we had room to partner dance.  I spun Lynette in every direction imaginable.  She began to beg for mercy which I knew from memory was actually her way of saying don't ease up.  Sure enough, I had Lynette laughing and smiling just like old times.  Lynette loosened up and gave free reign to her hip motion.  Damn!  That was one thing I would definitely miss.  As far as I could tell, there was no promise of hip motion in Twostep or Polka.

Boogie Nights was followed by a Western song.  This night had done wonders for my confidence, so I decided it was time to mend fences with Lynette.  This would be my final test of the evening.  "Would you like to try a Twostep, Lynette?" 

Lynette had the oddest reaction.  She smiled, but also furrowed her brows.  I could read her mind..."Do you even know how?"  I could sense her skepticism, but did not back down.  Lynette said nothing for the first lap around the floor.  I assumed she was evaluating my performance.  After one lap, her expression brightened.  That is when she did something that tickled me.  Lynette began to shake her head like I was Dennis the Menace, the naughty scoundrel.  Seeing her smile and disapprove at the same time, I grinned sheepishly.  Lynette knew damn well I had been up to no good tonight.  So what did my critic think of me now?  I had a strong hunch Lynette had guessed the trick I played during Fright Night.  Fortunately, despite her earlier disapproval, Lynette seemed to have forgiven me.  After all, she was still here in my arms.  And smiling too.  Lynette had the cutest expression on her face, kind of like I was a very, very bad boy, rotten to the core, but she liked me anyway.  At that thought, I had to laugh.

"What's so funny?" she asked.

"Oh, I was just thinking this has been a very interesting night."

That broke the ice.  As we danced, Lynette lifted her finger and wagged it at me.  "You have been a very bad boy.  The worst.  In fact, you have been sneaky and scurrilous.  Don't think for a moment I don't know what you've been up to!  You deserve a spanking!" 

When I smiled and nodded, Lynette began to giggle.  Well aware we understood each other loud and clear, some things are better left unsaid.  So I decided to change the subject.  I asked Lynette what she thought of Cowboy.

"This place has really surprised me.  It is a lot fancier than I expected.  I heard a rumor that this club was remodeled to the tune of three million dollars.  Seeing is believing."

Three million dollars is what I heard too.  That struck me as a heck of a gamble, especially considering at most 1% of Houston's population had ever been country-western dancing in their lives.  So why the switch?  For the millionth time, the thought crossed my mind that some sort of secret mastermind had to be behind this massive change.  

"So, Lynette, what do you think about the Western dancing?"

"Oh, it's okay, I guess.  I like the music and I like dancing in a guy's arms if he knows what he is doing.  But I miss the Disco turns and I miss the challenge of all those tricky patterns.  In Western, there are only a few things for the guys to do, so unless the guy is cute enough to distract me, I get bored after a while.  I wish there was some way to add a few turns now and then."

"Do you think Disco is dead?"

"No, hopefully not.  I think the upscale western clubs like Cowboy will probably keep playing Disco sets.  I would hate to see Disco disappear completely."

"That makes two of us.  What do you think of the new western fashions?"

"Well, I'm a working girl, so don't expect much from me.  I don't have the kind of money to buy all those fancy outfits.  However, I don't mind dancing in blue jeans.  Very comfortable.  Furthermore, unlike Disco, it only takes half the time to get dressed.  My only problem is getting my new boots on and off.  Once I figure that out, I'll be set."

As I walked her to the table, I stepped back and took a good look.  She could tell I liked what I saw.  "Well, Lynette, you look damn good in blue jeans, so I wouldn't worry about the fancy outfits." 

Lynette smiled.  It was good to have her back in my corner again.  When the song ended, I looked her square in the eyes.  "Well, what do you think?  Did I pass inspection?"

Lynette laughed and frowned at the same time.  How do girls do that? 

"Richard Archer, you are beyond a doubt the worst human being I have ever met!  You were such a bad boy tonight, you should be ashamed of yourself!  But, yes, you passed.  You can ask me to dance any time."

I smiled.  "Thank you, Lynette." 

"You are most welcome.  Listen, it's getting late and I have to go.  Unlike you, I have to get up in the morning.  What a shame not everyone can be a dance instructor.  Some of us actually have to work for living."

And with that, the Mutiny was over.  The leader of the Conspiracy had handed down a positive verdict.  I squeezed Lynette's hand and we parted.  

READY FOR TIMES TO GET BETTER

I headed back to Sally and took her back onto the floor.  I had come to Cowboy full of fear and tension.  Rather than see my dance career come to a grinding halt complete with humiliating exposure, an amazing Door of Opportunity had swung open.  Something good was on my horizon, I was sure of it.  Consequently each trip around the floor was a celebratory lap.  I smiled at how the dancing and music had brought me cheer.  Remarkable.  Disco dancing had rescued me from my Colorado State depression.  Now Western dancing had lifted me from my Jennifer/Victoria/Loss of Disco depression.  Who would have ever guessed that Western dancing was cheaper than therapy?

Sally and I had begun to chat as we danced.  Unlike the fast-paced Disco dancing which left everyone breathless, the relaxed pace of the Twostep allowed me to actually talk to Sally.  I had made a new friend.  Holding this kind lady in my arms was wonderful.  I could not help but realize how lonely I had been.  This simple human contact was good for the spirit.  I noticed something else... Sally was getting prettier.  Sally was twenty years my senior, but right now she looked pretty damn good.  Feeling that certain stirring, this country-western dancing had an added benefit I never dreamed existed.

One lap after another with my wonderful Sally.  Sally was dancing better.  Excellent.  The practice had helped her just as much as it did me.  Sally had been in my arms for practically an hour with only one brief break.  Our eyes had locked countless times.  Uh oh.  Did this mean what I thought it meant?  Hypnotized by Sally's smile, something Joanne once said crossed my mind... "Western dancing is a good way to make friends."  I was starting to catch on.  Slow Dance leads to Romance.  

Just then a very pretty song came on.  Still unfamiliar with Western music, I did not realize it was a Waltz.  Attempting to Polka, for some reason, my feet didn't work to the music.  Thank goodness Lynette had gone home or I might have been in trouble.  I stopped dancing and pulled Sally over to the side so I could watch for a moment. 

As I watched how the men danced, I figured out my mistake.  The moment I realized it was a Waltz, I felt myself bristle.  The Waltz had taken Katie away four years earlier.  Earlier tonight the Waltz had nearly ended my career.  Waltz was my enemy, my nemesis.  I took a deep breath and watched.  Sure enough, just like Devin and Mona said, the Waltz dancers paraded in a circle around the floor.  Thank goodness they were long gone.  I was glad they weren't here to see how embarrassed I was. 

As I watched the dancers travel past me, I could not believe I had gotten away with a colossal mistake like teaching the Box Step to a Country Waltz.  How in the world did I ever survive this misstep?  Still shaking my head over the close call, I decided to join the Waltz procession.  I wasn't much of a Waltz dancer, but I wanted to practice the Travel Step I had shown Devin and Mona earlier in the evening.  I didn't know any Waltz moves beyond this basic step, so poor Sally had to go backwards the entire song.  However, she didn't seem to mind.  As we danced, I thought again how lucky I had been to survive the 'Ides of Waltz'.  From now on, any time I heard a Waltz, I would think of Fright Night.

I looked around.  11:30 pm.  That was late for a work night, so most everyone had gone home.  However, I noticed Tim and Joseph from my class were standing at the railing.  I realized they had been watching Sally and me.  The crowd had thinned, so my camouflage had been stripped away.  So what?  Let them watch.  I didn't care any more.  Both men were Disco dancers who had been my friends before deciding to join the Jury.  No need to hold a grudge.  On impulse, I waved at them.  To my pleasant surprise, they waved back.  I smiled to myself.  I guess I was back in their good graces as well.  What a night. 

Just then another song came on.  I noticed the haunting lyrics.

I've got to tell you, I've been rackin' my brain
Hopin' to find a way out.
I've had enough of this continual rain
Changes are comin', no doubt

It's been a too long time
With no peace of mind
And I'm ready for the times to get better

It took a moment, but I recognized that song.  Crystal Gayle.  Joanne had played this one day at the studio during practice, then left it behind never to be seen again.  Ah, Joanne.  I wished she was here tonight.  I owed her so much.  I wanted to express my gratitude.  The events of tonight would have never been possible without her.  Plus I wanted to apologize for all the stress I had put her through. 

As I listened to Ready for the times to get better, the lyrics struck a resonant chord.  I was reminded of the pain Jennifer had put me through.  But it wasn't just Jennifer.  This entire year had been one long nightmare.  It started with the Patricia's decision to see George in Los Angeles, all those problems with Victoria, and now Jennifer's fiancé Jeff was coming to town.  When would this goddamn Epic Losing Streak ever end?  What was wrong with me?  Would I ever find a woman willing to be loyal?  It made me sick to think that Jennifer's fiancé would be sleeping in her apartment tonight, probably in her bed as well.  No matter how wonderful this triumphant night had been, it was counter-balanced by the likelihood that Jennifer was probably going to leave me.  Yes, Jennifer was a coward, but when things were right she made me happier than any girl I had ever dated.  I sure would miss her.  Feeling maudlin, I found my heart hanging on every lyric of the song.  I found it very odd that I had been reminded of practically every problem in my life by one song or another.  This was my first clue that country songs are fixated on the problems of love.  Gee, maybe I should write country songs.  Too bad I can't sing.

Sad to say, my painful recollections had sobered me up.  It was getting late, so after the Waltz I walked Sally to her car.  The memory of that powerful spark I felt towards Sally troubled me.  For a moment there, I had been very tempted.  Was it possible that Sally had felt the same?  Judging by her smile, probably so.  I was even more certain when she reached for my hand. 

Should I act on this opportunity?  One kiss would tell me whatever I needed to know.  The thought of Jennifer crossed my mind.  I had no reason to be faithful to her.  Not hardly.  Not only was she engaged, we had not made love in two months.  With Jennifer likely to be in Jeff's arms at this very moment, I was free to do as I pleased.  However, my mind raced back to January when I had foolishly invited Joanne back to my house following Patricia's visit to see George in L.A.  Joanne had suffered so much heartache in the aftermath, I could not bear to do something similar to Sally.  Indeed, I could draw a straight line from the Dangerous Liaison to Fright Night.  I felt like the two events were connected, a Karmic Test to see if I had learned anything from my January mistake.  If Sally and I hooked up tonight, what would I do if Jennifer changed her mind and came back to me?  What would I tell Sally?  Then I would be in the same mess I had once been in with Joanne and Patricia.  I winced at the memory.  I was still paying off my debt on that mistake. 

Was I ready for a sequel to the Dangerous Liaison?  I did not wish to risk hurting Sally's feelings if Jennifer re-entered the picture.  Nor did I feel like hiding a fling with Sally at the same time that I was begging Jennifer to trust me again.  I preferred to keep my conscience clear until I got a better picture where our relationship was headed.  Besides, I knew where to find Sally if things didn't work out with Jennifer.  So I settled for the world's biggest hug, then stepped back and held Sally's hands. 

"Thank you so much for dancing with me all night long!  Tonight was wonderful.  Let's do it again next Monday after class!"

Sally looked so bewildered, I felt guilty for leading her on. I could tell she had expected a different end to the night.   Sally may have been lonely too.  The kind of spark we had shared does not come along very often.  Since Sally had no idea why I had chosen her as my dance partner, I suppose she assumed I was interested in her.  If so, she wasn't completely wrong.  The dancing had definitely made me see Sally in a different light.  Right now I was fighting strong temptation.  Fortunately, Sally said nothing or I might have changed my mind.

And with that, I headed home.  If I could get Jennifer back, then I had done the right thing.  Otherwise I had passed up a heavenly night for for nothing in return.  The important thing was that I had survived Fright Night.  That which doesn't kill you makes you stronger.  Handed a new lease on life, from this point on I intended to tackle country dancing with a passion. 

The Imposter had pulled off the Great Escape.  Harry Houdini could not have done any better.  Smoke and Mirrors, baby.