The Dance Hall Bet.

Lawton, Oklahoma, has many dance halls. One in particular, Branders, is a

warehouse located on the south side of town.

Upon entering the establishment, country and western music blare from four

massive speakers. The air is thick with a gray haze, tinted by the smell of

beer. People are packed wall to wall. The lights are dim, except in the game

area. Fans on the ceiling, mix the smell and noise.

The eyes of two people meet, only tables apart. The cowboy is short and

 stocky, he acts self centered, a black cowboy hat pulled down across his

eyes.   She is of modern proportions, however sickly thin, with her hair

pulled tightly  behind her head.

A song is about to end. She scans the room looking for someone she might

know. She notices some guys huddled up at the middle of their table. Letting

out a roar of laughter, dollar bills are placed in front of the cowboy. It is

obvious a bet is being made. She was in the military and often witnessed

single military men amusing themselves by placing bets about women, trying

to see who will accept the ruthless bet. She knows what the bet is about, the

cowboy will not ask her to dance. Knowing the DJ would play only a couple

more songs, he accepts the bet with a smile and a shake of his hand.

A song by Garth Brooks, "Shameless", starts to play. The cowboy likes this

song. Jumping out of his chair, "What better song to dance to?", he says to

himself as he strolls over to her table. He lowers his self-centeredness, and in

a manner other than what she had seen earlier, he invites her to dance. She is

surprised that he had enough gall to ask. She did not want to be won on a

bet.   Thinking to herself, "Why should I dance with this cowboy just

because  he wants the money?". With much hesitation, she accepts his

invitation.

There is not much conversation between them, but they do notice chuckles

coming from the group at his table. "Don't listen to them," he says with a

smile, "They are acting like jerks!". She tries to ignore the chuckles by

focusing on the dance pattern of the cowboy. The song ends; he escorts her

back to the table, pulls out a chair, tips his hat, and heads back to his seat.

Looking back towards his table, he is shocked to see that the money from

the bet has disappeared, so have some of his friends. Feeling cheated by his

friends, he asked himself "Why did they play this trick on me? I did what

they wanted, and they cheated me out of my money." Quick to answer

himself, "Why do I need money to dance? I like to dance with her, she is

pleasant."

Since the money and his friends were gone, he decides to ask her if he can sit

at her table. She says, "Okay, as long as it's not another bet!". His eyes grew

large as his chin drops to the floor in amazement.

As they talk, "Last song!" announces the DJ. The cowboy and his "Bet"

wanted to dance, hoping the other will make the first move. Using all his

charm, he puts out his hand asking her to dance.

After the music ends, they return to the table. People are rustling for their

coats. Hoping to find a ride to Post, he jumps up and quickly exits out the

door.   She finishes her drink, and puts on her coat.

Making her way toward the door, she sees a black cowboy hat part the

crowd.   Chills running down her spine, she knows it is the cowboy, but

wonders what he  is doing back inside.

He is looking for his "prize". When they met again, he asks her for another

dance at another dance hall. She really wants to, but reluctantly declines.

They walk together to her car. While the car warms, they talk. He says, "I'm

sorry for being rude and not thanking you for the wonderful dance."

Wanting him to know how she feels, she smiles and says, "I had a great time

dancing, but I'm not so happy about the bet. There are better ways to meet

people. You could have really hurt my feelings, bad!"

His face turned red with embarrassment over the bet. "I'm truly sorry, can I

make it up to you next week? Please come next Thursday, NO BETS! I really

want to get to know you better."

"Yes, I'll be here as long as I don't have to work."

She drives away, questions, with no immediate answers, swirl through her

head. "Am I the prize or am I the winner? Will there be another dance,

another week?"

How many of you can feel the feelings I felt that wonderful night, 10 October 1991. I am proud to say we have a strong marriage, With NO BETS. Only HONESTY!.