This is a story based on great memories of attending bluegrass music festivals back in the late 70's in Southern California. What fun times.
I was recently divorced, in my late 30's, trying to fill the void a divorce causes to most people's lives. I needed new friends, new places to go and new things to do. I love country music and I love to dance so finding new friends and going to weekend long bluegrass festivals with onsite camping seemed like it might be fun.
I had met one younger lady, in her mid 20's, while out country dancing who seemed adventurous and maybe willing to try new things. This is our story.
It was a Saturday night and I had gone to one of my favorite country bars to dance with friends. There was a good crowd and a good band. PJ was out tonight. That's short for Patricia Jean.
I walked to her table. "Hi PJ. You're looking good tonight. I love your blouse... very pretty."
She quickly stood up to give me a hug and a kiss hello. "Hi Bob. Let's dance."
It was a two-step with a good beat. We were just discussing what had happened since we last saw each other. We paused on the dance floor to see what the next song was going to be. It was a nice slow ballad.
I asked? "Shall we snuggle?"
She answered. "Absolutely!"
When the song ended we shared a kiss that was more than a friendly thanks for the dance kiss.
PJ spoke. "Join me at my table."
I replied. "Thank you, I'd love to."
That was the start to a fun filled evening of dancing, teasing, kissing and getting to know each other better. We had danced a few times on other nights before but tonight was different. Tonight we mostly danced with each other and only a couple of dances with other dance partners. We were really enjoying our evening together.
When it was getting close to midnight, even though the band would play until 2:00AM, I wanted to find out if we might become better friends. We had just finished dancing really close to a slow song and had shared a sensuous kiss. We sat down at our table. The band was going to take a 15 minute break.
I put my hand on PJ's thigh right below the hem of her short skirt to be sure I had her attention. She put her hand on mine. I had no idea what her reaction to my next question might be but I had to ask.
I spoke softly. "PJ, let me finish before you answer. I've heard about a bluegrass festival that's coming up next weekend. It's only 70 miles away at a park with a lake, lots of grass areas, plenty of parking with one area for day visitors and another area for those who want to camp for the weekend. Will you go with me?"
She paused as if she was trying to decide how to answer me.
PJ spoke shyly. "Tell me more about it so I can decide if I want to go just for a day.... or for the weekend."
I was relieved... she would go... I just needed to convince her to go for the weekend.
I started. "There will be a stage area for several bands to play for an hour at a time and then a different band will take the stage and play. The music will start at 11:00AM and continue until 10:00PM on Saturday and Sunday. Those who are camping can stay Sunday night and go home on Monday which is a holiday. Everyone should bring a blanket, camping type chairs and a small ice chest for drinks. The blanket will reserve your 'spot' and it's safe to leave it and your chairs all day while you go for lunch or dinner, or just walking around the park and the lake. There will be a food service set up or you may bring your own."
PJ smiled. "If we go for the whole weekend........ What are the sleeping arrangements?"
I was feeling better. "I have a pick-up with a slide-in camper. We will not be sleeping on the ground. The camper has a dinette that makes into a double bed. NO expectations. NO strings attached."
She laughed. "Asking me to go away with you for a fun weekend is a pretty sneaky way to get me in your bed.... What do I need to pack?"
Now I was smiling. "Thank you! It'll be fun. Let's get out of here and we can work out the details. How about an early breakfast at Denney's?"
She answered. "Sounds good. I came with Sue. Let me tell her what's going on and that I will see her back at the apartment we share later."
We finished our drinks just as Sue was getting back to the table. PJ leaned over to Sue and whispered in her ear so no one else could hear. We got up and walked out hand in hand to my car. I opened the passenger door for her to get in. We didn't talk much on the short drive to the restaurant. We were both wondering what was next.
When we got to the restaurant I said. "Wait for me to come around and open your door."
PJ smiled. "Trying to impress me by being a gentleman?"
I answered. "Just being who I am."
We went in and sat side by side in a booth towards the back. The waitress came and we each ordered a light breakfast and orange juice.
PJ asked: "So how does this weekend go? And what do I need to bring?"
Again I put my hand on her soft, smooth thigh right below the hem of her short skirt.
I spoke. "The camper has everything in it we might need. I will bring drinks and food for the weekend. Is there anything you particularly don't like?"
She answered. "I like most everything. I'm sure whatever you choose will be fine."
I answered: "You will need to pack a small personal case with your toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush, deodorant, perfume, and anything else you think you might need. I always have suntan lotion in the camper. Since days are hot but the evenings get cool, you will need a mix of clothes. To be sure you have what you might need pack jeans and shorts, a couple of blouses, a couple of sun tops, a cover-up shirt or sweater for evenings, sandals and tennis shoes. I'm going to request you wear a short skirt and a sexy blouse with sandals for travelling in the truck."
PJ smiled. "At least I have a week to pick out what I'm going to wear."
I teased. "I've only seen you dressed cowgirl style... surprise me."
As we were eating we continued to discuss our up-coming weekend. She had a commitment to a family gathering on Friday night.
We agreed that each of us would have a light breakfast before I would pick her up at her apartment at 8:00AM on Saturday morning. The drive would take about an hour and a half leaving plenty of time to get parked in the camping area and go pick a spot for our blanket and chairs. We were both anxious yet nervous about how our weekend might go.
I gave her my personal card with my name, address and phone number on it so she could call me if something came up that would change our plans. She put it in her purse. I would find out where her apartment was located in a little while.
We decided we were both tired. I left a tip for the waitress and paid the bill at the cashier on our way out. When we got to my car I again opened her door for her.