All Dressed Up

Month 10 Day 31

2010 Hours

Bugalu

Where is she? Bugalu fidgeted with the collar and then the sleeves of his dress uniform and crossed the banquet hall to get some punch. No alcohol in it. Yet. Well, not this early, of course. He glanced at the clock. Where is she? She promised she was coming.

Doc entered the room and stopped to glance around, walked over to join him, getting his own punch. “You look nervous.”

“Mac’s late.” Bugs stared into his glass.

“Is she wearing a dress uniform or something dressier?”

“I don’t know.”

“Well, as far as I can tell, Yellow Dog isn’t here yet, either.”

“What’s that got to do with--”

“I believe they were helping each other with hair and makeup.”

“If she’s got help, why is she so late?”

The doc tsked. “Possibly because a woman is never completely satisfied with how she looks. Relax. I’m sure she’s just trying to look her best.”

“I don’t know why. It’s not like there’s anybody she’s trying to impress.” Unless there is...

Doc finished his drink, got himself another. “I think you might be underestimating her.”

Bugalu gave him a sour look. “I know how nervous she felt about coming. After those mistletoe units at Christmas, she was very nearly back to her father’s brainwashing.”

Doc took a slow breath as he mulled that over. “But she did agree to come?” he pressed.

“Only after I promised she would not have to dance with anybody she didn’t want to. Or at all, if she wasn’t inclined to. Told her she could stand on the sidelines and talk with her friends, if that’s all she wanted to do.”

“Good thinking. But that means somebody she trusts should be standing next to her, to keep the wolves away.”

“I’ve gotten used to it,” Bugalu replied.

“Hey, she adopted me, too. I assume that means I can stand in as a chaperone.”

“Do me a favor; don’t use that word around her. She’ll think that’s the only reason we’re standing with her. And despite my seeing her as a sister, I like being around her; she’s fun to be with.”

“Yes, I agree with you on that,” Doc agreed. “Now, just relax. Like any woman, she’ll be here when she gets here. It doesn’t do any good to stew about it.”

“Okay, I’ll try,” Bugalu promised and disposed of his punch cup. “But if she doesn’t get here soon--” He stopped talking because at that moment, she appeared in the doorway. Red curls were piled atop her head and cascaded down one side, balanced by a glistening white bow above the opposite ear. She wore the red dress she had worn the first night of their 2-week shore leave, and if anything, she looked even better than she had in the yellow pantsuit.

She stood in the doorway looking nervous, possibly even on the verge of panic. The music was still playing - it was recorded - but even the few dancers had stopped moving to stare at her. Can’t blame them. Don’t think I’ve seen a more gorgeous woman aboard ship. I should...

Somebody offered her his arm. Whoever it was, she shot him a quick glance, gave him a trembling smile and slowly placed her hand atop his sleeve.

Tall Bear escorted her across the dance floor and directly to Bugalu. “She couldn’t seem to find you in this sea of white dress uniforms,” the brave offered in explanation.

“I was too nervous to see much of anything,” she added in a whisper.

“I tried to tell him that it takes time for a woman to get ready,” Doc offered.

“A lot of time,” Mac agreed. “I’d have given up long ago if not for Dog and Della. I think those 2 could make a silk purse out of a pig’s ear.”

“You aren’t a pig’s ear,” Bugs stated.

She frowned uncertainly. “I didn’t mean I was,” she finally said. “I just meant that... they are miracle workers.”

“They’ve merely enhanced the beauty you already have,” Bugs insisted. “I expected you to come looking good, but I didn’t realize just how good.”

She blinked and leaned an inch away, her face going a delicate pink.

“Bugs, you’re making her even more nervous,” Tall Bear whispered.

“Nothing to be nervous about,” Doc stated. “Brothers always underestimate their sisters. Now, I know you were promised that you wouldn’t have to dance, but I hope you’ll do me the favor of dancing with me, at some point.”

She turned her attention to him in seeming relief. “Thank you, Mac. I would like that.”

After a short awkward silence, the music started a new song. “Well, no time like the present,” Doc said. “Shall we dance?” She placed her hand on Doc’s proffered arm, and they walked away.

“What is wrong with you?” Tall Bear hissed. “You’re usually better at giving compliments than that! You scared her half to death.”

“Where’s Smythe?” Bugs heard himself ask.

“Over with the captain,” Bear answered. “Why?”

Because I wonder how he reacted when she showed up. He turned in that direction, but looking told him nothing. Smythe had his back to the entrance as he chatted with the captain. Drat, he didn’t see her.