So It Begins

Well, it was opening night.

Ronan came to collect me.

*Sigh* - What a sight.

Yet, he seemed a bit off tonight.

The fine crinkles 

at the corners of his eyes

a little tight.

I wonder what would have him

So on edge

But thought it best

not to hedge.

I felt a bit out of place

In this satin and lace

But my restlessness settled

Upon seeing the appreciation 

on his face.

Oh, Rue

You know better than to

Get involved with another outlaw

Look how far you and Billy did fall.

Yet there is something in Ronan

That some may not see

Something I do and

So wish to set free.

Just not sure my heart

Can go another round

After the stomping it received 

into the ground.

Well that's a thought

For another time and place

I take a deep breath and

Put a smile on my face.

Everything is perfect

Ronan opens the door.

No time to be timid.

Bodies flood the floor.

I survey my kingdom

From the stairs.

Shaking hands here and there.

I catch Ronan glancing my way

Once again he looks like a man

who has something to say.

But instead, 

in the high roller room

He slips away.

The shows are going off without a hitch.

Even Tru managed to stay on pitch.

I thought his song choice a bit odd.

Until I'd seen 3Gun and CG dancing

And realized he took a side job.

Looking at them, my heart feels envy.

So much in love, though they'd say

'They're just friendly.'

But a man doesn't dedicate

a song about your dress.

If he wasn't hoping for

a little more progress.

I greet the Mayor and Myna with pride

He had eyes only for his glowing bride

But the moment that they stepped inside

The Mayor looked around

His enthusiasm hard to hide.

"Rue, I must say I'm quite impressed.

I see many high-end guests."

Myna spoke up,

"You've been working tirelessly

Be sure when this is over

You get your rest, Ruechari."

I smile at her, "Spoken

Like a true Mom-to-be.

I'm grateful to you both

For all you've done for me."

"It's good to see

Your dreams come true.

And this can be

really good

For the County too.

You have 3Gun and others

Watching out for you?"

"Well, Brody and 3Gun

are keeping watch.

Ronan has the floor

And WhatsHisFace, the door.

So I don't think we can do

Much more."

"Well, you seem to have it covered.

Good luck, Rue.

I won't keep you.

Besides I'm dying to dance with

This beautiful rose."

Myna colored at the words he chose.

Once again it was good to see.

My friends, all situated

So happily.

I walked among the tables

I greeted everyone

Then slipped into the High Roller Room

To see what business was being done.

A game of Fish

About 10 High Rollers.

I walk around table

Touching lightly Ronan's shoulder.

He looks up and smiles at me.

I smile back happy to see

Things are going very well

Just how well only time will tell.

I stop at the bar

Then place next to Ronan

His favorite drink

Knowing he'd nurse it

So his head was clear to think.

I hear Barter announcing the Red House girls.

I peak my head out to watch my pearls.

Such beautiful women who were saved.

My eyes reach 3Gun and I give a wave.

I shut the door

I slid back in.

One game had ended

One chair had emptied.

A new game was ready to begin.

I take a seat at the table

Saying, "Deal me in."

Ronan looked at me with surprise

"Uh Boss, do you think that's wise?"

I look to the men

"It all in fun,

You boys don't mind?"

Denver said, "We're happy

to have you join, Rue

Since you feel so inclined."

"But just for fun, Oh no Rue

we Barton's play to win."

I looked to Denver's son

Seated on my left with the olive skin.

He looked at me with mischief 

sparkling in those ebony eyes.

"Alright...

 what do you suggest be the prize?"

"I say we up the ante.

Whoever wins get a dance with you."

Loving a good, challenge even Bart

Spoke up about taking part.

"You know what, Brett

I too would take that bet."

All the men did agree.

"All right," I took a chip

and wrote "Dance with Ruechari"

Ronan saw how eager now

the men were to begin

But said, "Hold on now.

What if Rue should win?"

The men looked at one another

Not sure what to do.

I wanted to giggle

As they obviously 

didn't expect me to.

"Well it's simple," Brett said grinning,

"though I have every intention of winning.

If we lose, then the choice 

Of whom she dances with

reverts back to Rue."

The men liked this idea 

because it meant, Win or lose

they still had a chance 

for a dance.

I looked over at Ronan

Whose gaze narrowed in. 

If I had to describe his look

I'd say his exact thought was

I'd be the death of him.

I sweetly grin.

"Shall we begin?"