Cuttin' a Rug.

M3 was one of the hottest nightclubs in town. It booked the best of the up and coming artist and played host to a monthly dance contest.

Nestled right on the waterfront, it had easy access for the yacht crowd and the usual street crowd. The 20 somethings and college kids all came here for partying, drinks , dates, and fun.

This is why Gus, the club manager, thought it was odd when the next guest arrived. It turned out to be a senior citizen, using a walker.

He stared at her curiously, while 2 nurses carefully guided her down the lighted steps and into the neon lit floor. It took a few minutes for them to get her to a table.

"Why is she here?"Gus thought, stroking his beard.

A waitress went to her table with some drinks while the younger patrons anxiously awaited the upcoming performance by the band K5-Lux , a new band from Ireland. He continued to watch the woman while keeping an eye on the crowd.

For whatever reason she was here, she was still a paying customer, and she would be treated as such.

He decided to take an interest and made his way over to the table where she was. The nurses took note of him as he approached the table, and he greeted them all warmly. He was good at that.

"Hello and welcome to M3! I'm Gus, and I am grateful that you came to our establishment. Please let me know how I can be of help!"

Before the nurses could say anything, the elderly woman smiled and cackled. Her dark, brown almond shaped eyes seemed to sparkle underneath her head of white, curly hair.

"I know what you're thinking."she said, still smiling. "You can help me by not denying it! You're wondering why a centenarian like me would be in here a popular nightclub filled with young people, right?"

Gus blushed a little and laughed. "I could wonder, but it's not my place to ask."

She grinned again and motioned him to sit down.

She smiled at him as she spoke. "My name i is Mare - like the horse."

"A pleasure to meet you, Mare." Gus said as he sat down beside her.

I used to be quite the hoofer back on the day. I was the star of the floor every Friday and Saturday night!"

She leaned back in her chair a little twinkle in her eyes.

"Wow! I'll bet you were!"he said with a smile.

She returned the smile. "As for why I am here, well, I get bored sitting in the room watching TV. I have always loved moving around, dancing, and stuff. "

"I guess I might have what they call ADHD. My folks didn't know about that back in the day. The only thing they knew to do was to wear my behind out!"

The two nurses smiled at each other and sighed, rolling their eyes.

"Well, a change of scenery is good," Gus said. "And I promise you, this place can get really lively!"

"Oh yeah," she laughed. " I believe that! This place has always been a lively place! Back in the day, there was a dojang here, and there was a lot of activity there. We even had lion dance training!"

"Really?," Gus said, his eyes wide. "That's news to me. Sounds cool! Were you a student?"

"Yep. I was! " She leaned forward, conspiratorially. "It's because of the dojang that this club has its name!"

Gus shook his head in amazement. "I don't understand."

"The original dojang was started by 3 masters. M3."

"Aaah! Of course!. That makes sense!"

She sighed. "I have lived through much...but..I still like to be near the action and the atmosphere."

"The people my age often look at the young and shake their heads, griping and moaning. I see them differently. The young are expressing themselves freely just as we did."

Gus nodded his head as he looked around on the dance floor at the expanding throng of 20 somethings, cheering as the new band took the stage. At that moment, Mare asked him where the restroom was, and he said he would be happy to guide her there himself.

He led the way slowly to the side near the back and then left her in the care of the 2 nurses while he went to the sound booth to check the levels with his staff.

A few moments later, the dance floor erupted with cheers when a lone female dancer performed an elaborate tribute to Lindy Hop, followed by a kick routine. Gus had never seen such a display before, at least not here. Whoever she was, she had the crowd mesmerized. Some were taking pics with their phones.

"Well," he said to himself. "This is going to be an awesome night!" He knew that the social media would be explosive which would attract more business. The crowd continued dancing with wild abandon

Gus left the booth and went to monitor the dance floor.

" Hey, Gus, come on and let's cut a rug!"

Gus turned and saw her. It was that girl who lit up the floor.

"Well, I don't think I can keep up with you," he said with a smile. "You know, I'm old enough to be your dad right?"

"Hey, don't be a fuddy duddy! It's just one dance, not a one night stand. Besides, I want to thank you for running such a fine club!"

Helpless under her charms, Gus found himself on the dance floor trying his best to keep up with her amidst the cheering party goers. He really didn't mind. It was good for business after all.

The rest of the night went smoothly and most of the crowd had already left shortly after midnight. Gus headed back to the booth when he saw Mare and the two nurses again.

"Mare! I hope you enjoyed yourself!"

Mare walked up to Gus with another smile and little twinkle in her eyes.

"Thanx for the dance, Gus!" The she left with a little chuckle. The two nurses followed, smiling as they went.