Mart eased his car into a small parking space outside a local bar that was full of patrons. As he and Diana approached the door, they could hear the loud music that was pounding out from a jukebox. Inside, a lively group of friends gathered in the front corner, talking, drinking and enjoying the evening.

After entering the bar, Mart and Diana looked around and, spying the group in the front corner, headed that way.

“Hey, Mart,” shouted Tad over the blaring beat.

Mart nodded at Tad then ordered a beer for himself and a drink for Diana. Grabbing two chairs, they sat down and joined the friendly group.

“This place is great,” Diana shouted into Mart’s ear.

Mart nodded. “I concur. Trixie and Tad like to come here after indulging their soccer passion. I think it’s become a favorite hang out for them.”

Diana watched in amusement as Trixie danced by, then shimmied up to Tad and gave him a deep kiss. Laughing and teasing, she grabbed a glass off the table and took a big gulp.

After devouring a huge plate of nachos, a small group, including Trixie, congregated near the bar. Suddenly, one guy broke from the group and ran to the jukebox. Making a selection, he grinned as a new song burst out. Trixie tossed back her curls, gave the guy a nod, and began vigorously dancing. As the music broadened, Trixie jumped onto the bar, moving and gyrating in time to the strong beat.

Mart’s jaw dropped. “What’s she doing?’

“Dancing,” answered Diana, unable to take her eyes off her friend.

“But why up there?” Mart grabbed Tad’s arm. “Is this the effect you’re having on my sister?”

Tad, his eyes fixed on Trixie, slapped Mart’s back. “Nope. But she sure looks good.”

“Is she crazy? Why would my sister do that?”

Tad shrugged. “You know Trixie. She can never turn down a challenge.”

“Oh, yeh? Since when?”

Tad looked at Mart. “Oh, probably since she was a little girl and her brother dared her to eat a worm. Need I say more?”

Mart squared his shoulders. “Are you blaming Trixie’s current performance on me?”

Tad laughed, “Nope. But I don’t have to tell you that your sister can never resist a dare.”

Mart watched as Trixie danced her way to end of the bar, then hopped off. Bowing, she collected high-fives from the group then wound her way through the crowd to where Mart, Diana and Tad stood.

“Wow, Trixie! I can’t believe you accepted that challenge,” said Diana.

“I just couldn’t say ‘no’,” grinned Trixie.

Mart scowled. “Okay, if you can’t resist a dare, then I dare you to act like a respectable woman.”

Trixie laughed, “That would be the one challenge I wouldn’t accept. Face it, Mart, accepting dares might just be my favorite character flaw!