THE DANCE
A Latin music CD plays in the background. She sits by herself on the sofa, watching as her husband takes turns dancing with their daughters. No longer able to gracefully move to the music, she can only watch and think of dances shared in times past.
She and her best friend Melissa had come alone to the club. It was a night out, no getting home before curfew and no disapproving parents when she'd come home late. Just having a good time and making it to her first class the next day.
She noticed him almost immediately. He was moving easily to the music, his sparkling brown eyes reflecting the enjoyment he felt as he twirled his partner. He was undeniably the best looking and the best dancer in the room. She watched him and wondered if he'd ask her to dance.
The music ended and he escorted his partner off the dance floor before going right to the bar and grabbing a soda. Moving over to where she stood, he flashed a grin and said, "Hello"
'Hello," she replied, a little shyly, trying not to stare. But he was so handsome, with his eyes like liquid chocolate and his curly brown hair.
"Would you like a soda or something?" he asked,
"Yes, that would be nice."
"I'm Rey Curtis," he said, leading her over to the bar.
"Deborah Joquin "
It's nice to meet you, Deborah. Is this your first time here?"
"It is. I'm spending the night with my girlfriend and we decided to come here. I'm a student at Manhattan University."
"I go to NYU. I'm here tonight with my roommate and a couple of buddies. Is a Coke okay, unless you're twenty-one," he asked, reaching for his wallet.
"Coke's fine. Looks like Melissa's found herself a dance partner"
"Yeah. My roommate Nick." He paid for the soda and led the way to an empty table. "You wanna dance as soon as you finish the Coke?"
"I thought you'd never ask," she said, smiling sweetly.
Their sodas finished, they moved to the dance floor. He took her in his arms as the music started. And she knew she wanted to dance with him again.
"You decide who dances with whom, I'm gonna sit this one out," Rey said. Laughing and breathless, he sat down on the sofa while the Latin music CD was replaced by Ricky Martin singing La Vida Loca.
Together they watched Isabel and Serena trying to out do each others' moves. Rey wrapped his arm around Deborah and drew her head onto his shoulder. "What are you thinking about?' he asked softly.
"Our first dance together," she said as a tear slid down her cheek. "I wish I could dance like that again."
He reached to gently wipe it away. "You'll always be my partner," he promised. The song ended and he put on a soft slow CD. Picking her up, he moved to the center of the room. And holding her close, he danced.