54. Distance
Ella was true to her word. The next day when Dana met her on the pier Ella led her straight to the drum cabin where Nate and Andy were discussing their classes and their students. Dana had a feeling Ella had asked Nate to distract Andy from practicing so she could introduce them. Ella knocked on the door frame and both boys turned to face the girls that were standing in the open door.
"Ells," Nate said happily. "Hey, Dane."
Dana nodded to him in acknowledgement. "Nate."
"Dana," Ella said with a smile. "This is Andy. Andy this is Dana Turner. She's from the camp across the lake."
"Hi," Dana said with a smile as she reached out to shake his hand. He returned her easy smile with his own strained one and briskly shook her hand.
"Hello," he said with a gulp.
"I, um, heard you playing yesterday when I walked by with Ella," Dana said brightly. "You're really good."
He cleared his throat and blushed. "Thanks. Nate tells me you play piano?"
Dana nodded. "My whole life. My dad enrolled me in a private arts school so I've been practicing almost non stop since I was six."
"Wow," Andy said with wide eyes. "That's intense."
She shrugged. "It's not so bad once you get used to it."
While Dana and Andy chatted Ella scooted closer to Nate. She nudged his arm and smirked when he turned to look at her.
"Thanks," Ella whispered.
"For what?" Nate asked.
"For distracting Andy," Ella said. "I really appreciate it."
He shrugged. "You asked me nicely. How could I refuse?"
"So, what do you think?" Ella asked as she motioned to Andy and Dana.
"I think…it might work," Nate said slowly. "If Andy can relax and man up enough to talk to her. I mean look how far away from her he's standing. I know from experience, Dana tends to ignore personal boundaries. So, if they can get past that…then they might stand a chance."
"I think they can do it," Ella said optimistically. "Plus, they're sort of adorable."
Dana tried to ignore the whispered conversation Nate and Ella were having. She hoped Andy couldn't hear it as well as she could. "So, are you enjoying teaching classes here?"
He glanced over to Nate and Ella nervously and then back to her. "Um, I—yes."
Great, Dana thought. Another boy who can't talk to me. "You know, I've always wanted to learn how to play the drums. And dance, but I don't think you could teach me how to dance. I mean, unless you actually are a dancer too. I never really asked you if you could dance. I mean it's not like a topic that comes up in normal conversation, right?"
Andy's eyes widened as she rambled and he nodded silently.
Dana winced and cleared her throat. "Sorry, I, um, ramble when I'm nervous. So, ah, could you teach me?"
"Teach you?" Andy asked in confusion. "Teach you what?"
"To play the drums. Do you think you could teach me?"
"I—wouldn't you rather ask Nate?" Andy asked hesitantly.
Dana chuckled. "If I wanted to ask Nate…then I would, but I'm not. I'm asking you."
"Then I—I guess…I guess I could teach you," Andy said before he paused to clear his own throat. "If that's what you really want."
"Great!" Dana said brightly. "Maybe I could meet you here? Same time tomorrow?"
"I—uh…sure?" Andy said with uncertainty.
"Awesome!" Dana said with a little excited hop. "I'll see you tomorrow! C'mon, Ella!"
Ella's eyes widened as Dana turned and left. She glanced at Nate reluctantly before looking back to Dana. "We're leaving? Now?"
"Yep, I want to see the alterations you made to that outfit from yesterday," Dana said from outside of the door.
Ella sighed and waved goodbye to Nate. "See you at dinner?"
He nodded and smiled. "I'll save you a seat." Nate watched Ella and Dana go before turning back to Andy. "Well, that went well. Don't you think?"
"I'm not sure what just happened," Andy admitted. "Did I…just agree to give her lessons?"
Nate chuckled. "Yes you did."
"How did that happen?"
"It was a surprise attack. Dana's very good at those," Nate said with a smirk. "Believe me, I know."
Andy chuckled and scratched his head. "I guess. But I'm not the only one being sneak attacked. You and Ella seem awfully close. How did that happen?"
Nate sighed and shook his head. "No idea. It just…did." He smiled slightly as he continued. "But, believe it or not, I actually…like it. She's different than a lot of other girls I've met. She doesn't fake anything. She's honest, you know?"
"I've known Ella longer than you have, remember? I was friends with her before she started hanging out with Tess. So, yes, I know. She says what's on her mind…whether it makes sense or not," Andy said with a chuckle.
"I have a feeling this is going to be a very interesting summer," Nate told him with a smirk.
Andy quickly nodded his agreement. "No doubt."
