Chapter 2
"Well in theory you find a partner in the class and work with them, but there are always ways to practice without a live partner," Brenda told him.
With a smile AJ asked, "Like Fred Astair and his coat rack?"
"Something like that," she smiled back at him.
"Someday I'll have to see about taking a lesson or two from you."
"There's no time like the present," Brenda told him and then added at his skeptical glance, "I mean what else is there to do while we wait?"
"You're seriously suggesting that you give me a dancing lesson here?" AJ asked not sure whether to believe her or not.
"Yes I am," Brenda answered dropping her purse in the corner of the elevator and turning to face him. "It would be helpful if I knew what dances you already know."
"I guess as far as 'knowing' the steps of a particular dance the only one I really know is the waltz."
"Then lets start there," she suggested stepping closer to him and holding out her arms.
"But there's no music," AJ protested even as he moved to take her into his arms in the traditional dance position.
"Your posture is impeccable, I guess that must be all the military training?" Brenda asked grinning and then began to hum.
"Yes, although I have a clear memory of my mother telling me to stand and sit up straight too!" he chuckled as they moved around the elevator in a waltz.
"You do waltz well AJ, I think we can move on to the fox trot. Let me show you the steps and then we can try them together."
He watched as this lovely brown eyed beauty performed the steps with her shoulder length chestnut hair and her calf length skirt swinging around her. He could see the simple joy that dancing brought her, it lit up her face.
They danced for about two hours, and during that time Brenda found out that AJ was a fast learner as well as having a good voice. He took turns with her humming the music for them to dance to. When one of them would hit on a song the other knew they would both start singing the words. They decided that they needed a break and as they let go of each other, Brenda sank down to sit on the floor.
AJ looked at her in surprise that this graceful refined lady just calmly took a seat on the floor. He was even more surprised when she patted the floor next to her and suggested that he join her. With a 'what the hell' smile he joined her on the floor.
"It's been hours since we were trapped in here, any guess how long it might be till we are missed?" Brenda asked.
"I'm afraid not, with the power out there's no telling how long it will be till someone realizes we're missing."
"You're important enough to be missed, won't they be looking for you? And wouldn't they check the elevators in cases like this?"
"It all depends on what else is going on as to how soon I'd be missed and I'd guess the same answer would hold true for checking the elevator," AJ told her.
"Well then I guess we just wait."
"You don't have someone that will miss you? A husband? Boyfriend? Someone?"
"Just the students in my class tonight," she said then added after checking her watch, "But that won't be for another couple of hours yet and even then they'll just wonder where I am. None of them knew I was coming here today so that rules out help from that source. And you? No wife, or family that will be missing you?"
"Just a daughter in Italy, but we only talk on the phone once a week or so."
"Should we have been shouting for help all this time instead of dancing?" she asked with a smile.
"I was enjoying myself…but I guess it wouldn't hurt to call out for help," AJ said as he stood and pounded on the doors calling out, "Hello! Is there anyone there?" Silence was his only answer as was the answer he got each time he called out for the next several minutes.
"I don't think anyone is out there to hear you AJ."
"It would seem so," he replied rejoining her on the floor.
"Since we seem to have some time on our hands, why don't you tell me about yourself?" she asked.
To be continued…