"Today, we're going to practice trusting our partners," Beth announced to the group. "How much do you trust your partner? What can you and your partner do so that you can trust your partner more?"
Angela stole a side glance at Tony. For as long as she could remember, she had trusted him with nearly every aspect of her life. He had seen her at her best and at her very worst, and she knew the reverse was true for him. In fact, she wasn't certain she could imagine trusting him more than she already did.
"For the women in the group," George began, "raise your hand if you'd trust your partner with your life."
Several of the younger women in the group laughed and a cut a doubting side glance at their partners. Angela chewed her bottom lip but did not hesitate to raise her hand; few of the other women followed suite. Tony felt a surge of pride.
Beth laughed and elbowed George in the ribcage.
"Don't let him scare you. You won't be risking your lives tonight, but trust will be the key. We're going to practice the lift. First, we'll demonstrate, and then you can practice with your partner."
They watched as George effortlessly lifted his partner into the air above his head. He held her there as she raised her legs and arms horizontally, gliding like a swan on calm water. By the time he lowered her back to the floor, many of the other women in the room were making skeptical comments about how they and their partner could manage such a move.
"Well, I've picked you up before," Tony commented with a chuckle.
Angela raised an eyebrow at him.
"Not like that."
"Are you scared?" he teased.
She shook her head.
"I trust my partner, remember?"
The grin she gave him left him with a fluttering feeling in the pit of his stomach.
"Okay, now you get to practice!" Beth called to the group.
Tony listened as George gave specific instructions for the lift. He smiled softly as he pondered on how long it had been since he had last picked Angela up off the floor. He couldn't deny that she had always felt so right in his arms.
"I think I'm ready," Angela said quietly, breaking Tony from his wandering thoughts.
"Let me know if I hurt you," he said, "or make you uncomfortable. I don't wanna -"
"Tony," she cut him off gently with a reassuring smile, "I said I trust you."
He nodded and took a deep breath. Angela held tightly to his wrists, as she had been instructed, as Tony splayed his palms onto her hipbones. She jumped and marveled at the ease with which he lifted her up, higher and higher until her body was above his head. Angela struggled to hold her weight while simultaneously working to lift her legs. Her body trembled, and she whimpered. In an instant, Tony lowered her back down gently onto the ground.
"You did great," he whispered comfortingly, pulling her body toward him.
Her mind still whirred and her body trembled from being lifted so high off the ground. She was thankful for Tony's steadying hold around her waist. Angela smiled as she rested her forehead onto his chest.
"I couldn't have done that with anyone else."
To be continued