Centre of Gravity
"I know they're swollen, thank you. My face is up here."
"Oh yes," Holmes scowled, voice nearly acidic with sarcasm. "Gawping at my brother's pregnant wife has long been a fantasy of mine. I'm looking at my feet!"
"I know that, but the lady you dance with won't. Keep your head up," she chided, noting with no small amusement that he was counting steps under his breath. "And don't get cranky with me because you can't waltz at your age. I'm surprised you agreed to this benefit at all. Keep your rhythm! One, two…"
"I feel like a caged bear; Lestrade says I'm to be the main attraction, and that if I refuse he'll call in several breaking and entering charges." One, two, three, turn. "I'm surprised you retained so much balance with the extra ballast in the front now." As they turned they were closer, and he felt a kick from the girl's stomach, causing him to break the pattern. Trying to shrug off her giggling, he questioned "Does he do that often?"
"She does it as often as she pleases," sighed Ann Marie, gesturing for him. "Again. Shoulders back this time; you look like a vulture when you slouch."
