Chapter Six

"What Turns Around, Comes Around"

Just like he'd promised, as soon as the orchestra began playing, Obi-Wan spun me out upon the dance floor. We were one of the first to participate, but it was the one instance I didn't mind everyone watching. We danced well together and I enjoyed the way he made me feel – talented and light-footed.

"Was dancing a requirement at the Jedi Academy?" I asked him as we slowly twirled.

"Not exactly," he explained. "Qui-Gon taught me. He thought it would be helpful during future diplomatic missions."

"And was it?" I asked. I loved hearing his stories.

"Most definitely," he informed me as we took a few turns that were part of this particular routine, coming back together to face one another, with his arm wrapped about my waist. "Probably the most challenging was the treaty celebration dance on Rimbaud. I was required to stand up with the daughter of the Senatorial representative."

"Rimbaud? But they're bipedal. They don't have any arms."

"Hence, the challenge," Obi-Wan explained with a twinkle in his eye.

I couldn't help but smile along with him when he told stories about his missions. He always presented them with such appeal I could listen to him for hours. However, our time was apparently up. At least for now. Anakin had walked up behind him and was tapping on his shoulder.

"Do you mind, Master?"

Obi-Wan smiled at his student and then at me. "Of course not, Padawan. Until the next time, Senator," he said to me formally with a slight bow.

I allowed Anakin to take Obi-Wan's place, although he was nowhere close to the dancer his Master was.

"Listen," the young man spoke as soon as we spun away. "I had a role to play, but apparently it's been changed."

"That's good to hear," I told him. "Or else, Dormé would need to look for another job."

Anakin chuckled warmly. "I'm pretty sure her heart is in the right place, but she seems to get a little carried away sometimes."

"Sometimes?" I echoed with a laugh.

"I guess it wouldn't hurt to tell you that her plan was for me was to interrupt every dance my Master joined you on. It was supposed to make you…how did Dormé put it? Oh yeah – appear more desirable. I guess her idea was to make Master Kenobi jealous."

My eyes rolled toward the ceiling. "There's apparently no limit to her interference."

"I promise to leave you alone after this if that's what you'd prefer, but I need you to do me a favor. I'd like to turn the tables on her. Could you pretend to be enjoying our dance? Maybe allow me to hold you a little bit closer and laugh at my jokes?"

I gazed at the young man cynically before the light came on in my head. "You like her, don't you?" I teased him. Oh, this was perfect! I'd so much enjoy giving Dormé a taste of her own medicine for once!

"Yeah," the young man said while a blush colored his cheeks. "Do you think you could do that for me? Otherwise, I don't know how to get beyond this brother-sister type relationship we've got going."

How cute were they? "Of course I'll help," I told him, suddenly coming up with an idea of my own. "But keep this between us and do me a favor as well."

Out of the corner of my eye, I'd been watching Obi-Wan's reaction. Although he was speaking with Master Windu, his attention kept returning to the dance floor as well as the young man holding onto me, more closely than before.

Was it possible? Was he jealous? Or merely concerned with his Padawan's behavior?

"Go ahead and do as you'd planned," I told Anakin. "You may dance with me as much as you expected. Don't you dare tell Dormé I said this, but I think this particular idea of hers might work."

As we spun, I noticed Anakin peering in the direction of a group of Jedi Masters. Obi-Wan was among them.

"Oh, yeah. I don't recognize that expression, so I think you're right. Let's do it."

On the next turn-around, I looked for Dormé. I knew her well enough to be able to tell if something was bothering her, which was a fairly simple observation. The girl wore her feelings like her make-up. Too much of it and all out in front for everyone to see.

Indeed, she was obviously perturbed, with her arms crossed over her chest, standing just off the dance floor, glaring at us. On our next passing, however, I noticed she had chosen a partner, and it was none other than Obi-Wan.

"They're coming around on the opposite side," I told Anni before getting another idea. "Would you care for a drink perhaps? I'll walk with you. Be sure to offer me your arm."

The young man grinned at the thought. "You're as bad as she is! I think Dormé is about to meet her match. I just hope this works."

On second glance, I noticed Obi-Wan had deserted his partner and I had lost sight of him completely. My prior excitement lessened dramatically.

"I do too," I murmured as we headed off the dance floor together.