Epilogue and End Notes
Firulete
An adornment; a decoration; an embellishment: Complicated or syncopated movements which the dancer uses to demonstrate their skill and to interpret the music.
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Pam laughed and turned away as Rhonda and Tony excused themselves to get more wedding cake.
Bill was standing behind her. Sometime during the reception he had slipped away to find a tuxedo shirt to replace the red checked one he'd worn during the ceremony. He now looked oddly presentable in formal black and white.
The only spot of color was the red handkerchief in his jacket pocket. Pam smiled and reached up to adjust the points into a perfect crown shape.
"So," he said, grinning, "You finally pulled it off."
"No thanks to you," she said with a mock scowl. "But I'm too happy to tell you what I think about your timing right now."
"That's a relief," he said. "How's the head?"
"Better," she said, nodding. "If I ever need a hangover remedy again, I'll be glad to know the Tabasco juice, raw egg, and sauerkraut trick. Also if I ever really need to throw up."
"Consider it a bonus wedding present," he said. "So, got a dance free for me?"
"A Tango?" she said, cocking an eyebrow at him.
He grimaced.
"I'm all Tangoed out for a while," he said. "I was thinking a nice easy Rhumba."
"I do a mean Foxtrot," she said, taking his arm as he led her to the dance floor.
They stepped slowly around the floor in an easy waltz that had very little to do with the Rolling Stones song pouring out of the speakers.
Pam leaned close to his ear to be heard over the noise.
"Did you see your tiramisu?" she said.
He nodded.
"It was delicious," he said.
"I'm sorry it wasn't homemade."
He smiled.
"I could say something crass here about how you cook, but…"
He paused and looked down at her.
"Speaking of which," he said, "Did I ever get around to telling you how terrific you were?"
She raised an eyebrow.
"Should I assume you're talking about my skill with firearms, or my french toast, or something else all together?"
He grinned.
"Pretty much all of the above," he said.
She nodded.
"Then same to you, buddy," she said. "Except for the french toast."
They took another languid turn around the floor.
"I've been meaning to ask you something," he said.
"Mnn?"
"How does Ralph like his sweater?" he said.
She tripped over her own feet.
"Whoa, there," he said, catching her in mid-stumble. "I thought you got over that whole falling down thing."
"I haven't had a problem with it lately," she said a little breathlessly, brushing the hair out of her eyes.
She looked up at him. He was glancing down out of the corner of his eye.
"I can't believe I really thought you didn't notice," she said, shaking her head.
"Me neither," he agreed. "Noticing things is kinda part of the job description."
"He likes it," she said at last. "But it's not really the same effect."
"Red's more his color," Bill said.
"Yes."
"Sounds like our dance is just about over," he said as the chorus repeated again.
He looked down at her and his eyes were shining.
"Congratulations, beautiful," he said.
She smiled up at him.
"Thanks, Guiomar."
The music dropped to a few fading notes. They stood apart and looked at one another. The low percussion of a big band beat rumbled across the floor.
Bill grinned.
"Once more around the floor?" he said.
She smiled back.
"I thought you'd never ask."
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- end -
el Tango de Los Angeles
(Tango of the Angels)
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NOTES:
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Tango step definitions from: wwwtejastangocom
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GUIOMAR
Spanish, Portuguese
Pronounced: gee-o-MAHR
Possibly derived from a Germanic name meaning "famous in battle".
In some versions of Arthurian legend he was the cousin of Guinevere. After becoming a lover of Morgan le Fey he was banished.
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Volcada
A movement in the Tango. An action by the male partner puts the female off balance resulting in a falling step. If executed properly, the female is held suspended resulting in a beautiful elongated pose. The movement requires the support of a close embrace.
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