Chapter thirteen: Right Before State

Among all that, I remember now that state was a week away. I told Fender,

"I'm firing Mike. I think the only way for us to win is to have you as my partner. The only competition I have won with him was a "small" one. I'm going to take a risk, but come with me at the studio right after the show."

"I am going back on the show, too."

When Fender and I arrived back at the studio the next day, Corny said,

"Welcome back."

I told them all,

"You're invited to see me at state next week. Saturday, August 3rd. All right, it's a three-round competition. Downtown Baltimore-dress nice. The Top 12 dancers in Maryland from the four regions."

"I'm happy, Crystal."

We had a great show today and then Fender and I headed to the studio.

"Crystal!" my dance instructor called, "Chop! Chop! Enough! Tell your boyfriend you have to practice."

I replied,

"Fender's goin' to be my partner for state. And Mike, you're fired."

"Crystal, but Fender doesn't know the moves. He's not a ballroom dancer."

"Oh, sure he is. And I even taught him some of the steps. He'll learn it."
"Then, let's hurry."
The whole evening was prepared our two "performance dances" . The first was the salsa and the other was a jazz dance.

We were going to use the same concepts for Nationals, if we qualified.

"Fender, go sharper. Don't be too all over the place. There is such a thing."

After a long practice, Fender said,

"Let's go eat. We haven't had a date in a while."

Just then, my instructor said,

"Crystal, I need to talk to you."

"Okay."

"It'll be quick, Fender. Just some standard stuff."
"I can't believe you have a 'perfect partner', as they say, 'You're lucky to have one in your lifetime.' But…"

"Yes?"

"You and Fender will go far with that chemistry. I've never seen that in a young dancing couple. You care about Fender enough that you'd rather see him in a competition with you."
"Oh, but thank the Corny Collins show for that. That's where I met Fender."

"Crystal, state is an honor and what if you become famous? Aren't you a triple threat?"

"Well, I am."

"Crystal and Fender-and what are we going to do about his costume for the competition?"

"You're gonna have order one for him."

"We'll do that."

"You can do that quickly."

"All right, I have the access."

Fender and I went out to eat because of the long, tedious day.

I wondered,

Was Fender truly my perfect partner?