Oliver felt uncomfortable. For some reason, the conversation between Shane and him had not come easily tonight. Having their menus in front of them had provided an excuse for silence or simple small talk, but now the menus were removed from the table, and they were left to their own devices again.
He all but sighed with tremendous relief when the music began. He looked at Shane from across the table, desperately hoping to rescue the evening. "Would you care to dance, Shane?"
Her heart skipped a beat every time he said her name. She smiled and nodded. He rose before her, held out his hand, she took it, letting him lead her to the dance floor. For some reason, things usually seemed less awkward between them when they were dancing.
Oliver selected a perfect spot, one that was quiet, but with a view of their table. He stopped, pulled her close, placing a hand on her back, drawing her hand to his, and they began to dance. He thought it would make the conversation come more easily, but words once again failed him. They danced the steps, and he allowed himself to be lulled by the rhythm, holding Shane close to him. He moved almost imperceptibly closer. Shane stopped dancing and stepped back, but retained her grasp on his hand.
"Is everything alright, Shane," he asked quietly, concerned.
She said "yes", and he felt immediate relief. But then she shook her head and said "no".
Oliver was confused.
"You seem distant tonight, Oliver. Not physically. We're definitely in close quarters now. You've hardly said a word. Is something wrong?" She paused, then went on. "I've been so nervous, and I wanted everything to be perfect, and you're so quiet. I hope I haven't done something wrong." She felt like she was rambling.
Oliver smiled cocked his head a bit and leaned in to whisper "Come back Shane."
They both chuckled, and she shook her head at him and the cliché cinematic tension vanished, and he drew her in to dance again.
"I have a confession to make", he began. "This night…this date, has me a little bit out of sorts as well. I'm not accustomed to feeling like this. I am nervous too. Maybe it's because it feels so…"
"Important" they said together.
"Do you think we start all over?" Oliver asked, grinning sheepishly. Shane nodded, they both took a deep breath, and Oliver pulled her closer, relief washing over him. They danced until their dinner arrived.
