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Even when Ed hands me a glass and raises a toast, I stare at Evan, laughing at the senator's jokes. He’s actually somewhat charming. Easygoing.
“Would you… care to dance?” Ed asks, gesturing to the dance floor. The live band just started playing something upbeat, jazzy.
I pause, honestly debating it. My nerve wavers.
Ed waits, smiling kindly. For a man in his sixties, he’s even pretty good-looking. Fit. Light on his feet.
I let my eyes talk for me, checking him out, checking the dancefloor to see how many people are already dancing.
Then I blatantly look right at Evan, waiting for him to call me out. His nostrils flare slightly as he takes a deep breath. His head cocks to the side, like he’s willing to allow it. As if I need his permission.
He’s going to try to bluff. To see if I’ll chicken out.
It’s all the courage I need.
“Lead on, Ed!” I let the light buzz I’m riding carry me forward.
The first few seconds are jarring, dizzying, but then I’m swaying, spinning. Senator Garcia is a natural, and well-trained, leading easily and making sure I can keep up. After a few bars, I loosen up, showing off just a bit, letting myself fall into steps I know well.
The song rolls on, and I let go.
I’m actually dancing. In front of people.
And having a good time.
Ed notices that I clearly know what I’m doing and steps up his game, twirling me, dragging me back, laughing as he shows me off for everyone to see. I should probably not be dancing with the party host at his daughter’s big day, but he’s polite and not sleazy with where he puts his hands.
I barely notice when the song ends and everyone claps, even Evan, who’s watching me like a hawk from the sidelines, an odd expression on his face.
The next song starts, a raucous tango, and I laugh out loud at the senator as he wags his eyebrows, silently asking me whether I’ll continue.
Fuck it.
I don’t even bother to see if he’s watching.
I’m having too much fun.
Every beat hits me right in the chest, like the music is pounding on a door I’ve kept closed and locked for so long. Every step eases it open, freeing a part of me I never thought I could let out.
It’s such a simple thing, but one that has bugged me for years.
Spin, stomp, bend, step, and we’re rushing across the dancefloor. Ed is a delight, getting just as lost in the complicated movements and steps as we cross, back, cross, and he throws me away into a spin.
I feel the song building, the finale drawing near, and I rush back to him, let him pull me in and sling me back into a bend right as the final notes ring out.
The entire crowd erupts in whistles, applause, and cheering. It’s only right then that I notice that we are the only two on the dancefloor. Ed pulls me back up and claps for me, as well, holding his hands out like he’s presenting me to the crowd.
Oh, my God.
My cheeks must match my dress.
But even though I do feel a bit embarrassed being the center of attention…
It felt good.
Great, even.
I catch a glimpse of Tell at the doors, shaking his head, smiling in admiration. I grin back, pressing my lips together. I’m glad he saw me.
