Page 92 of The Man with a Treasure

“Yes! Yes!”

I shouted over the music, “Slide down.”

As soon as she did, I spun to face her and grabbed her hands. “Dance, beautiful Dove!”

Holding my hands tightly, her eyes were locked to mine as she started to bend her knees.

“Yes. Do it again.”

They bent then straightened.

“Yeeeees. Again!”

Her smile was simply marvelous as her knees started bouncing to the beat.

“You are a natural! Now, let’s move our feet.” I began, stepping side to side.

Scarlett watched, then followed…

With our joined hands, I moved her about the living room floor. She never stopped smiling in between all her gasps and laughter. She was a Goddess gaining her Godly powers. An angel gaining her wings. She looked like a butterfly finding the sun.

It was time to set her free…

I let go of her hands, but never stopped moving, encouraging her to do the same.

She did. Scarlett learned how to fly.

I don’t know how many songs passed when the front door opened. Since it had been locked, I assumed it was Angelo. It wasn’t.

Scarlett yelled over the music, “Mae! Dance with us!”

With keys and grocery bags in her hands, Mae shook her elderly hips all the way to the kitchen. I danced out the front door to get more bags from her trunk.

I can’t explain the joy I experienced when Scarlett followed, all fear of the driveway gone. She shook and danced, helping me grab bags, music blaring out the front door.

The best part?

She was wearing her shoes.

Sadly, another miracle had to end. Eventually, Scarlett was again worried for Angelo. She stood at the front windows, like a puppy waiting for her master to come home. No headlights appeared as she clutched her plastic cup to her chest.

Back in my dress shoes, I stared at my cellphone. Angelo hadn’t called or answered my calls. I needed him to. I hadn’t ever dealt with Isabella on my own like he had. I was nervous I would fail Scarlett. The sun was setting, and I was almost through a bottle of wine with worry. I tossed the phone aside. Where are you, Angelo?

Gripping the kitchen island, I asked, “Dove, are you hungry?”

Her thighs had filled out and her arms no longer looked like string beans. I didn’t want Angelo’s actions to affect my hard work of putting weight on her.

Scarlett’s bare feet made no sound as she came to me in the kitchen. “Is he angry with me?”

“No. I think he is angry at himself.”

Her jaw dropped. “But… why?”

I smiled at her, loving how much she cared for my best friend. “Does he make your heart beat, Scarlett?”

Fingers reached around her cup to tap her chest as her eyes closed and her body swayed. “Yes.”

“See how your heart is beating for him again?”