“And what’s that?”
“When I commit to something, I don’t half ass it. I go all in. And I’m fully committed to spending the next hour swing dancing with you.”
“Then let’s see what you’ve got, Mr. Reed.”
“Prepare to be surprised, Ms. Holley.”
“Okay everyone.” Vera claps, forcing our attention in her direction. “Now that we’ve got everyone paired up, it’s time to start. First, we’ll go over the basic step you’ll need for your east coast swing. Leads, you’ll need to watch Arnold. Follows, keep your eyes on me.”
Nearly everyone in attendance watches them with rapt attention, mimicking their steps apart from their partners for the time being. But I don’t, using the opportunity to take in my surroundings. The restored barn is quite lovely, especially with fairy lights strung overhead, adding to the ambience. I can see why people want to get married here. It has a rustic yet classy charm. And the view is second to none.
It’s why I want this property so badly.
“Don’t you think you should pay attention?” Parker whispers.
“Don’t need to.”
“Of course. You’re a man, so you’re obviously an expert at everything.” She rolls her eyes. “Isn’t that right?”
“Not everything.”
When Vera instructs us to face each other, I turn toward Parker, grabbing her hand in mine and placing my free one just beneath her shoulder, as is customary when doing this specific dance. Music fills the room as Vera counts us down.
“But I know how to dance.”
I break into a rock step, triple step with ease. As if it’s second nature.
Once upon a time, it was.
It doesn’t matter how many years have passed since I stood in a large room much like this one and did these exact moves. It’s like riding a bike. You never truly forget.
Even if I wish I could.
“Who knew the Grinch liked to dance?” Parker says once Vera stops the music.
“It helps me remain limber for stealing all the jingtinglers and tartookas.”
“Probably a good idea. Those whohoopers and blumbloopers can be pretty heavy,” she retorts, catching my reference to a few of the crazy-named toys from the movie I once watched daily during December when I was a child.
“Most definitely.” I smile, then look back toward the front of the room as Vera reviews adding a gradual turn to the routine, as well as how to go from open position to closed.
Parker and I practice these additional variations, the two of us moving in perfect sync with the other, as if we’ve been dancing together much longer than just a few minutes.
“Great job everyone.” Vera claps to get our attention. “We’re going to put it all together now. Just remember, the rock step, triple step is your base. You don’t have to do anything else. Just do what you’re comfortable with. And most important of all, have fun.”
I face Parker, holding my arms out. “Ready to have some fun?”
She steps toward me and takes my hand in hers. “Of course.”
The music comes on, and I lead Parker through the basic routine, moving her around the dance floor with ease. After a minute, we progress to a few advanced moves the instructor hasn’t reviewed. But Parker still keeps up.
“I have to admit, Mr. Reed. I’m pleasantly surprised.”
“With what?” I ask, feigning ignorance.
“You didn’t strike me as the type of person to do anything but sit in your office, thinking of ways to steal someone’s joy, like the Grinch you are.”
A few hours ago, that statement probably would have been filled with venom. I think I’m starting to get under her skin. Helping her see a human side of me instead of simply the person trying to buy this place.
