Florian looks relieved. He squeezes my hand. “I find this time together very romantic too.”
And then he leans toward me and kisses my cheek again. He tightens his grip around my waist, and I sit perched on 6 foot 4 inches of sweet, muscular man in front of his family and his sister and pretend I am not the least bit affected.
Florian’s scent wafts around me. He bringsthe same care he took to choosing an enema kit and condoms to his lotions and body wash. The scent is complex and masculine, and I am going absolutely crazy by having him so close.
“You two used to waltz around the apartment,” Gina continues.
Florian’s mother beams. “The dance lessons! I told you they would be useful.”
I glance up at Florian. His cheeks are pink. “Yes, Mama. You were correct.”
“Your mother is a very wise woman,” Florian’s father says.
His mother sighs. “Florian never liked the lessons.” Then her face sobers. “Probably because of all the women.”
“It’s okay, Mama.”
“I’m sorry,” Florian’s mother says.
Florian shakes his head. “Nonsense. To think that now I ballroom dance with Mateo!”
“You ballroom dance by the pool too,” Gina adds. “Mateo told me how nice it was.”
“That sounds so romantic,” Florian’s mother says, clapping her hands, and Florian squeezes me happily.
“You should ballroom dance now,” Gina says.
Florian
“That is an excellent idea.” I guide Mateo off my lap.
He gives me a startled look.
“Let’s dance.”
“Now?”
“There is no time like the present to regain one’s memory.”
“I’m not much of a dancer,” Mateo says hastily.
“But you’ve gotten so much better,” Gina says.
“From a neuroscience perspective it might benefit Florian to be kinesthetically triggered,” Papa says.
Mama nods multiple times. “We have multiple senses. Is there a particular smell that you associate with each other?”
I slide my gaze to Mateo.
Perhaps we should be having sex after all.
No. Why did I think that? Why is my mind so dirty?
“Well,” Gina says. “Mateo and Florian used to love going to romantic restaurants. Perhaps the smell of the food might trigger something.”
“Not to speak of the taste sensation!” Papa looks at Mateo. “You must write down exactly what Florian ordered!”
“Well…” Mateo looks to Gina. Then he looks to the ground. “Maybe when you feel better, Florian. I’m not sure I can remember exactly what you ordered.”
