“What’s so funny?”asked Riley, looking up from her conversation with Sally.
“Simon is telling me about salsa lessons,” said Sarah.“We’re going to try it tonight when we go to the dance, and I have a feeling his feet will be sore afterward.”
“Mom doesn’t dance,” Riley said, looking at Simon seriously.“Better not wear your sandals.”
He answered her by laughing louder.“I’ll take my chances, young one.Once summer rolls around, I rarely wear shoes.It’s just wrong somehow.”
Riley turned back to her meal and muttered, “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”Which only made Simon laugh harder.
“I have danced, I’ll have you know,” she said under her breath.“It’s just been a while.”
“I’ll risk it,” he said.“Now, let’s eat so we can get home and make sure those cats are okay before Mrs.Waverly comes.”
“What time do you expect her?”
“I told her five thirty.I thought I could drop you at home to give you time to change, and take the girls to my place.Then I can swing by and pick you up.”
“Riley, are you okay to go to Simon’s place now?”
“Sure, Mom,” Riley said, the picture of innocence.Her expression made Sarah worry only slightly.Was the girl up to something?
An hour later, showered and changed, Sarah stood in front of her mirror, admiring how her new dress skimmed her curves and the embroidered leaves caught the light as she swished the skirt back and forth.She curled her hair into a smooth bun that showed off the pearl drop earrings she hadn’t worn in years.Her polished nails, which she had managed to keep from chipping, were almost elegant against the silky fabric.
The woman in the mirror was different than the one she’d been a month ago.This woman wasn’t as serious as the old one.This one liked dancing and enjoying the little things in life.This one liked to have fun.
The doorbell rang, and she took one last look in the mirror before walking to the door in her silver sandals and opening the door to Simon.
Simon was standing on the doorstep dressed in a tan jacket and pants, a white cotton shirt, and, of course, his sandals.She grinned at them and prepared to make a joke, but when she looked up, she was struck speechless.His gaze was dark, seeing her in a way she hadn’t felt seen in a very long time.
“You look…” he started, then stopped, swallowing hard.“Beautiful.”
She wanted to fling her arms around him, to thank him for saying it, thank him for helping her feel like she was attractive rather than like a cast off being put on the shelf for a younger model, but instead she said, “You clean up well yourself.”
“Um, I thought you might like these.”He pulled a small bunch of roses out from behind his back.“Mrs.Waverly grows them in her garden and said I could have some.”
“They’re beautiful.Thank her for me?”She took the flowers, absurdly pleased, put them in water, and stood a moment to admire them before grabbing her purse and following Simon out to the car.
The drive to the community center was short, but Sarah felt every minute of it—the awareness of Simon beside her, the way his hand rested on the gear shift, the faint scent of his cologne mixed with the summer evening air coming through the cracked window.
“Ready for our lesson?”he asked.
“Yes.It should be fun.It’s been such a long time since I did any ballroom dancing.Unless you count my occasional Zumba class.”
“It’s been a long time for me too.”He pulled into the parking lot, which was already filling up.“I’m glad I have you to share this with.”
“Me too,” she admitted.“Though you’d best guard your feet.My daughter may have a point.”
He chuckled and walked around to her side of the car to take her arm, so they could walk in together.The community center had been transformed.Strings of lights hung from the ceiling, white tablecloths and vases of summer flowers were arranged around a dance area, and a live band was setting up in the corner.
They passed several people Sarah recognized, and she was grateful she’d made the effort to dress well.Others had on their finery, and it added a special vibe to the room.
“Simon!”A woman in a bright pink dress waved them over.“You made it!”
“Hi, Daphne.”Simon escorted Sarah over to his friend and took the time to introduce her to the rest of the group there.
“That was a great race today,” said Sarah.
“Thank you!It’s our first win.”Daphne beamed.“I’m glad you could come.I’ve heard a lot about you.”
