Alex went to the end of the bar and ducked underneath, squeezing her way by the staff, saying a quick hello to them as she went straight for the third fridge to grab two bottles of tonic. She took two of the fancier, bowl shaped glasses down from above her head and filled them both with ice. She added their shots of gin to them before pouring in the tonic, garnishing their drinks with thinly sliced cucumber.
Emily was right where Alex had left her less than two minutes ago, her eyes widening as she approached.
“Here you go,” Alex said, handing her the glass, their fingertips brushing.
“Thanks. If you weren’t so young, I might have guessed that you were the owner. Slipping behind the bar like that.”
Alex smiled. “Close. My uncle owns the club, but I bartend a few nights a week.”
“And that explains the dance moves.”
“Yes. I had an early start. This is all still new to me though,” she said, her eyes sweeping across the floor as it started to fill up again, the band taking their places on stage. “I couldn’t wait for my twenty-first birthday. And it had nothing to do with alcohol. I just wanted to get out there and dance.”
Alex spent so much time here, she knew just about every face, and she’d never seen this woman before. She was either a beginner looking to get out there and test her skills or a tourist just in town for a few days.
“So, what brings you here?” Alex asked, taking a sip of her drink.
“To the club or Miami?”
Alex leaned in a little closer as the music started back up, the trumpets breaking through the hum of conversation. “Both.”
“Well, I’m from Seattle. I came here tonight with my best friend, Gabby. See the blond-haired woman in the back corner.”
“Yeah.”
“She suggested taking lessons almost a year ago, and this is our first adventure out in a real-life salsa club.”
Alex smiled. “Well, I’m glad you’re here. I know so many people who never leave the comfort of their lessons. It takes guts to get out there, with no one to count you in.”
“I’ve only danced with Gabby so far. I have no idea how she managed to take the lead as well as she did. But then that handsome man asked her to dance, and she’s having a great time. I’m happy for her,” Emily quickly added. “Don’t get me wrong. That’s why she wanted to sign up for those lessons. She was sick of dating sites, and she thought it might be an interesting way to meet someone, so I’m thrilled for her.”
“They do look like they’re having fun.”
“Hmm. Although, she could have done with meeting someone like that closer to home, but anyway…” Emily’s voice trailed off.
“What about you?”
“What about me?” Emily asked, her shoulder brushing against Alex’s bare arm as she leaned in so that Alex could hear her.
“Did you sign up for lessons in the hopes of meeting someone? Because I can confirm that salsa is a fantastic way to meet women. Or men too, I guess.” Alex stumbled over those last few words, and she wasn’t even sure if Emily had heard them over the music.
“Is that so?” Emily said with a chuckle. “Well, that’s good to know, but no, not really. I mean, I know that’s what Gabby wanted, but I also know that she was doing her best to get me back out there. Enjoying life again. So, yeah. I’m certainly open to it. But that’s not the reason I started. And I’ve really surprised myself these last few months. I love it. I have a long way to go but… How is salsa a fantastic way to meet women?” Emily asked. “I feel like just about everyone here is straight.”
Alex took another drink, replaying some of Emily’s words. So, was she gay or…? Alex was going to stick with her gut feeling that she was.
“If you don’t mind me asking,” Emily said when Alex hadn’t answered right away.
“No, of course not. I know it’s mostly men and women paired up, but it’s just… It’s different than the usual way of meeting someone at a bar, you know? Standing here, like this, chatting over the music. When you’re dancing with someone, you’re so close, and salsa is naturally sexy. And if you have chemistry with someone when you’re dancing?” Alex smiled. “It creates this connection, this sexual tension. Let’s just say it carries over… In a more intimate setting. Away from all this.”
Alex gulped her drink to shut herself up. If she wasn’t careful, she’d scare this woman off before they even finished their drinks.
3
Emily ignored the knowing look Gabby had thrown her from the other end of the bar. She looked happy. That much was obvious. And why wouldn’t she? That guy who’d asked her to dance was still by her side and now they were heading back out onto the dance floor with Gabby more than likely assuming that Emily had pulled.
She sipped her drink while Alex did the same. Emily had no idea how to respond to what Alex had just said.‘It creates this connection, this sexual tension. Let’s just say it carries over… In a more intimate setting. Away from all this.’
Emily leaned in, their arms brushing. “So, is this where you pick up women then?”
