“I’m so glad we called when we did. One day later, and we’d have missed the deadline to register for these classes,” Roz said.
“Yeah, I’m looking forward to gliding around the dance floor with you.” Konrad placed a hand on Roz’s waist and she placed her hand on his shoulder the way the dance instructors had demonstrated.
“Yeah, and I’m not the most patient man in the world. How long would we have had to wait for the next session? Six weeks?”
They laced the fingers of their free hands together and held them high.
“At least. This is a six-week course, and I don’t know if they take a break in between.”
Konrad advanced with his right foot a little early, and Roz hesitated. He felt the lump of her toes under his foot just as he was putting his full weight on it.
“Ouch!” Roz cried and hopped away holding her left foot. Her black stiletto teetered on the floor and fell over.
Konrad took a step back. “Oh, God, I’m sorry. Are you all right?”
She drew in a few deep breaths and rubbed her toes. “Yeah…I’m fine.”
The female instructor stopped the music and said, “I see we have Cinderella in our class. Where is your other shoe, Cinderella?”
Konrad retrieved her spike-heeled shoe and handed it to her. “It was under my other left foot, I’m afraid.”
“Ha! At least the prince admits he has two left feet.” The male instructor spoke with a Slavic accent. His female counterpart turned the music back on. “Everyone else, continue to practice. I’ll work with these two.”
How humiliating.
“It wasn’t your fault, lover. I think I was supposed to get my foot out of your way before you crushed it.”
“Roz, tell me the truth. Are you hurt? Because we should stop right now if you are.”
“No, no. I’m fine. Really. We can’t give up that easily.”
“I guess you’re right. I’m sure all dancers have had their share of injuries.”
The male instructor joined them. “It’s true. No one learns to dance well without a few spills and missteps along the way. Now take your positions.”
Konrad rested his right hand on Roz’s waist and took her hand in his left.I can think of positions I’d rather be in.
“We don’t have to do this, you know. I mean, if you’re not enjoying yourself—”
No, I didn’t mean it like that.He chuckled.You were just reading my dirty mind.
The instructor frowned at Konrad. “Is something funny?”
“No, not at all.”
“Pay attention, lover. We’ll get to those other positions later.”
He grinned.
The instructor said, “I’ll count one, two, three, go. At that moment, I want you both to move your feet. Sir, your right foot goes forward, and miss, your left foot goes back. Now as soon as you’ve done that one move, stop. Understood?”
The couple nodded and said, “Understood.”
“Okay. One, two, three, go.”
They both took the one step they were supposed to take safely.
“Good. Now back to your original position, and do it again.”
