Relief should be what I feel as Sarina swoops in to speak, sounding calm and collected, but I’m feeling anything but.
Maybe everyone was right, maybe I don’t have game. Since the first hookup I’ve had in who knows how long, has made me feel so out of sorts.
It was just a hook up.
It was just me and her in a room full of mirrors, with a front seat to how at peace she looked when she rode my face.
It was just a moment. That’s all.
Lorena’s fingers snap, breaking me from the trance I embarrassingly got lost in. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” I murmur.
“Good.” My sister takes the half empty glass I’ve been nursing and hands it to Tino, whose facial expression towards me is screaming, ‘Get it together’.
Trust me, I’m fucking trying.
Lorena continues. “Now I believe you owe my friend a dance like you promised.”
No one knows better than I do the domino effect that happens when I truly let loose. But the freedom it gives me, not to mention the confidence that I need to be around Sarina, is worth the risk. Before I can put up any more of an internal fight, her hand is in mine and I’m leading her out onto the dance floor.
And just like that, even in a crowded room, it feels like we’re alone.
“I love this song,” Sarina breathes. The opening instruments of Marc Anthony’s cover of Preciosa, spilling through the speakers, filling the room.
“Me too.” Nostalgia tugs at my heart.
This was one of my father’s favorite songs, and in turn, it has become one of mine. It’s a song about pride for our Puerto Rican heritage. A song celebrating the love and resilience of our island and people. Some of my fondest memories throughout have been accompanied by this song playing in the background and now, I get to add another one to the list.
Dancing to it with her.
I’ve lost all track of time. We both have.
It’s not until the previously dim lights burn bright, and the DJ thanks everyone for coming out, that we both register Salsa night is over.
I couldn’t tell you how many songs we danced to. Time didn’t cross my mind. If anything, it froze. Not a word was spoken between us. At least not with our mouths. Whatever we needed the other one to hear, and whatever we wanted to get off our chests, our bodies spoke for us. Moving in sync with the other, trusting that with each dip, twist and turn, we’d be there to continue what we’ve started.
Just as I’m about to thank her for dancing with me, Lorena and Tino walk over to us.
A slow clap dramatically sounds from Lo. “You two got your steps in today.” She nudges my arm. “You promised her a dance, not the whole night.”
“What can I say? Sarina’s an excellent partner.”
Tino’s eyes scrutinize me, likely waiting for me to either correct what I just said or put my foot in my mouth further.
“Dance partner,” I correct. “It’s been a while since I’ve actually danced at Salsa night, so it was good to get it out of my system.” My attempt at downplaying has my heart racing with guilt.
“Whatever you say, man. It was good to see you let loose,” Tino cuts in.
“Yes, very,” Lorena adds. “Gabriella will be pleasantly surprised.”
“Why’s that?”
Lorena and Tino exchange a loaded look between them.
“Hello?” I press.
Lorena walks to Sarina, interlacing arms. “After I showed Gabriella Sarina’s picture, she said that she’s too beautiful for you, and that you’d chicken out of dancing with her. So,” theinflection in her voice increases. “She will be very surprised that wasn’t the case.”
