“I’m going for it.”
APRIL STUDIED HERSELF in the full-length mirror and put a hand to her chest. After her reconstruction surgery, the doctor had put an implant in her unaffected right breast in order to make both match in size. She now had more cleavage than she’d had before her cancer diagnosis. The coral dress she’d chosen to wear had a scoop neckline that dipped down more than she would have liked. Afraid her scars would show, she found a floral scarf and looped that around her neck and tucked it into the collar to give her some coverage.
The doorbell rang, and she took one last glance at herself in the bedroom mirror. She’d changed because of cancer, but then she’d had to. Tonight was for taking back her life. And who knew what the future held.
She opened the front door and whistled at Mateo, who stood on the porch in an emerald green silk shirt and black pants. He looked like he was ready to dance. He gave a lopsided grin. “You look pretty good yourself.”
She adjusted the scarf. “Did you want to come in for a moment?”
He gave a nod before ducking inside. She took a deep breath before shutting the door and turning to face him. No dating for over two and a half years—long before cancer had dominated her thoughts and days—she put her nervousness down to that. It’s not like this was a blind date with a stranger. She knew she could trust Sherri’s cousin. Knew she could relax and have fun.
He glanced around the room, then his chocolate-brown eyes were back to her. “This is a nice place. Cozy.”
“It is small, but it’s close to the hospital. Since I spend most of my life there, it made sense to move into this neighborhood. I could even walk there if I had to. But late at night in this neighborhood, it’s not the best idea.” She bit her lip to keep from babbling.
Mateo nodded and let out a breath. “Sherri told me that she met you at the ER.”
“She told me that you’re a great lawyer.”
He cast his eyes down and gave a shrug. “I don’t know about great.” He raised his head to look at her. “Are you as nervous as I am?”
April laughed and put a hand to her belly. “Does it show?”
He took a step toward her. “Let’s just agree that tonight is about becoming friends and going out to have a good time.”
He was already playing the friend card? But she agreed. Not that she didn’t appreciate his trying to defuse the tension. “Do you want to head out?”
He helped her shrug into her coat, then he opened the door, letting her leave the house first. Just like a gentleman. He waited on the second step of the porch while she locked the door and put the keys into her rose-gold clutch. He even held her elbow as they walked down the sidewalk to his car. He opened the passenger door for her and waited until she had folded her legs inside and secured her seat belt before he shut the door and ran around to the driver’s side. He started the car, and silence fell between them as they drove to the club. After a few minutes, Mateo spoke. “My cousin mentioned you wanted to try salsa dancing. Why salsa?”
It was one of the things on her list, something she’d added after watching a reality show about dancing. “Because salsa dancers look like they’re enjoying the life they’ve been given. Sherri told me that you were an expert.”
He laughed at this. “If by expert she means that I’ve been dancing since I was eight, then yes, I guess I am.”
“Any tips?”
“Let the music guide you and follow my lead.”
It sounded easy enough. When they arrived at the club, Mateo took her elbow as they stepped inside and searched for a table. The beat of the music made April’s feet twitch, wanting to go out on the dance floor before she had learned any of the moves. She reminded herself that learning to salsa dance would take more than a good song playing on the sound system. She took off her jacket and handed it to Mateo, who left to check their coats and order some drinks.
Shortly after, Mateo approached their table with two drinks in his hands, a beer for him and a margarita for her. He handed her the bright pink drink, then glanced at the empty dance floor before sitting down. “When do they start the dancing?”
She took a sip and shrugged. “The website said nine.” She glanced at her watch. It was about a quarter past. “Maybe they’re running late?”
“Or maybe they’re waiting for someone to get things started.” He smiled at her. “Want to give it a try?” She took a gulp of her raspberry margarita and jumped up. Mateo took her hand as they walked to the dance floor.
“Start on your left foot,” he said and slipped his left hand in hers and his right on her back. He took a step forward as he nudged her backward. She took a step back with her left foot, then a step with her right and brought her left in line. Then he drew her forward a step. Her ankle wobbled on the heel of her shoe, and he gripped her tighter to keep her steady, and they stopped in place. “That’s the basic step. You’ll do fine.”
April gave a nod and stared at her feet. She remembered taking ballet when she was six, but had only lasted a year before she found that she preferred different pursuits like performing experiments in the science lab or reading about the life cycle of the earthworm. She’d left sports and physical activities to her brother, Tony, until now. Feel the beat, she chanted to herself. Follow Mateo’s lead. Stop thinking and just feel.
Mateo’s gaze searched her eyes. “Ready to start again?”
“You bet.” He nudged her backward again. This time, she stayed steady on her feet, switched off her brain for a few seconds while she followed his moves. Mateo grinned. “Now, I’m going to spin you. Ready?”
He held their hands up high, and she spun around under them. When she turned back to face him, she laughed. “I’m dancing.”
He returned her smile. “Yes, you are.” He tightened his grip on her hand. “Okay, now let’s try a different step.”
They started as they had before. Back, forward, then he put his arm around her shoulders and they danced side by side rather than facing each other. He spun her into their original position and started the sequence again. April whipped her head back on one of the turns and lost her footing again. Mateo caught her before she could hit the floor. “Sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. You’re doing really well for your first time salsa dancing.”
The song ended, and they headed to their table. April sipped her margarita and watched as other dancers filled the dance floor. The way they moved effortlessly and in sync amazed her. Even if she took dance lessons for six months, she doubted she could move as easily as the women dancing. She might dance better than tonight, but she’d still struggle with turning off her brain and letting her body take over.
She found Mateo watching her. “You look lost in thought,” he said.
Story of her life. “Sherri said you’re helping her and Dez finalize Marcus’s adoption.” The couple had planned on being his foster parents, but had recently taken steps to legally make him a part of their new family. “She’s so happy.”
