See Me(54)

That wasn’t, however, what Lily had asked him.

“I spoke to her just a little while ago.”

“And she’s doing well?”

He thought about her job situation, but it wasn’t his place to share that information. It was her life, her story, not his.

“I think she was glad to hear from me,” he said truthfully.

“You hadn’t called her?”

“I called her Sunday night. After I talked to you and Evan.”

“And you didn’t call her on either Monday or Tuesday?”

“I was working.”

“You could have called on the way to or from work. Or on your break. Or on your way to class or the gym.”

“Yes.”

“But you didn’t.”

“No. But we’re going to lunch tomorrow.”

“Really? Someplace special, I hope.”

“I haven’t really thought about it.”

Lily didn’t bother to hide her disappointment. Evan reentered the room with a large glass of ice water. He thrust it out for Colin.

“Thanks, Evan,” Colin said. “You didn’t have to do that. I could have gotten it.”

“Ha, ha,” Evan answered as he sat back down. Then, to Lily: “Now, what did you want to talk to him about?”

“We were discussing his lunch date tomorrow. Colin has informed me that he and Maria will be dining together.”

“My advice? Make sure your car starts,” Evan said.

Lily glanced with disapproval in his direction. “My primary concern has to do with his date this weekend, and I wanted to discuss the matter with him.”

“Why?” Evan asked.

“Because the first true evening one spends with the other is a critical time in any relationship,” she answered, as though it were obvious. “Had Colin simply invited Maria to dinner or perhaps to walk the promenade downtown, I would have no worries at all. Or had he suggested that the four of us go out together, I’m sure that the conversation would be so engaging that Maria would have a wonderful time as well. Alas, Colin is going to be on his own and he’s bringing Maria to a club, though I am certain that issue has already been addressed.”

Evan raised his eyebrow. Colin said nothing.

Lily focused her attention on Colin again. “I asked you to visit with us this evening because I was curious if you have any experience or even familiarity with salsa dancing.”

“No.”

“Then, most likely, what you also don’t know is that salsa is a partner dance.”

“That’s what dancing is,” Evan cut in.

Lily ignored her fiancé. “Salsa dancing can be very enjoyable if the couple practices together,” she explained. “But since that’s not possible in this situation, you will have to do the best you can, and there are things you have to know. Like the way to move your feet, or lead your partner in a spin, or offer her the chance to separate and perform a few moves on her own, all the while making it feel as though it is a natural part of the dance all along. If you don’t do those things, it will be almost impossible to impress her.”

Evan laughed. “Who says he wants to impress her? Colin doesn’t care what anyone thinks —”

“Go on,” Colin said, cutting him off.

Evan turned toward him in surprise while Lily sat up straighter. “I’m pleased you understand the dilemma you’re in. What I’m trying to tell you is that you need to learn the basics.”

For a moment, neither Colin nor Evan said anything.

“And just how is he supposed to learn the basics?” Evan finally asked. “We live in Wilmington. I highly doubt there are any salsa dance instructors who will clear their schedules in the next couple of days so my friend here won’t embarrass himself.”

Lily leaned over, reaching for the small bag that had been placed next to the couch and pulling out an assortment of CDs.

“These are salsa albums, and you’ll need to listen to them. I called my old dance teacher and she was more than happy to send a few samples. Nothing is very recent, but that’s not important. Salsa is more about speed and rhythm – the beat, so to speak – than melody. And as for the instructor, I will be more than happy to help Colin learn what he needs to know.”

“You know how to salsa dance?” Evan asked.

“Of course,” she answered. “I danced for almost twelve years, and at various times, we focused on alternative dancing.”

“Alternative?” Evan asked.

“I grew up in Charleston. Anything other than the shag or the waltz is considered alternative,” she said, as though this were the kind of thing any civilized Southerner would know. “But really, Evan. You need to let Colin ask the questions. He’s barely been able to say a single word.” She turned to Colin. “Would you allow me to be your instructor for the next couple of days?”

“How much time are we talking about?”

“I’ll show you a few things tonight – the basic steps and movements, turns, and how to lead your partner through a spin – so you know what you’ll be working on. After that, we’ll need three hours tomorrow evening, and another three hours on Friday evening. After I finish work and change, so beginning around six. And obviously, you should practice in your spare time before you get here.”