Page 27 of I Knew He Was Trouble
Darla’s smile widens. “Thank the heavens they’re finally giving us a saucier dance. We’re old, not dead.” I press my lips together to hide my smile as she leans over to Lorraine and loudly whispers, “I might even be able to throw a booty pop in this one.”
Lorraine tuts while Darla steps closer to me. “I’m going to ask Ed to be my partner. He’s a hot commodity since he’s the only man here with any hair left. I’m sure he can still get down and groovy.”
I can’t fight my smile anymore as she sashays across the room, calling, “Yoohoo, Ed.”
When Darla sees another woman heading toward him, she practically sprints the remaining distance, wrapping her armthrough Ed’s and sticking her tongue out at the other woman as he escorts her onto the dance floor.
It’s official. I want to be Darla when I grow up.
My cheeks hurt from smiling throughout the lesson. I watch all the residents get into the tango and attempt to hit each step with precision. It’s adorable and the perfect reminder of why I love planning this activity each month. It’s also just the distraction I need.
When the instructors are packing up, Darla joins me along the wall and pats my arm. “That was the best one yet, dear.”
“The tango was made for you.”
“Thanks for noticing.” She beams. “I’ll take any opportunity to strut my stuff.” Darla taps her lips. “Now, if only I can get Ed to agree to go on a date with me. He thinks I’m tooenthusiasticfor him.”
“He doesn’t know what he’s missing.”
“That’s what I’m saying.” Darla fluffs her hair. “It’s his loss.”
I gently squeeze her arm. “It sure is.”
“Escort me back to my room, dear?”
“Of course.”
She loops her arm through mine as we walk out of the activity area toward her room. “You know what I’m most surprised by, though?”
“What?” I ask, ready for whatever outrageous thing might come out of Darla’s mouth.
“Thatyouhaven’t been snatched up yet.”
I take it back. I guess I wasn’t prepared for everything she might say—specifically, my non-existent love life. Most people are surprised to hear that I’d rather be single. I just value my independence, and there hasn’t been a man I’ve met who’s changed my mind otherwise. Plus, watching my parents’ marriage implode didn’t exactly leave me believing in the idea of true love.
I wave off her comment. “I have my whole future ahead of me. I’m young. There’s still plenty of time to find someone.”
“If you decide otherwise, I have a handsome nephew I can set you up with.”
I don’t even want to think about how much older her nephew might be than me. “Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Do you know what dance they’ll teach us next?” She nudges my hip with hers. “If they need some ideas, I’ve always wanted to learn how to twerk.”
I giggle at the mental image, but it quickly turns into a nightmare of residents throwing out their backs. Clearing my throat, I say, “Maybe I can suggest another upbeat dance like the salsa.”
Darla shrugs. “I guess that works too.” When we stop in the hall in front of her room, she pulls me in for a hug. “Thanks for another wonderful activity.”
“I only arranged the instructors.” I push my hair behind my ear. It’s always been difficult for me to accept compliments.
“You do so much more than that for me with your activities.” She pats my arm and then winks at me. “You keep me young.”
I shoot her my warmest smile. “You’re the one who keepsmeyoung, D.”
“D.” She holds a hand to her chest and grins. “No one besides family has called me that in years.” Darla wags a finger at me. “You know, you really should take me up on my offer to set you up with my nephew. He’s a looker, and he’ll be here to visit me soon. He—”
I hold my hands up, not wanting to get her hopes up. “I’m happily single, but thank you.”
Her sigh is fitting of an Oscar-winning actress. “Maybe one day the people I love will let me set them up.” She opens her door and dramatically waves over her shoulder. “Toodles, dearie.”
