Page 19 of Love Story
John stared at her open-mouthed, the teasing still marking every moment. “They won’t let...?” His voice trailed off, as if he was too shocked to finish the sentence.
“No.” She shook her head. Her eyes never left his, proof that she was enjoying the banter. “No dancing. Not for a minute.” Her eyes sparkled and she batted her lashes. “They’d kill me if they caught me here.”
“Here? In this innocent dance hall?” He looked around. “What could possibly happen here?”
“You’re crazy.” She laughed again. “I told my parents I was at my friend’s house. I wore one of her dresses and we snuck over. I’m serious.” She raised her brow, still flirty. “They’d kill me.”
“They won’t kill you.” John took her hand and led her toward the dance floor. “But whatwillkill you is not knowing how to dance.” He stopped midstride and she had no choice but to bump into him. He turned and searched her eyes, their faces inches apart. “Good thing I’m here.” He paused, so close he could smell the mint on her breath. “I’ll teach you everything I know.”
She looked breathless, as if the conversation and his confidence were all a little heady for her. John waited a few seconds, lost in her eyes, and then Chubby Checker’s “The Twist” came on. John grinned. “Come on. The twist is easy.”
“But I...”
“I’ll show you.” They were too committed now for her to change her mind. At least that’s how it seemed. Besides, her protesting seemed more a matter of form than of substance. Everything in her expression told him she didn’t want him to leave.
They found a spot on the edge of the floor and John took the lead. “Just do what I do.” He leaned close to her so she could hear him over the song. The twist really was easy. The variations were endless. Elizabeth watched him, and after thirty seconds of laughing and looking nervous, she began to dance.
John wasn’t a bit surprised that Elizabeth picked it up so easily. She had natural rhythm and looked better dancing the twist than most of the girls on the floor. When the music ended, John pulled her in for an impulsive hug. “That was perfect! You’re a pro, Elizabeth. Look at you!”
She was laughing again, but she stepped back from him. Seeming careful to keep her distance. “I always wanted to learn the jitterbug. Could you teach me that?”
No sooner had she said the words than Glenn Miller’s “In the Mood” came on. John couldn’t believe it. Whoever was in charge of music definitely played quite a mix. TheDJcouldn’t have planned the songs any better. “The answer is yes, my dear. Follow me.”
They spent the next five minutes laughing and learning and dancing. John had hold of her hands, and when the song ended, he let go and raised his fists in the air. “You’re a natural. You’ve taken lessons all your life!”
“I haven’t.” She was out of breath, her cheeks rosy.
John would never forget the way she looked in that single moment. She was a wispy girl with long legs and pretty cheekbones. Her eyes shone beautiful bright blue against her long brunette hair, her white sleeveless dress swaying to the music. “You’re the most stunning girl here, Elizabeth.” John did a slight bow again. “I thought I should tell you.”
“Why, thank you.” She curtsied—proof that she’d done at least a little dancing in her friends’ rooms. John took her hand and led her to the drink table. He poured her a glass of punch and he caught her looking closely at him. “My mother’s right.”
“What’s that?” John handed her the drink and stood close so he could hear. “She must’ve told you tonight would change your life.”
“She doesn’t know I’m here.” Elizabeth clutched her drink. “My mother says I’m not ready to date boys. I’m too young.”
“And you think she’s right?” John cocked his head, keeping himself from laughing.
“Yes!” She shook her head. “I’ve been dancing with you all this time and I don’t even know your last name.”
“That!” John stroked his chin with his thumb and forefinger. “Yes, that could be a problem.” He set down his glass and turned toward her. The whole experience was so surreal. He could barely remember his name. He locked eyes with her. “I’m John Baxter.” He wanted desperately to kiss her. But he kept the few inches that separated them. “And you’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.”
“Hello, John.” Her eyes were shy again. “And you’re the most handsome guy I’ve ever danced with.”
“Wait... I’m theonlyguy you’ve ever—”
“Come on.” More laughter while she found a spot for her glass. “You have to teach me how to swing!”
The night was something from a dream. Every minute of it, every song was etched forever in his heart. As midnight drew near, theDJcame over the loudspeaker. “Last dance of the night! Grab your girl, and let’s give it a go!”
The last song of the evening was one that would forever make him think of her. Whenever he heard it on the radio or at a wedding. It was their song that night, and it always would be.
The song was “Never My Love,” by the Association. As soon as the first notes played, John took her hand. This time he wasn’t in a hurry. His eyes melted into hers and he moved closer. So close he could feel her breath on his face. “What about a slow dance, Elizabeth?” He had never wanted to kiss a girl more than right then. “Can I teach you that?”
She swallowed, breathless. The teasing tone from earlier was now something deeper. A chemistry stronger than the two of them. “Yes, John.” Her cheek brushed against his. “Show me. Please.”
He led her carefully onto the dance floor this time. With everything in him he never wanted to let go of her hand. By then the first verse was halfway through. She stepped into his embrace and he eased his arm around her waist. “Feel the way my body moves.” He whispered the words near the side of her face. “Keep my rhythm. That’s all there is to it.”
“I will.” Their faces side by side, they began to sway and move to the music.
