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.”
“Will that be enough?”
“It’s not nearly time enough to be good. Or even average. To be truly proficient at any form of dancing can take years. But if you focus and do exactly what I tell you, it just might be enough for your date on Saturday.”
Colin took a sip of water, not answering right away.
“Don’t tell me you’re actually considering this,” Evan said to him.
“Of course he’s considering it. He knows I’m right.”
Colin lowered the glass to his lap. “Okay,” he said. “But I’ll have to get someone to cover my shift on Friday night.”
“Wonderful.” Lily smiled.
“Wait,” Evan said, turning to Lily. “I thought we were going out on Friday.”
“I’m very sorry, but I’m going to have to cancel. A friend needs my help, and I honestly can’t decline. He’s been so sweet about asking.”
“Seriously? Don’t I get any say in this?”
“Of course you do,” Lily said. “You’ll be here both nights, too. As well as tonight, obviously.”
“Here?”
“Where else?”
“I don’t know. A dance studio, maybe?”
“Don’t be silly. There’s no need for that. But I will need you to move the furniture in the living room. You’re right about us needing space to work. And you’ll be responsible for the music, too – skipping back or forward when I tell you, starting the song over, things like that. We really need to maximize the use of our time. You’ll be my little helper.”
“Little helper?”
She smiled at him. “Did I mention that salsa dancing can really make a woman feel… sensual? And that the feeling can last for hours afterwards?”
Evan swallowed, staring at her. “I’d be glad to help.”
“You folded like a cheap suit,” Colin said. He and Evan were moving the couch to one side of the room while Lily went to the bedroom to fetch the proper pair of shoes, with just the right heel height, and change her clothes. Lily never did anything halfway.
“Whatever it takes to help a friend.”
Colin smiled. “Okay.”
“And after we’re done, you’re going to help me put the furniture back.”
“Okay.”
“And you’re not going to ask to stay longer to practice, either. You’re out of here by nine o’clock.”
“Okay.”
They set the couch down. “I don’t know how she talks me into things like this.”
Colin shrugged. “I think I have a pretty good idea.”
Once the furniture was out of the way and the area rug rolled up, Lily pulled Colin into the center of the room. Evan sat glumly on the couch, books and a lamp and assorted knickknacks on the cushion beside him. Lily had changed into tight white jeans, a red silk blouse, and a pair of shoes that probably cost more than Colin earned in a week. Though she was Evan’s fiancée and Colin’s friend, Colin was aware that she fairly oozed sex appeal.
“Don’t get too close, Colin,” Evan called out.
“Hush, now,” Lily told him, all business. “You may be wondering why I changed,” she said to Colin.
“Not really,” Colin answered.
“I changed so you can watch what my feet are doing. As I mentioned, I’m going to show you the most basic step, upon which much of salsa dancing is based. It’s one you can always fall back on, no matter what Maria is doing. Does that make sense?”
“Yes.”
“Before we begin, I’m making the assumption that Maria knows how to salsa dance.”
“She told me she used to dance all the time.”
“Perfect.” Lily moved beside him, both of them facing the window, allowing Evan a profile view. “That means she’ll be able to follow your lead. Are you ready?”
“Yes.”
“Then watch my feet and do exactly what I’m doing,” she said. “Step out with your left foot – that’s a one count – then shift your weight onto the toe of your right foot – that’s two – now bring the left foot back to its starting position – that’s three – and pause for a beat – that’s four.” She demonstrated and Colin did the same. “Now, step back with your right foot – that’s five – shift your weight to the toe of your left foot – six – then bring your right foot forward again to its starting position – seven – and pause again for a beat. That’s eight. And you’re done.” Again, Colin followed her lead.