a few beginning dance moves today. Salsa and cha cha are always very popular, so we’ll start there. If we have time, then maybe we’ll do a country two-step or the hustle, or something else.” She clapped her hands together. “Let’s begin! We’ll first start with some very basic salsa moves, so I will need a volunteer.” She scanned the room, passing several of the enthusiastic waving hands from men, her wandering eyes stopping directly on Ben, but not before inspecting him from head to toe. “You. Sir.”
Why wasn’t I surprised?
She just happened to pick the best-looking man in the room.
Were we all supposed to believe that it was a coincidence or a random choice?
No way.
Ben poked himself in the chest with his index finger. “Me?”
Eliza smiled and gave Ben the come-hither signal with her finger. “Yes. You. It takes two to tango, and salsa and swing, and everything else for that matter.”
Oh, brother.
For some unknown reason, I glanced down at her ring finger and saw it was bare.
I mentally kicked myself for doing that.
Why did I care?
Friends, remember?
Even my thoughts were lacking authority.
Ben walked to the front of the room next to Eliza and swung around to face everyone.
He smiled at me.
Grandma Joyce scooted closer to me. “That bloke fancies you.”
I sighed. “You sound like a character from Downton Abbey.”
“Oh, rubbish. You sound like a person in denial. Don’t fight it, dear.”
I preferred not to comment since I was definitely fighting my ever-growing attraction to Ben.
It looked like I would just have to follow Grandpa Wayne’s advice that he gave to Ben at the kebab place yesterday.
Just keep your eye on the ball. You’ll be fine.
Eliza grabbed Ben by the hand and swiveled him around so they were facing each other. “What is your name?”
He smiled. “Ben.”
“Ben. Well, Ben, there are many wonderful styles of salsa, but they all have one thing in common, the passion. Are you a passionate man?”
Ben opened his mouth and—
Eliza shook her finger. “No, no. Don’t answer with your words. I want you to show us your passion with your body. Can you do that?”
He chuckled. “I can certainly try.”
“Well, don’t you worry. I will help you feel the energy when you’re dancing to the beat of the music. But, for starters, this dance requires proper hand placement so you don’t look foolish. You don’t want to look foolish, do you Ben?”
“I do not.”
“Of course not. You want to look sexy! And let’s be honest, ladies, Ben already has a head start in that category, wouldn’t you agree?”
Some of the women cheered and Grandma Joyce threw her arm up in the air and yelled, “Yes!”
I turned and gave her my best glare to let her know none of this was funny or entertaining.
She leaned in. “Looks like someone is jealous. Don’t crease your forehead, dear.”
“I’m not creasing anything. Pay attention.”
Eliza cleared her throat. “Maintain eye contact when you are dancing! Men, you are the leaders. Ladies, you need to be receptive to the man leading and not fight it!”
Ben looked my way and grinned.
Eliza reached up with her thumb and index finger to move Ben’s head back. “Looks like someone already forgot. Maintain eye contact at all times. We will start the basic forward and back. Watch for a moment, and then you will try. Music, please!” She clapped her hands twice and placed her hand back on Ben’s shoulder.
The music started and Ben and Eliza were off to the races.
Forward, back, forward, back.
Grandma Joyce leaned in again. “Ben is a natural. He’s really got some moves.”
I turned to her. “You don’t think I can see that?”
He was amazing, actually. I couldn’t believe it was his first time.
Eliza gave out instructions as she danced back and forth with Ben to the infectious beat of the salsa music. I was ready to give it a shot myself.
The song ended and everyone clapped and cheered.
Eliza gestured to Ben. “Let’s hear it for my wonderful volunteer, Ben. Take a bow.”
Ben bowed and laughed, then made his way back to my side.
Grandma Joyce squeezed Ben’s arm. “You were wonderful out there! You’re a natural.”
“I never knew my grandson had those moves,” added Grandpa Wayne.
He gave them both a humble smile. “Thanks.”
I smiled and nodded. “They’re right. Not bad at all, Dr. Tough Stuff. And the instructor really seemed to like you.”
He grimaced. “She gave me the creeps.”
That was a very good answer.
“Why?” I asked, although the answer didn’t really matter.
Ben shrugged. “She doesn’t seem genuine. I prefer women