“Don’t you ever, for a second, say I didn’t try,” John Bowers said with a joking chuckle. 

Spring had come to Virginia Beach and with that, wedding season. It seemed like at least every weekend was occupied by someone’s nuptuials, which didn’t bother Elaine in the slightest. Spring was her best season at the shop and this year profits were exceptional. The bride for this weekend’s wedding had, of course, also come by the shop for her gown but, unlike with many of her customers, Elaine was also a guest at the wedding. 

“Never!” she protested, looking up at John. “You’re doing quite well, I must say!”

Ward had agreed to be her date to this wedding. Platonic wedding date, she had assured him. She had imagined it might be a fun evening of champagne and Elaine playing the roll of wing man to her old friend. But a week out, something (or, more accurately, someone) had come along to draw his attention, leaving Elaine dateless for the evening. 

John was a good sport about the situation when Elaine explained it to him and instantly agreed to come with her. He’d even joked he’d go by Ward the entire evening to see how confused people might become. She’d assured him that wasn’t necessary, but being able to dance properly would be. 

The pair were currently on her back patio, music flowing through the open door from the kitchen, as Elaine instructed John on the ways of dancing properly. 

“It isn’t this bump and grind nonsense that seems to be so popular,” Elaine had informed him, fully realizing John Bowers was not the sort of person who would be dancing in such a way. “Its proper dancing, like civilized humans.”

Elaine would confess she hadn’t expected him to pick up the steps so easily. As the song came to an end, she gave him a light applause for his performance. John make the motions of bowing.

“I’d say you’re nearly ready for the more advanced class,” she grinned as the music stared up again. 

“Something more along these lines?” John asked, grabbing her hand, spinning her around and dipping her backwards in a move that caught Elaine completely off guard. 

“I don’t think you needed my lessons,” Elaine commented once she’d regained her composure. 

John simply grinned and pulled her back upright. “Or maybe you’re just that good of a teacher.” Elaine stared at him, the hint of a smile on her lips. 

“I’ll pick you up at two tomorrow,” John informed her, grabbing his coat off the chair and heading towards his truck.

I miss your face.