DANCING THROUGH LIFE

“Well I’m not expecting you to hold my daughter, not just yet anyway. We should get to know each other first. But we’re out here just relaxing for a bit. We still need to meet whomever lives here, so I thought I’d introduce us,” Enzo told the kid as he came over. “Name’s Enzo. This is June, that’s my son Ruby over there. Do you live around here?” June looked to their guest, then snuggled close into her father’s embrace. “It’s okay, honey. We’re just making a new friend.”

“It’s good to see you again, Noah,” the older man said, making room for the kid to join them on the blanket. Prescott stayed close to Ruby but Solo came around to greet their guest. Noah had done sensational work of taking pictures of the studio, the dancers and instructions for the studio website. The kid was really good at what he did and he hoped to work with him again in the future. “It is a nice day. Oh this place? My husband and I are still kinda doing some renos, but she’s coming along well. Mark’s done a great job with the land around the house.” June looked at Noah curiously from her father’s arms. “This is my daughter June. The adorable boy you passed is my son Ruby. Prescott’s with him and this is my dog Solo.” The dog circled around Noah’s legs, then made his way to lay down by Enzo’s side. “So what’s new besides taking pictures?”

“Look, hon. It’s Uncle T.” June lit up brightly and immediately at the sight of Tony coming over to join them. Tony was the kind of person kids seemed to like a lot. From what he heard from Juan, Mateo these days preferred to be held by Tony. “How’s it going, bud?” he greeted in Spanish, moving over to give Tony a peck on the cheek, “I missed you, and Juan and Mat.”

“Yes, it’s me. Nice to see you, Pip.”

Ruby waved over at Jesse from where he stood, saying hi to the older man. “It’s good to see you, Jess,” he said and turned to Ruby. “Papi. C’mere and greet Jesse.” Prescott and Solo trotted over, Solo taking his side by Enzo, and Prescott brushing against Jesse. “I’ve been good. Just busy with work, and getting this house the way we like it. We’ve been here a while, but we’re still trying to make it our vision. How about you? What’s new?”

“Just one of my dance students. I didn’t realize they lived near by,” Enzo said as Mark approached them. His husband was so sexy when he was working hard, using his green thumb to tend to their land. They were still adjusting to their new home, Enzo did a lot of DIY hands on renovations indoors just like he did back at their last home, and Mark was amazing at taking care of the yard work. And they would be finished the mini farm soon now that their permit was cleared. He and Mark had always been able to make a suitable home together, perfected to their liking, which made them a great team. Ruby stayed close by as promised with Solo and Prescott loyally by his side, and Baby June reached up, wanting some love from Mark. “We both need to, maybe we can throw a party or something,” the dancer said as he held June up for his lover to take. He had brought out some chilled glass bottles outside filled with water and he opened one to allow Mark a drink, surely he needed it after spending a good amount of time outside. “The land looks good, baby. Better than having it on the roof like our last place, I’m sure.”

Ruby noticed James with the boys and Lola immediately and made his way over, his crutches not stopping him from wanting to give his uncle a hug. “It’s good to see you, James. It’s been a minute, huh?” he greeted. The dogs trotted over too and Enzo held June up, getting her little hand to wave. “Look, honey. It’s your Uncle James and your cousins too.” There was plenty of room on the blanket for them. “How are you, James? How’re things?” Ruby made it in time to greet the older man and the twins, and gave James a hug too.