Eight pm on a Saturday and I was stood in a long queue outside Cuban Rocks, a salsa club Dave had insisted we visit for our night out. Don’t get me wrong, I was thrilled, but Dave doesn’t do dirty dancing – with the hip swivelling and flirty faces necessary to blend in. In fact, he doesn’t even enjoy a standard nightclub unless his dad’s favourite eighties group, Madness, come on and he can jump around for a bit.
Whereas I was lucky enough to have spent some of my formative years with an aunt obsessed with Latin dancing. She’d take me to lessons and at home we’d practise with instructional DVDs. Plus, time and again we watched films such as Strictly Ballroom and both had a crush on Patrick Swayze. I don’t think I ever saw my parents dance together – certainly not in an embrace. I swallowed. No doubt musical-mad Mum spent many a night dreaming of swishing across a room in the arms of Fred Astaire.
I didn’t want to end up like that – spending a life simply dreaming of all my favourite things. Mum’s cancer made me realise that there is no time to waste in grabbing every opportunity. Hence New York. The gap year I took before uni. The bungee jump and skydiving days I’d taken part in. And ditching Dad. I ignored his feeble attempts to keep in touch after Mum died. He wasn’t going to poison my existence any longer than necessary.
I shivered in my short floral skirt and high heels, wishing I’d worn a warmer coat. Truth was, I couldn’t find it. Mikey would have no sympathy, knowing how untidy both my bedroom and car were. Now he could probably pull off a few salsa moves, given the chance – but Dave? Don’t think me mean, but I just couldn’t help a chuckle that tickled the inside of my chest as I imagined him loosening up enough to do the necessary gyrations. And as for pulling the appropriate faces that should be able to seduce anything with a pulse…
My stomach tingled. That wasn’t to say he didn’t know how to shoot me a look that made my knees tremble like my dad’s hands when he spent a rare day without the booze. I clenched my teeth, determined to think no longer about that bully from my childhood. Instead, I focused again on Dave… those sturdy shoulders, the tantalizing smile and his dusky eyes that spoke only the truth. I felt a soppy grin wash over my face.
‘What’s so funny?’ said a familiar voice and I glanced sideways. Gosh. There stood Dave in smart black shoes, a tight black T-shirt and even tighter black trousers. His hair was gelled back and… wow. He looked amazing! More tingles in my stomach told me I found him hot, hot, hot!
‘You look gorgeous,’ he said and took my hand. Dave led me to the front of the queue.
‘What are you doing?’ I whispered. ‘We can’t just barge in.’
He winked and said something to the bouncer. I heard the name Maria, then… blimey – we were ushered in. Dave headed straight for the bar. A petite woman with long spiral-curled hair and wearing a tight red top leant forward. They kissed each other on the cheek and she winked at him.
‘Hola Maria – great to see you,’ he said. ‘What do you recommend tonight?’
Hola Maria? My jaw dropped. Confident. Sexy. Strutting. Dave had morphed into Patrick Swayze! He ordered two Frozen Barcelonas, whatever they were. Then we headed to a booth and sat down. Dave took my coat as I slipped it off and placed it on the bench next to him.
‘Since when did you become a salsa fan?’ I said and shook my head. He sat next to me, rocking side to side. ‘Oh, um… someone from work went to lessons, but was too nervous to go alone and somehow I got roped in – I met Maria there.’
‘You never mentioned it. When did–’
‘I wanted it to be a surprise. Anyway enough about me…’ he said brightly. ‘Your life is far more interesting at the moment. Cheers – here’s to you and New York.’
Our glasses clinked and I sucked on the little red straw. Truth be told, Dave didn’t need a pair of tight trousers or salsa moves to turn me on. I recalled the first time I ever saw him, on the underground. Mouth twitching, he’s stared at me until the next tube stop. I couldn’t help smiling at those rich brown eyes, all crinkly. A man with a walking stick got on and Dave was the first to stand up. He stood right in front of me for the next part of the journey, still smiling and staring, occasionally opening his mouth as if he wanted to talk. That’s when I noticed his soft lips and my stomach had fizzed. When we’d both got off at the next station my admiration had turned to laughter. Finally he had the chance to inform me that I had a moustache of thick cappuccino froth. So really, Starbucks was responsible for bringing us together.
‘Gosh! What is in this?’
He grinned. ‘Brandy, whiskey and Cointreau, I believe. In other words, fuel for the feet.’
‘I’ll say – and good training for all those Cosmopolitans I’ll be drinking.’ I shook my head. ‘Never thought I’d see you sipping cocktails – what would your friends at the snooker club say?’
Dave shrugged. ‘I reckon more straight blokes would order colourful drinks and… I don’t know – buy women’s magazines, if society didn’t pressurise them into feeling it was wrong. We’re all just people, aren’t we, after all, with different interests and tastes? It’s a shame we feel pigeon-holed and expected to behave a certain way.’
Huh? Where did that rhetoric come from?’
He gave a small smile and rocked from side to side again, clicking a thumb and finger to the beat. My heart squeezed.
‘Thanks,’ I said.
He shrugged. ‘What for?’
‘Not pressuring me this week. About the proposal. About this trip.’ I took a deep breath. It wouldn’t be fair to hold off any longer. He had to know. ‘I’m now going to be leaving Monday instead of Wednesday.’
Oh. Dave just nodded, as if someone had already told him the news.
‘The head of New York operations wants to meet up with me, before he goes on a trip to Japan.’
‘Sounds sensible, I suppose…’ Dave straightened up. ‘Then what about dinner – tomorrow night, Jasmine.’
Funny, he didn’t sound overly keen – and just as well. ‘But I’ll be packing, Dave. Sorry, I just won’t have time…’
His shoulders slouched a tiny bit. ‘That’s a shame, but I understand. Although it would be our last chance to spend–’
’It’s last nothing, Dave,’ I said, ‘because there’s something I can finally tell you that was finalised today. You see–’
‘It means a lot to you, doesn’t it, this New York opportunity?’
I gave a wry smile. ‘You know my fave boxset is Friends. But yes, opportunities like this don’t come along very often.’ For a nanonsecond, my eyes felt wet. ‘Mum would have been thrilled for me. She went straight from living at home to living with my father and never got the chance to stand on her own two feet. Part of me…’ I cleared my throat. ‘I want to – need to – do this for her. Then somehow, in my head, all those years she was stuck with him won’t have been for nothing.’ And maybe, just maybe, I can lose some of the anger I still feel against my mum.
Dave stared at me.
‘What?’
Ooh. Now his eyes looked all shiny. ‘You’ve just helped me come to a very important decision.’
I opened my mouth to ask what, but at that moment a new record came on. ‘Come on – let’s just make the most of tonight,’ said Dave, in a bright voice. He took a glug of cocktail before standing up. Dave pulled me to my feet and led me onto the dance floor. Once we’d pushed our way gently past a few couples, he slid one arm around my back and… ooh. Forward and backwards he went, a master of the basic salsa step. At first he stuck his tongue out a little, and mouthed counting, as well as glancing around the room now and again, as if worried someone was staring hard and… I don’t know, might laugh. But soon his hips moved in time and gyrated closer and closer to mine. His shoulders relaxed. He moved backwards and took full control, twirling me a couple of times and kicking his foot subtly, on the fourth beat. My mouth went dry and I had a sudden urge to wrap my limbs around his lithe legs and arms. His dancing confirmed what I already knew – that in my eyes, Dave was the sexiest man alive.
‘That dress looks beautiful,’ he murmured and moved me to and fro, cheeks flushed, his eyes lit up. Then he stared at my lips and then suddenly snaked his arm around my waist and pulled me really close. My heart raced and a tickly sensation ran up and down my spine. Our hips moved in unison, circling to the music. Heat filled my pelvis. Dave’s eyes didn’t leave mine.
He grinned, moved away and let go of my hands. Forwards and backwards he continued to move, on his own, as if losing himself in the music. The song changed and more people came onto the floor, clapping their hands and cheering – clearly it was a favourite. Dave swayed towards me, hands in fists, arms circling slightly, in time with his feet. He closed his eyes and bit his lip, timing perfect as the beat quickened. I noticed a couple of women furtively glance at him. Then he opened his eyes and leant forwards for a kiss. Our lips met. The room spun.
Face serious now, Dave grabbed my waist again and gently moved my hips from side to side. All the while his feet stepped forwards and backwards and now and then his free hand rose, fingers clicking, into the air. As the song drew to an end, he moved closer and closer until our two bodies gyrated as one.
‘I’m a lucky man, having you by my side,’ he murmured in my ear. ‘I’m going to miss you so much when you go to New York.’
Goodness. Dave didn’t often vocalise his feelings like that. I stepped back and cocked my head.
‘What’s happened to you this week?’ I said as the soundtrack changed, and he led me back to our seats.
Dave’s cheeks flushed. ‘Don’t know what you mean?’
‘Baking jam roly pudding… giving me space… suddenly knowing how to salsa dance…’ My chest glowed. ‘Has it been… I don’t know – some sort of plan to make up for last weekend?’
Dave pushed away his cocktail. ‘Nothing gets past you, does it? Hands up. I was a jerk. Realise that now.’ He sighed. ‘And I had something even more special planned for tomorrow night but I’ve changed my mind.’
I raised one eyebrow.
Dave shrugged. ‘I’ve been working hard with Mikey all week to make up for last week, so–’
I raised the palm of my hand. ‘Hold up. You and Mikey collaborating on something? But the atmosphere between you two is always so frosty.’
‘Not any more…’ He smiled. ‘We’ve talked. Worked things out. Have a better understanding. Mikey is… a great bloke.’
‘So are you,’ I murmured. ‘Mikey’s only ever wanted the best for me, you know, like you.’ I sat up. ‘Part of me feels I should be miffed that the two of you have been plotting behind my back, but…’ My throat felt all swollen. ‘I’m kind of flattered instead.’
‘He gave me some tips on cooking this week – even though that evening turned out to be a disaster.’
I giggled. ‘Hollandaise sauce on jam pudding – perhaps it will catch on?’
Dave poked me in the ribs. ‘And he organised for me to have dance sessions with his friend Theo – that’s where I really met Maria. She’s worked here for a couple of years and said it’s the best salsa bar in town.’
‘Theo? Ah yes. Mikey’s mentioned him this week.’
‘He’s a mate of Sanjay’s. Nice bloke. Made dancing fun.’
‘Well, those lessons certainly paid off,’ I said and leant forward for another kiss.
‘The goal, you see…’ said Dave when we finally parted, ‘… was to win you around so that at dinner, just before you left, I could make the perfect proposal and you’d accept.’
My heart sank a little. Over the last few days I’d come to realise that I did want Dave in my future, but formally, with a signed certificate? Not yet. ‘Dave, look, all this effort is appreciated, but–’
He squeezed my hand. ‘It’s okay… you see, I’ve been thinking a lot this week and – I’ve changed my mind.’
That must be why he was quite accepting of not having dinner tomorrow night. My stomach pinched. So Dave didn’t want to marry me any more? Did that mean he wanted to end our relationship?
‘What I mean is… I don’t need to slip a ring on your finger for us to be happy. There’s no rush. Just being with you is enough. Perhaps in time, we’ll seal our relationship in a more official way or…’ Cheeks flushed and he cleared his throat. ‘If our long-distance relationship doesn’t work out, then we won’t. But I love you Jasmine and am willing to do everything I can to make us work.’ He lifted my hand to his lips and kissed it tenderly. ‘I guess what I’m saying is… I’ve worked out that the perfect proposal for you is for me not to ask you to marry me at all.’
‘Oh Dave…’ I leant forward to brush my lips against his. ‘I’m not saying never and honestly, I’m so chuffed that you would want to spend your life with me. It’s just…’
He nodded. ‘You have to grasp this opportunity with both hands – for yourself and your mum.’ He stared intensely. ‘You know I’d never turn into your dad, don’t you.’
‘Rationally yes. And the longer we’re together, the weaker my paranoid demons become.’
‘I can’t wait to visit you in New York.’
I cleared my throat and my mouth turned upwards. You see, I had a secret to share – sorry I couldn’t earlier, not with you or anyone, but I didn’t want to until the fine print had been confirmed.
‘Dave. You won’t need to miss me. Not if you say yes.’
‘Huh?’ His eyebrows knotted.
‘You see… I couldn’t say anything earlier, in case my plan didn’t work. And don’t feel you have to accept my offer, but honestly, I think it could be great and–’
‘Jasmine! What are you waffling on about?’
‘Chemi-Vate. I hope you don’t mind, but I emailed your CV over to my new bosses. They need a topnotch accountant for the New York division. Your experience has impressed them. An interview has been scheduled for this week.’
Dave’s jaw fell open.
‘Say something,’ I said, feeling kind of breathless. ‘It means we can share an apartment together. I’m sure the interview will just be a matter of course. You can join me in a few weeks.’
Dave shook his head. ‘I don’t know what to… I mean…’ He swallowed. ‘So, you really do want a future with me. Oh Jasmine. It sounds great. Yes, yes, yes. ‘
My chest glowed. ‘Me saying no to your proposal, it was a knee-jerk reaction in a way. I do want to settle down – wedding, kids, the lot, I know that now – but I need more time. I’m just saying… not now.’
Dave took my hands in his and circled my palms with his thumbs. ‘I can wait. However long it takes – especially if I’ve got the distraction of going to baseball matches and eating bagels in Central Park.’
‘We’re really going to do this, aren’t we?’ I said, still feeling as if all the oxygen had been squeezed out of my lungs.
Dave grinned. A new salsa tune came on and he stood up.
‘This deserves a little celebration dance.’
I got to my feet too, my grin spreading almost from ear to ear… but not quite, as I knew this latest development would be hard for Mikey to take. You see… I haven’t mentioned this before, because I wasn’t sure, but… Hmm. Hold up. Perhaps it might be best if I speak to my flatmate first, before I tell you about the secret I think he holds…
And a couple of hours later, I fulfilled that wish, back home, a smile still on my face thanks to Dave – although getting smaller by the minute, as Mikey stood opposite me in the lounge as I sat down on the sofa, with a glass of water. Now was the moment I had to break the news. Pacing up and down he quizzed me about the evening.
He clapped his hands. ‘Wow. I still can’t believe it. So, you thought Dave had all the cool moves. You can thank me later,’ he said airily, ‘for helping to save your relationship.’
I shook my head. ‘And I still can’t believe you and Dave have hit it off – after all this time.’ My eyes tingled. ‘I really appreciate it, Mikey. I know that… that he’s been standoffish with you in the past, but nevertheless you did this – for me… the cooking, dance lessons…’
Mikey’s face became serious and he sat down next to me, took the water, placed it on the coffee table and then took my hands. He stared straight into my face.
‘I’d do the nine month trip to Mars and then back for you, Jazz. You know that. And I’m thrilled that you and Dave have come to an agreement – that at the moment it’s best for you not to get engaged.’ He squeezed my fingers. ‘And don’t you worry about Dave – I’ll look after him for you whilst you are in New York. Perhaps the dance lessons and cookery classes might become a regular thing.’
My throat hurt. ‘There won’t be any need for that, you see…’
Mikey’s brow furrowed.
Cheeks burning, I cleared my throat. ‘Dave is coming with me.’
‘What?’ said Mikey in a thick voice. His fingers slid away from mine.
‘I secretly sent his CV to Chemi-Vate. They want him in New York. We’re moving there together.
He blinked rapidly.
‘Mikey?’
Eyes glistening, he nodded. ‘Yes… of course… great idea. Well done you. He must be ecstatic.’
A wave of nausea washed over me as I nodded. Poor Mikey. A sense of hurt wafted out from every pore in his face. ‘Just think of all the Instagram foot selfies he’ll post, once he’s been shopping in Manhattan for socks and shoes.’
My stomach churned as Mikey gave a smile that I knew was forced. He sniffed. ‘Such great news, Jazz,’ he said in a flat voice and stood up. ‘I’m really pleased for you both. Right. Off to bed for me.’ That forced smile again. ‘Some of us need our beauty sleep.’
‘But Mikey… I wondered if we could just chat – about Dave. You see–’ His secret – have you guessed it yet?
‘Sorry, darling.’ His voice wobbled slightly. ‘I’m suddenly bushwhacked. Let’s talk tomorrow.’
He headed into his bedroom and, feeling heavy inside, I passed his door a few minutes later. He’d left it open. Normally I’d never listen but… I heard the word Theo. Mikey’s voice sounded tearful. For some reason I just couldn’t walk past his door frame.
‘I know. Yes, I can still visit – flights are much quicker nowadays,’ I heard Mikey say. ‘You, keep me busy dancing to take my mind off things? That sounds more like a threat than a promise of help…’ Cue a weak attempt at a laugh. I bit on my fist and longed to run in and wrap my arms around Mikey’s shoulders. But his words had turned to whispers and at such an intimate moment, I couldn’t barge in. I sighed and headed to my bedroom.
Are you still confused? Sorry, but I’ve decided it’s not my place to say any more. Just that friendships, relationships, it’s all so complicated and sometimes love blossoms in the most unexpected corners…