Chapter 46

Silvio has us out on the dance floor, showing us a new step. Every move he makes is so slick and effortless. Tonight, he has his wife with him. Her name is Carmen, a former tango champion with the build to go with it. He leads her out on the floor like a prize hen. “My lovely wife will now demonstrate a proper gancho,” he says. She puts one hand on his shoulder, holding the other hand back. Then she hooks her sculptured leg around Silvio’s thigh, leans back, then straightens, all in one fluid motion. Everyone applauds. “Now, please, everybody” Silvio says. “This is a dance of love. Every move you make is a suggestion—an invitation. Invite your partner between your legs, ladies. And you, gentlemen, accept the invitation. Do it with authority. Remember, machismo.” Mary steps towards me and thrusts her hip into my side.

“That’s pretty hard, Mary.”

“I’m inviting you in, Sam.”

“That’s still pretty hard.”

“Me siento, Sam.”

“Me siento, yourself.”

She gives me a glazed look.

“Begin,” Silvio says. “Come this way towards me. Yes, very good. Now caress. Caress.” He slaps his hands together. “Everybody,” he says. “Stand at ease, please. Watch our friend, Muller. See how he takes his lovely lady in his arms?” Muller executes what Silvio calls a barrida. “Very good,” Silvio says, crouching down beside them and takes Muller’s foot. “When you tap her ankle,” he says, “be very gentle. Tap both sides of her foot. You must always do it affectionately. Now, the rest of you, see if you can do the same.”

We try following Muller’s example, looking stiff, bumping hips. “Woo her, Sam,” Silvio says to me. “Tango must come from the heart. It must be passionate.” Mary reaches down and pinches my ass. I yelp and Silvio looks over. “Your wife has the idea, Sam,” he says. “Let us not forget the female machismo.” Mary really dug in her nails. She’s got enough machismo for both of us. No wonder I don’t want to wear silk. “Come on, Sam, woo her,” Silvio says. “Machismo must be met with machismo.” Other yelps go up across the room.

See what you started, you crazy Argentine?