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Dance music pulsed from the large black speakers flanking the stage at the front of the church auditorium. Sam could feel her feet tingle to the beat of the song as she stood in the safety of the shadows surrounding the crowded dance floor. She watched with fascination as some of the dancers executed their moves like professionals at a live dance competition. For as long as Sam could remember, she had a passion for dancing. But getting her body to follow the rhythm of the music was as challenging as asking a sumo wrestler to dance.
Sam couldn’t help feeling jealous of her sister for stealing every dance gene from her parents. Dancing came naturally for Kay, and when her talents were combined with flawless makeup and a black satin flare dress, it seemed almost every guy on the dance floor would hover around her.
She forced a smile on her face as Kay waved from across the room, beckoning her to join the crowd of men surrounding her. While Sam could never compare to her sister’s sex appeal, she wasn’t so prideful to pass on an opportunity of mingling with a group of handsome guys. She took one step toward the dance floor when a voice stopped her.
“Care to dance?”
Sam recognized the tenor voice and turned to look at a pair of familiar shamrock green eyes. “Peter,” she shouted over the loud music as she wrapped her arms around him and squeezed tightly. “How are you? It’s been so long.”
“I know. What has it been? Two ... almost three years?” He held on to her hands as if she were a princess and took a step back. “Wow, you look even more beautiful over time.”
Sam felt a tingle of excitement travel down her spine. If it was one thing she loved about him, it was the way he always complimented her and made her feel like royalty. Her eyes batted shyness. “Thanks. What brings you back to California?”
“I’ve been out here for work attending a seminar for the whole week.”
“What, you’ve been out here for a whole week and didn’t call?”
“Was I supposed to? If I remember correctly, the last time we talked, you told me never to bother you again.”
Sam felt a twinge of guilt as she recalled their last moment together. After Peter announced he had chosen to relocate back east for a job, she couldn’t help feeling hurt and angry at him for making her a second priority. She had invested so much time and emotional energy into their relationship, and to see it all vanish overnight was devastating.
But over time, she realized how immature her actions were, reacting out of fear and pain. Sam dropped her head in shame. “I’m sorry for acting that way. I was hurt.” She felt a finger lift her chin.
Peter gazed at her with soft eyes. “I know you were. Don’t you think it was hard for me too? I loved you then and I ...” He stopped mid-sentence and let out a sigh. “Never mind, it’s just good to see you again.” He motioned toward the door. “Let’s go outside and talk where it’s quiet.”
Sam followed as he led her past the entrance, away from the loud music.
His eyes sparkled as he looked her up and down.
“It is good to see you again.” Sam gave him a sheepish grin. “You look well.”
“I couldn’t be doing any better. After I left, it was tough in the beginning. I missed you every day, and I often wondered if I had made the right decision. But deep down, I knew it was the best move for my career. And it was. Do you know who helped me through that difficult time? It was Rajeesh at work. He showed me how to be happy in life.”
Sam’s heart skipped a beat. Had God answered the yearning of her heart by using a co-worker to harvest the one man she cared about? “Tell me more.” She held her breath in anticipation.
“I learned that we can’t be happy in life unless we give up our attachment to this world and everything in it.” His voice bubbled with energy. “I’ve found tranquility and insight through meditation, and so can you. Buddha was very a smart man.”
Sam’s jaw relaxed at his words, and her heart dropped like a freefalling elevator. Buddha? What mistruth was Peter involved in? She knew he was a non-believer when he left for Boston, but never in a million years would she have imagined him being open-minded to an Indian religion. Her hopes of a romantic relationship vanished like a breath on a cold winter’s day, and in her mind, she knew they could be nothing more than good friends.
“I thought you weren’t into religion.” She tried to hide her disappointment.
“I wasn’t. But Rajeesh really opened my eyes to how misaligned my goals in life were.”
Sam gave him a thin smile. “Since you left, I’ve rededicated my life to God.”
“Wow, you’re a Christian now, huh? I’m glad for you. I hope it’s given you just as much peace as I’ve found.”
“Yes, it has. I want to sit down someday and share how it’s changed my life.”
Peter pulled his lips up into a smile. “Sure, I’d love that. But, hey...” he nodded toward the loud music. “That’s our song, remember?”
“How could I forget?” She sang along to the familiar love song he had dedicated to her.
“Wanna dance?”
“Sure, I’d like that.”
But before she could follow Peter inside, the sound of her cell phone caught her attention. She recognized Stephanie’s number and answered the call.
“Sam, are you still interested in a professional singing career?”
“Yes, of course, I am. Why do you ask?”
“Because I’ve got the opportunity of a lifetime for you. This could be your big break. Rachel, one of our singers, just announced she’s quitting our group because of cancer. Our musical director is auditioning tomorrow for a replacement at the Langdon Playhouse in Newport Beach between nine to twelve. So you need to be there. I think you’d be a great addition to our group.”
“You think so?” Sam couldn’t believe the opportunity she had been waiting for had fallen into her lap. “Thanks for thinking about me. I hope I’m ready for this. I feel so nervous.”
“Don’t worry about it. If you can perform like the other night, you’ll pass with flying colors.”
Sam pressed a hand against her forehead. “I can’t believe this is happening. You don’t know how much this means to me. I’ll be indebted to you forever.”
“No need to thank me. Just wow them with your talent.”
“Don’t worry; I’ll give them a show they won’t forget.”
“That’s my girl. I’ll see you first thing in the morning. Don’t disappoint me.”
“I won’t,” Sam said good night and returned the phone to her purse.
“Sounded like that was good news,” Peter said as he opened the door to the auditorium.
Sam shared the good news with him.
“That’s awesome. I think you’ll do great.”
“You think so?”
“Of course I do. When they hear you sing tomorrow, they’ll be begging for you to join the group.”
“That’s so sweet of you to say that.” Sam leaned closer and kissed him on the cheek.
“This calls for a dance celebration.” He held the door open and bowed as he drew a hand toward the crowd inside. “Stars go first.”
A giggle escaped Sam’s lips as she walked past him. “You’d better watch out. This star might spike your feet with her heels.”
