The Love Triangle. Nic Tatano
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suddenly found themselves bathed in a spotlight. He expertly led her through a series of slick moves, then dipped her as the song ended. The crowd cheered and applauded as he helped her up.
She was out of breath but amazed. “Sonofabitch! How the hell did you learn to dance like that?”
“My older sister. Prom queen who insisted on practicing every day after school before the big night.”
Lexi nodded. “Well, I’m impressed. Box step, ha!”
The music started again, this time a slow dance. He gave her a look that seemed to be asking permission. “Care to go again?”
She smiled. “Absolutely. I wanna see what else you’ve got in your repertoire.”
“Then we’ll be dancing all night.”
“Fine with me.” He moved closer, taking one hand while placing his other lightly on her waist. He locked eyes with her and she felt a shiver as he began to lead her in a waltz.
An hour later the singer asked for all the single women to come to the dance floor as the bride was about to throw the bouquet.
Lexi didn’t move.
Carmella looked at her hand. “Youse two aint married?”
Lexi shook her head. “First date.”
“Well, youse look like a couple. Anyway, you’re single, so getcha ass out there.”
Her date patted her on the hand. “Go ahead, be part of the show.”
She got up and headed to the dance floor, finding herself and a few other guests surrounded by all the “bridesmaids”, who were busy shoving one another to get in position. The bride stood on the stage and turned her back to the group, as the singer started the countdown. “One, two, three!” The bridesmaids practically tackled one another as the bouquet flew on a line right into Lexi’s arms. One of the bridesmaids got up and glared at her. “Look at that hair! She ain’t even Italian!”
Lexi headed back to the table, laughing hysterically as she carried the bouquet.
“Nice catch,” said her date.
She saw the groom take his place on the stage. “Hey, fair’s fair, you gotta get out there and try for the garter.”
“Well, okay.” He got up and headed to the dance floor, was surrounded by the groomsmen and caught the garter with a leaping grab.
“Okay,” said the singer. “Now this lucky guy gets to put the garter on the young lady who caught the bouquet. And I believe they’re already together.” Someone placed a chair in the middle of the dance floor and Carmella shoved Lexi out of her seat. She walked to the chair and sat while Kasey got down on one knee holding the garter.
Then the band played the old classic, The Stripper.
She widened her eyes at him as he slid the garter over her ankle, never breaking eye contact with her.
Okay, how far is he going with this?
She saw him blush while beads of sweat blossomed on his forehead. He gently slipped the garter up her calf and just over her knee, then stopped, got up, and extended his hand.
Hmmm. Gentleman.
“Last dance everyone, thank you all for coming on this very special day.”
Just as the lead singer finished the announcement, the bride chased the groom across the dance floor, screaming all the way. “I saw you checkin’ out the rack on my maid of honor! You shoulda married her!”
The crowd laughed as Lexi finished her glass of wine just as her date extended his hand. “One for the road?”
“Sure.”
She followed him to the already-crowded dance floor as the band played a romantic oldie she recognized. He reached for her hands but she moved forward and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. He leaned back and smiled, looking up at her as he slid his arms around her waist, locking his fingers on the small of her back.
“This is that song from Ghost, right? The one when Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore are doing pottery.”
He nodded. “Yep.”
“What’s it called?”
“Unchained Melody.”
“That’s an odd name for a song.”
“That’s because it’s from the movie Unchained.”
“How the hell did you know that?”
“I read a lot. And I never miss Jeopardy.”
The wine and the music relaxed her. She pulled him a little closer, breathed in his earthy cologne as they swayed to the music. She rested her head on his shoulder.
Wearing ridiculous heels did have its benefits.
They stepped out into the cool night air. “I have to admit, that was a great experience,” said Lexi. “I am willing to concede you’re very good at planning a date.”
“Oh, we’re not done yet. It’s only nine and I’ve got forty-one dollars left.”
“There’s more?”
“It’s not even close to being over. One more stop. Right around the corner.”
“If it’s that cheesecake place I’m stuffed and couldn’t eat another bite.”
“It’s a restaurant, but we’re not going to eat anything.”
“I don’t understand. If we’re not—”
“Patience, young lady. We’ll be there shortly.”
They turned the corner and she saw bright lights coming from inside the restaurant, so bright they lit up the sidewalk. “What’s going on in there?”
He opened the door and ushered her inside. “Movie set. My buddy is an assistant director and he needed some well-dressed extras. You’re about to be in a major motion picture.”
She saw a tall man moving toward them she recognized as Jimbo from the basketball game. “Hey, buddy, I appreciate you coming by.” He turned to her. “This can’t be Little Red.”
“It’s me. My workout clothes are in the wash, so I threw on this old outfit.”
“Well, you sure clean up good.”
She couldn’t help but laugh. “Second time I’ve heard that tonight. Thank you.”
“You guys look perfect for this scene. Follow me.” He led them over to a desk filled with a bunch of papers manned by a young woman. “If you’ll each fill out one of these and then I’ll get you situated.”
“What’s this for?” asked Lexi.
“Union rules for extras.”
“Okay.”
They filled out the forms, then followed Jimbo over to an empty table. The restaurant was filled with well-dressed couples while one table stood empty in the middle of the room. A woman with a light meter wandered around checking things. Jimbo gave a loud whistle. “Okay, everyone, listen up. In this scene our stars will be seated at this table. While they’re talking I want you all focused on one another. Don’t look at the actors or the camera. Remember, don’t actually talk, just pretend by mouthing words. As soon as the actor gets down on one knee to propose, I want you all to turn and watch. It would be nice if all the women got a dreamy-eyed look. Then when the actress accepts and he puts the ring on her finger, I want everyone to cheer and applaud. Got it?”
Lexi turned back to her date. “So who’s in this movie? Anyone famous?”
He pointed at the stunning couple heading toward the empty table. “You might recognize them.”