“That’s what dancing is,” Evan cut in.
Lily ignored her fiancé. “Salsa dancing can be very enjoyable if the couple practices together,” she explained. “But since that’s not possible in this situation, you will have to do the best you can, and there are things you have to know. Like the way to move your feet, or lead your partner in a spin, or offer her the chance to separate and perform a few moves on her own, all the while making it feel as though it is a natural part of the dance all along. If you don’t do those things, it will be almost impossible to impress her.”
Evan laughed. “Who says he wants to impress her? Colin doesn’t care what anyone thinks —”
“Go on,” Colin said, cutting him off.
Evan turned toward him in surprise while Lily sat up straighter. “I’m pleased you understand the dilemma you’re in. What I’m trying to tell you is that you need to learn the basics.”
For a moment, neither Colin nor Evan said anything.
“And just how is he supposed to learn the basics?” Evan finally asked. “We live in Wilmington. I highly doubt there are any salsa dance instructors who will clear their schedules in the next couple of days so my friend here won’t embarrass himself.”
Lily leaned over, reaching for the small bag that had been placed next to the couch and pulling out an assortment of CDs.
“These are salsa albums, and you’ll need to listen to them. I called my old dance teacher and she was more than happy to send a few samples. Nothing is very recent, but that’s not important. Salsa is more about speed and rhythm – the beat, so to speak – than melody. And as for the instructor, I will be more than happy to help Colin learn what he needs to know.”
“You know how to salsa dance?” Evan asked.
“Of course,” she answered. “I danced for almost twelve years, and at various times, we focused on alternative dancing.”
“Alternative?” Evan asked.
“I grew up in Charleston. Anything other than the shag or the waltz is considered alternative,” she said, as though this were the kind of thing any civilized Southerner would know. “But really, Evan. You need to let Colin ask the questions. He’s barely been able to say a single word.” She turned to Colin. “Would you allow me to be your instructor for the next couple of days?”
“How much time are we talking about?”
“I’ll show you a few things tonight – the basic steps and movements, turns, and how to lead your partner through a spin – so you know what you’ll be working on. After that, we’ll need three hours tomorrow evening, and another three hours on Friday evening. After I finish work and change, so beginning around six. And obviously, you should practice in your spare time before you get here.”
“Will that be enough?”
“It’s not nearly time enough to be good. Or even average. To be truly proficient at any form of dancing can take years. But if you focus and do exactly what I tell you, it just might be enough for your date on Saturday.”
Colin took a sip of water, not answering right away.
“Don’t tell me you’re actually considering this,” Evan said to him.
“Of course he’s considering it. He knows I’m right.”
Colin lowered the glass to his lap. “Okay,” he said. “But I’ll have to get someone to cover my shift on Friday night.”
“Wonderful.” Lily smiled.
“Wait,” Evan said, turning to Lily. “I thought we were going out on Friday.”
“I’m very sorry, but I’m going to have to cancel. A friend needs my help, and I honestly can’t decline. He’s been so sweet about asking.”
“Seriously? Don’t I get any say in this?”
“Of course you do,” Lily said. “You’ll be here both nights, too. As well as tonight, obviously.”
“Here?”
“Where else?”