One Enchanted Evening

“I read,” said Dmitri, leading into another round of conversation, one that gave both of them another level of understanding of each other. And it may have been socially acceptable, they may both have included others during that all-too-brief twenty minutes, but the way Patrick looked at him had nothing to do with books. Dmitri actually did follow him out that time, after collecting his gear.

“Can I get some of that for you?” Patrick asked, and because if he handed something off they would have an excuse to walk together to Dmitri’s car, he said yes. But it wasn’t private. It was a small parking lot, brightly lit, and others from the studio were there. Patrick’s glance at Dmitri as he handed back the garment bag spoke of perfect comprehension, and total frustration.

Dmitri, again, nearly laughed. I am falling, he thought. “I regret,” he said softly.

Patrick read his mind. “Okay with it as long as they don’t have to see it, I’m guessing.” Equally soft.

“Mmm.”

“Soon.” That was as much as they could say. To remain standing there gazing at each other any longer would be as blatant as the kiss they both wanted. So Patrick took a step back, sketched a wave, turned and walked away.

Dmitri deposited his gear in the trunk and closed it. By the time he got into the car, there was no-one else in the parking lot. Another opportunity missed. But that look had been almost as good as a kiss.

The next time he met with his partner Natalia, she took him into the office and closed the door. Leaned back against it with her arms crossed, smiling. “You’ve made a friend, Dima.”

Dmitri blinked, wondering if the heat in his face meant he was blushing. “Yes,” he said cautiously.

“I’m delighted, in case you were wondering. You’ve been in L.A. for a while now, and everybody needs a friend.” She eyed him for a second. “He’s a very nice guy. I hear through the grapevine that there are a few students who wish he would sign up. Any interest there?”

“Mmm, I doubt,” Dmitri admitted.

“Oh fine, so he’s only coming to see you.” He made a ‘probably’ face and she laughed. “I promise not to pester you for updates, but I hope it works out.”

“Thank you.”

“Ready for rounds?” He nodded; she opened the door; they went out to run their Smooth routines. That night Dmitri wrote to Patrick again. A reply came immediately. Was the man always online so late?

Patrick,

My partner Natalia is now also invested in a happy ending. I thought you would like to know.

Dmitri

Dmitri,

My partners are all over me. I told them we haven’t even been on a real date, and to quit asking. Another fair warning: at some point you’ll be introduced to a number of nosy accountants.

Patrick

The admission that Dmitri was the topic of conversation between Patrick and his friends, and the assumption that they would be a couple, were both flattering and a bit alarming. Dmitri had never been closeted, but the ballroom profession was a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ environment. Patrick seemed to be saying that the members of his firm would expect to meet his romantic partner. Will we be partners? Dmitri wasn’t even sure what that would mean, but the idea was appealing. He was conscious of wishing he could be certain a warm salutation would be welcome. Because this man was already dear to him.

Patrick,

When you say ‘at some point’ I think you mean we have a future. I hope so.

Dmitri