That night Juliah and Michael only danced one dance together. During which she asked, “What brought on that little spark?”
“I was going to ask for your permission but it didn’t seem appropriate. I knew if you objected to my touch you would have told, shown me.”
“I enjoyed it. I thought you were new at this game?”
“I am.”
The music changed to the Prince Waltz. Orion and Paul started dancing with each other.
“I love this dance,” Juliah sighed. “It took dad forever to teach it to Orion. I am so thrilled he’s teaching Paul.” She glanced over at Michael, his feet were moving to the music.
He started to speak softly, “left foot back, turn to the right, dip, right foot back, turn to the left, two steps forward.”
She looked on the dance floor to see Orion and Paul moving to the steps Michael was calling. “Where did you learn to do this dance?” She hissed.
“I don’t remember. The name is wrong. Is it known as anything else?”
“Not that I’m aware of.”
The dance ended as each dancer bowed to the other. The guests applauded with delight. Juliah disappeared as the next song started.
“Hi,” Juliah smiled.
“Aunt Juliah,” she knelt to hug Paul.
“Bed time young man,” Orion spoke.
“Yes sir.” Paul walked to a door where a lady escorted him out of sight.
“Orion, is the Prince Waltz known as anything else?” Juliah asked.
“Not that I’m aware of. Why?” He was looking around Juliah.
She turned to see a new lady chatting happily with Dr. Carter. “Whose she?” She continued looking.
“That’s Dr. Zabane?”
She was flabbergasted. “You are kidding?”
Sarah had on a black floor length flowing gown. Her shoulders were wrapped in a silver shawl. Her hair dripped with curls.
“What about the dance?” Orion refocused Juliah’s attention.
“Michael knows the steps.”
“Interesting.” Orion commented.
“I love formal parties.” Sarah sighed joining them. “Everyone looks so fabulous.”
“As do you,” Orion kissed the top of her hand.
“Thank you.” They looked out over the crowd.
“Who’s Floria dancing with?” Juliah asked.
“I don’t know.” Orion answered.
“Do you care?” Juliah asked.
“No.” Orion closed his eyes before taking a deep breath. He spoke without turning his head or opening his eyes. “Sarah, you having fun?”
“Surprisingly yes.”
“Surprisingly?” Juliah questioned.
“Yes, I don’t get to play dress-up much. Plus, I know someone here.”
“Dr. Carter?” Orion finally physically joined the conversation.
“Yes,” She smiled at Juliah. “I heard it’s your birthday?”
She giggled, “yes.”
“Happy Birthday.”
“Thank you,” Juliah blushed.
“Orion?” Sarah asked.
“Yes.”
“Add graceful to my list of adjectives.”
He blushed. “Would you like to dance?”
“Me?” Sarah questioned. “No, I don’t dance.”
“I have watched you.”
“Yeah,” Juliah remembered.
“That spasm in the street. No, I know very few formal dances.”
“No, you promised to teach me.” Juliah squealed.
“And it’s your birthday.” Sarah smiled nervously.
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