“Wow! You two can really rock a dancefloor,” Ivy said in appreciation.
“We were champion ballroom dancers. Our Aunt Imogen and Uncle Jonah taught us very well,” I said.
“Our dad made us quit because we won all the time, and he wanted to give the other kids a chance.” Ez laughed.
“I never cared about winning. It was just for fun,” I said. “I think that’s why we did so well. Because we really loved what we did.”
Ez walked over and hauled Charlie to his feet. “Come on, man. You’ve gotta get out there.”
“I can’t dance,” Charlie argued.
“Have you ever tried?” Ez challenged. “I bet no one taught you in a way you could understand. You don’t need to see to be able to dance. Here.”
Ez placed one of Charlie’s hands on my hip, then guided our hands together. Ez positioned our arms so they were tilted upward at a sharp angle. As the music changed, Ez said, “Okay, Charlie, take one step backward with your left leg. Ava will follow.”
Charlie swallowed, like he was nervous. He did as Ez told him, and we moved together. Ez nodded in approval. “Next, step to the side with your right leg, then forward with your left leg, then back to the side with your left leg again. Simple box step. Easy.”
A grin broke across Charlie’s face as he followed the instructions fluidly. Ez clapped him on the back.
“See? You’re dancing,” Ez said. He reached out and spun Opal to his side, who gave a giggle.
Couples began pairing up; Chancey dipped Ivy to the music, while Kallie snapped at Marcus for stepping on her feet during a very awkward tango.
“Am I going to hit anything?” Charlie asked anxiously. The music changed to a romantic Latin ballad, and I felt him draw me closer.
“You won’t. I promise,” I said. “Everyone’s giving us space.”
“I can’t believe I’m dancing,” Charlie said as he spun me around.
“Of course you are,” I said. “And you’re amazing at it.”
I taught Charlie a simple swing dance, before Ez said, “This stuff is for amateurs. Let’s do swing lifts!”
“Yes,” I agreed eagerly. “Those are the best.”
“What are those?” Charlie asked curiously.
“You’re going to want to hook your left arm around her waist, then bring her behind you and pass her to your other arm. The momentum should make the move simple. She basically curves around your body as you’re lifting her,” Ez instructed.
“I don’t want to drop you,” Charlie said.
“You won’t,” I insisted. “I trust you.”
He was hesitant, but Oberi barked,Do it, Charlie!
His body tensed, but slowly relaxed as I drifted my fingers over his chest, waiting for him to make the right move. He hooked me around the waist and sent me flying around him.
Charlie could lift me easily. He was really strong, and I didn’t weigh much anyway, so he could fling me around without much effort. I landed safely on his other arm and got back on my feet.
“Well done!” Ez said. “You two are naturals.”
Opal kept falling out of Ez’s arm when they did the lift, though he caught her each time. She fell against his chest and staggered on her feet.
“I’m getting dizzy!” Opal held her head and laughed.
“You’ll get used to it,” Ez told her. “Just takes practice.”
Ivy and Chancey had mastered the lift as quickly as we had. Chancey spun Ivy around him like they weren’t meant to do it, and I rolled my eyes.
