Page 54 of The Forbidden Fling

She walked towards it, the twang of guitar strings and rhythmic clapping getting louder. Surely where there’s music, there’s food.

A collection of small round tables gathered around the outskirts of the courtyard, where people were watching dancers. Diana assumed it was a private event, but then she spotted Louis and Charles in colourful Hawaiian shirts, clapping along to the beat. She scanned the crowd for Faye, anticipation dwindling when she came up empty.

She wasn’t sure what was going on, but she spotted a small cart selling food near the reception and hurried over. The aroma of garlic and spices filled her nostrils, and her mouth watered seeing the bounty of seafood, rice, and cooked vegetables.

Once holding her steaming bowlful, she stood awkwardly, trying not to spill any down her dress. But the fresh fish melted in her mouth, the creamy rice enough to make her close her eyes in delight.

The music kicked up a notch. The guitar player grinned as he stepped into his solo, and everyone clapped him on. Dressed in traditional bolero-style jackets and embroidered shawls, the dancers spun each other in circles, stomping their feet.

“Why don’t you take a seat, Diana?”

The voice made her jump. She’d been so enthralled by the dancers, the woman must’ve snuck up on her.

“I’m not staying. Thank you, though.”

Ella collected two bowls of food and thanked the woman in Portuguese, then indicated her table with her head. “Come on. You can sit with me and Riley. We’re at the cool table.” She started walking, giving Diana no choice but to follow.

Diana sat in one of the empty seats, exchanging a polite smile with Riley. She hoped this wouldn’t be an impromptu session disguised by the music and dancing. She really just wanted to eat and relax a little.

After scraping every last bit from her bowl, she set it down and gave her full attention to the dance floor. Their enthusiasm was infectious, the snaps and stomps of their feet hypnotising. The dance reminded Diana of a waltz somewhat, with their posture and the high arms, but it was looser, bouncier.

Ella leaned in to whisper. “Aren’t they great?”

“They’re wonderful.”

“Do you like dancing?”

“From time to time.” She’d never been much of a dancer. Growing up with her father the farmhand had definitely set her apart from other faculty members. She’d saved some money to pay for lessons after she found out it was common for professors to join in the various balls and dances around campus. But she still avoided it whenever possible.

The band brought the song to a close with flair, and the dancers took an exaggerated bow.

“Now you’ve seen the dance…” A tall man with slicked-back hair stepped forward, and the band played a steady beat. “…And you’ve had time to learn the steps—it’s your turn! Venha!”

I should’ve seen this coming.

Diana turned to Ella. “You stitched me up.”

Ella gave a playful shrug, mischief glinting in her eyes. “Dancing heals the soul.”

“I…shouldn’t. I’ve just eaten.”

A familiar laugh jolted electricity through her. “I’m sure one dance won’t kill you.”

She spun round to find Faye behind her. She wore a baby-blue linen two-piece, her dark hair loose.

Ella winked at Diana as Riley led her onto the courtyard.

Damn it. I really have been set up.

“So whatcha say?” Faye asked, holding out her hand.

Diana wanted to say she couldn’t—she shouldn’t—but her body betrayed her. She placed her hand into Faye’s. With a tug, Faye pulled her up, threading their fingers together like it was completely normal, and joined the others populating the stone flags.

“It’s very easy,” the man said, taking up the locked-arm position. “We sway face to face, back to back, turn, and repeat. Listen to my calls, and I guide you. Excelente.” He clapped his hands, and the band jumped back into song, the guitar, harmonica, and drum finding a lively rhythm.

Faye grinned as she took the lead. The group gathered in a circle, each couple following the directions, some better than others. Riley led Ella in a well-practised sway, spinning her effortlessly as they flew through the steps. Louis and Charles also fitted right in, despite their colourful Hawaiian shirts being the opposite of the traditional Portuguese attire.

Diana glanced at the others around them, but no one was paying them any attention. She relaxed a little, leaning into Faye’s warmth and letting her guide her.