Page 87 of Love Overdose: St. Louis

Frankie turned. “You want some?”

He lifted his hand. She moved closer and fed him a small bite from her spoon. His eyes closed as he tasted it.

“That’s Grandma’s cobbler,” Amelia said. “Nobody makes it better.”

Malik smiled in agreement.

“See?” Amelia looked at me. “He has good sense.”

Frankie fed him another bite, then set the bowl on the table.

The movie credits began rolling. Music replaced the dialogue, and animated figures danced across the screen.

Malik’s hands moved against the armrests.

“He likes this song,” Frankie said.

“I remember.”

She looked at me. “What else do you remember?”

“That badly dancing people make him laugh.”

Suspicion entered her eyes. “Elijah.”

I stood.

“You don’t have to prove anything else today.”

“I’m aware.”

The beat quickened.

I stepped into the open space between the sofa and television and attempted one of the combinations Frankie had taught during class. I intentionally turned in the wrong direction, added too much shoulder movement, and finished with a body roll that violated every principle of rhythm I had demonstrated earlier.

Malik’s laugh came out bright and breathy. His hands clapped together.

Frankie stared at me with a smirk on her face. “You are ridiculous.”

I repeated the move and Malik laughed harder. Amelia joined him, leaning back in her chair as I performed another incorrect turn.

I faced Malik. “Your grandmother is questioning my abilities.”

He clapped again.

“I believe he agrees with me,” Amelia said.

Frankie rose and stepped beside me. “Move.”

“You’re taking over?”

“You’re embarrassing both of us.”

“It seems to be working.”

She positioned herself in front of me and demonstrated the combination correctly. I followed her for the first few counts, then ruined it again.

Malik squealed.