Save the Last Dance
1083 Words
Without hesitation, Jordan set her drink down on a nearby cocktail table and slipped her hand into his.
He led her to the edge of the dance area, where a few couples were already swaying rhythmically to the music. As the ukulele’s melody floated romantically through the air, Jake placed one hand on her waist and took her hand in his.
“You’re full of surprises,” she said as he expertly spun her in time with the music.
Jake raised an eyebrow. “How so?”
“It’s just… I didn’t expect you to be such a good dancer,” she admitted, though the words came out sounding more judgmental than she intended.
Jake chuckled. “I didn’t think I’d love it as much as I do. But Amanda encouraged me to take lessons before the wedding. She didn’t want me to feel embarrassed dancing in front of all the guests.” He twirled her around again, then added, “I found it really helped with balance and coordination when I play hockey. So I kept it up.”
Jordan felt like she was flying, completely free in his capable arms. But as his words about Amanda sank in, her chest tightened.
“It’s… wonderful that Amanda helped you learn to dance,” she said, trying to keep her voice neutral.
“Amanda, yeah, she’s great. I love her,” Jake said casually. “You should take a hula lesson from her while you’re here. She’s a fantastic teacher.”
Jordan’s mind raced. How could he talk about his wife so nonchalantly while holding another woman in his arms? Was their marriage open? Was this just how things worked in Maui?
She opened her mouth to say something—anything—but her phone buzzed in her pocket.
She pulled back slightly and glanced at the screen. A message from Caleb lit up on w******p.
Jake leaned in and read it aloud. “Marco?”
Out of sheer reflex, Jordan replied, “Polo.”
They both laughed. Jake knew the game.
“Mind if I give him a quick call?” Jordan asked.
“Actually,” Jake said, “I should do some mingling—thank the volunteers and sponsors, maybe reel in a few more donations for the event.” He winked.
Then he leaned down and kissed her softly. She melted into the warmth of his breath, wishing the moment would never end. She tried to memorize every detail—his clothes, his scent, the way her body ached so pleasurably when he whispered in her ear. She knew her time on the island—and with this incredible man—was fleeting. Soon it would all vanish, like a dream, leaving only the memory behind.
Jake pulled away reluctantly, pressing a kiss to her forehead before disappearing back into the crowd. She watched him go, enjoying the view. Then, with a shake of her head to snap herself back to reality, she turned and walked down the beach in search of a quieter spot.
She scrolled through her contacts, found Caleb’s name, and hit the call button. After three rings, he picked up.
“Hey, Mom.”
Her heart swelled at the sound of his voice. “Hey, baby. What’s up?”
“Nothing, just checking on you. How’s the resort?”
“It’s spectacular. I wish you were here with me.”
“Want to show me?” he asked.
Jordan smiled, remembering asking him that same question just a few months ago when he moved into residence.
She flipped the camera and scanned the party with her phone.
“I’m at a luau. It’s as fantastic as the movies make it look. And the food, Caleb… it’s so good. There was an avocado at the buffet the size of my head!”
“That’s wild,” Caleb said, clearly entertained.
“And I signed up to volunteer at a Mud Run. The luau’s the pre-party. There’s music, fire-dancers, and—get this—an actual roasted pig with an apple in its mouth!”
“Huh. A Mud Run?” Caleb teased. “You’re not running in it, are you? ‘Cause if you are, I hope you brought your Aircast.”
“Ha ha. You’re never going to let me live that down, are you?”
A few years earlier, Jordan had gotten bored sitting around watching Caleb play video games and asked him if he wanted to go for a run. To her surprise, he’d said yes. But only a few blocks from their house, she slipped on black ice. There was a loud snap from her ankle as she went down.
The paramedics came, and at the hospital, the doctor suspected it was broken—but after an X-ray, it turned out to be a severe sprain. She wore an Aircast for six weeks. Though she healed physically, the fall had left a deeper impression. She hadn’t tried running since.
“How are things back there?” she asked. “How’s Rebekka?”
“Everything’s fine, Mom. Just have fun, okay? I’ll take care of things here.”
She smiled, heart full of pride. But something in her gut told her things weren’t fine. Still, she respected his decision not to share more.
“Okay, baby. I’ll check in in a few days.”
“Hey, Mom?” Caleb added, his voice softening. “Can you book me an appointment with the eye doctor?”
Jordan laughed, rolling her eyes. He was 6" and 19 years old, and no matter how much she tried, she couldn’t convince him he was old enough to make his own appointments. Secretly, though, she loved that he still needed her.
“Outgrowing your glasses again?”
“Yeah.”
He’d needed new prescriptions every few months since he was twelve. The optometrist said it was due to how fast he was growing. Surgery could eventually correct his vision, but only once he’d stopped growing—and OHIP didn’t cover it because it was elective. Jordan wished she could help pay for it, but between his Invisalign, driving lessons, car insurance, and tuition, she felt like she was bleeding money. Glasses were a more affordable option—for now.
She promised to email the eye doctor’s office in the morning.
As the call wrapped up, she told Caleb how proud she was of him, and that she loved him.
“Love you more,” he replied before hanging up.
- Writer
