Love after loss

Chapter 12 - The dance

Because Garret and Derek were best friends since their high school days a lot of the guest at the party I recognised as guest that were present at my own wedding and Dereks funeral. 

I was greeted warmly with ‘welcome home’ and ‘we’ve missed you’ by various people, the night was going by fast and I hadn’t seen Garret or Elise since I wished them congratulations at the start of the evening.

Garrets mother, Anne enveloped me into a bear tight hug when I taped her on the shoulder “Elle, I’m glad to see you looking so well dear” 

“Thank you Mrs Parrish” I pulled back and gave her a smile. “And you are looking every bit the beautiful mother of the future groom, careful or you may upstage the bride” 

She chuckled “Flattery will get you everywhere Elle. Come, let’s get a drink and you can tell me all about your visit to the family” 

As we were sat at a small table happily chatting about the winter ruining her vegetable garden, and my Christmas with my 4 rowdy brothers, a familiar voice pulled at my attention as Etta James - At last started playing Over the sound system.

“Dance with me Elle”

I looked up to see Garret stood before me. “I’m sure your fiancée will probably want this dance” I gave a sad half smile

“But I’m asking you” he extended a hand towards me and despite every warning bell going off in my head, I took it. 

He led me to the dance floor and held my right hand in his left and placed his right hand on the very lowest part of my back pulling me close to him and started swaying to the rhythm.

He leaned in closely to my ear “You look beautiful” It was almost a purr. The words full of lust and longing.

I felt a spark. And a heat rose to my cheeks. He had never held me like this before. Never spoken to me in that tone before. I wasn’t sure how to respond. 

“Elle, you have no idea how much I’ve wanted you home, in my arms. Wanted to see your smile”.. but I did. Hadn’t I been feeling the exact same about him!? But we are at his engagement party. And those feelings could not be said out loud.

Instead I turned my head up to look at him. His face was so close to mine, our noses almost grazing. His lips so inviting. We stared into each other’s eyes like a spell had been cast over us and we couldn’t look away. My breath hitched and just like that I was stepping away without a single word said and making for the exit. 

‘Go home, don’t look back’ my mind was screaming at me. I grabbed my coat and bag and just as I got to the door I looked back. Our eyes met and then I was gone.