A violinist begins to play his instrument and walks over to our table, and then a piano across the room starts.
‘May I have this dance?’ Brad asks, standing and holding his hand out for mine.
I look over at Janie.
She nods and grins, encouraging me to dance. I place my hand in Brad’s, ‘You may have this dance,’ I reply like a lady.
Brad's smile widens, and we walk to the bare wooden floor. I place my free hand on his shoulder, ‘I’m not sure how to dance,’ I frown.
‘That’s okay,’ he smiles.
‘I don’t either,’ he confesses with a smile.
‘So, daring,’ I reply with a cheeky smile.
Brad suddenly places his hand on my waist and pulls me closer so our bodies are pressed against each other. I can feel the heat from his body radiating onto mine, making me feel alive and desired as he stares into my eyes. As he twirls me around and pulls me back against his body, I can feel his breath on my neck as he whispers, 'I feel so lucky to be dancing with the most beautiful girl in the room.'
With each spin and twirl, the sexual tension between us grows stronger.
Brad whispers to me again, his voice low and seductive, 'I don't know how I'm meant to sleep tonight when I can't take my eyes off you.’
I blush, and I can't help but feel even more attracted to him.
As we dance, I feel my ears twitch and realise I can hear any sound and conversation if I want to. As I’m spun around, I notice Janie and Xander watching us dance and talking. I focus my ears on them.
‘They make such a good couple, don’t you think?’ Janie asks Xander.
‘Not really,’ Xander replies.
‘Why would you say that? Brad has been very sweet to Rose and has had his eyes on her for months now, and she’s always had some attraction towards him. I think it’s really nice. Rose and Brad are finally on a date.’
Xander realises his words have hurt Janie. I can’t help sense he wants to protest, but instead keeps the peace and says, ‘You’re right, Janie. I’m sorry. Brad has been good toward Rose, and Rose seems to like him, too. That's all that matters, I guess,’ he tells her.
Janie hugs his arm and stares into his eyes. The smile on Xander’s face widens as their lips slowly inch closer until I squeal as I feel Brad’s hand slowly move towards my back. I quickly pull away, ‘I think I need water,’ I lie, afraid he’ll feel my tail.
‘Come,’ he says, taking my hand. He walks me back to our table, pulls my seat out, gestures for me to sit, and waves the waiter over. ‘A glass of sparkling water, please,’ Brad says to the waiter.
Janie and Xander part, distracted by my squeal, but still gaze into each other’s eyes coyly.
Brad sits in his chair beside me, and Janie fans herself with her hand, ‘Well, Rose, that was kind of hot to watch. I think the whole room could feel the chemistry between you two,’ she smiles.
I blush, ‘Was it that obvious?’ I ask.
Brad chuckles and takes my hand, ‘It's all right, Rose. Don’t be embarrassed. There’s no shame in two people liking each other,’ he smiles.
Brad looks at his watch as the glass of water is served to me. We will have to take our leave to make it to the movie in time. I scull half my water and stand.
Xander and Janie walk in front of us, hand in hand. I notice Xander rarely takes his eyes off Janie. He continually stares at her as if completely smitten and barely speaks. Instead, he’s always listening to every word Janie speaks. Xander pays for their meals, and they leave.
‘We’ll see you at the movie,’ Janie shouts over her shoulder. I wave goodbye to her.
‘Brad waves through the kitchen window. A man wearing a chef's uniform comes out and hugs Brad. ‘What brings you here? Are you looking for work?’ the chef smiles.
‘No, Uncle Mitch, but I’d like you to meet Rose, my date.’
Mitch raises an eyebrow at Brad, then looks me up and down and smiles, ‘It’s lovely to meet you, Rose,’ he says and places a kiss on my hand.
I blush and feel awkward, ‘Hi,’ I reply quietly.
‘Did you enjoy your dinner?’ he asks.
‘Yes, it was amazing, thank you,’ I say.
Brad and his uncle exchange a quick look, and Mitch nods, ‘Well, you two lovebirds run along and let tonight be a treat on me,’ he says.
‘Uncle, I can pay,’ Brad says, pulling his wallet out.
His uncle shakes his head, ‘No, no, it’s fine. I insist and must return to the kitchen,’ he says, waving us goodbye.
Brad takes my hand, and we walk to the restaurant exit.
As we leave, the night air hits me, and I take a deep breath, savouring the cool breeze. Brad puts his arm around me, and I lean into him as we walk toward his car. The streetlights cast a warm glow on our faces, and our footsteps echo against the pavement.
‘That was a kind gesture of your uncle,’ I say to Brad.
‘Yeah, he’s good like that,’ Brad smiles and opens his car door for me.
As we approach the outdoor cinema, I can't help but steal glances at Brad. There's something about him that's so different. His eyes hold a depth of emotion that I can't quite place, and his smile is both charming and disarming.
We arrive at the drive-in cinema. It’s a park with a large oval with a massive screen set up. At the back of the oval is a woodland of trees. Brad parks his car next to Xander’s. Janie and I wind our windows down to wave and smile at each other.
I have the sudden urge to howl. I poke my head out the window to see the moon in full bloom. My mouth opens to howl, but I quickly slam my hands over my lips. Janie gives me a strange look. I free one hand and point at the moon.
‘Oh,’ she says and bites her lip.
I mentally keep telling myself not to stare at the moon. ‘Everything okay?’ Brad asks.
Both hands are over my mouth again. I stare at Brad and nod. Brad tilts his head with concern, ‘Are you going to be sick?’ he asks.
I shake my head no again, but he gets out of the car and comes around and opens my door. ‘Let’s get you some fresh air. Maybe that will help?’ he says. I frown, keeping my eyes on the ground, trying to avoid the urge to stare at the moon and howl.
Janie exits Xander’s car and approaches. Xander glowers and quickly get out to be with Janie.
‘Rose is fine. I’ll take her to the kiosk and get us a soda. While you two fellas can hang out here for a moment,’ Janie says, linking her arm with mine.