The Bitter End by Elise Lapham

Author:Elise Lapham
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Gatekeeper Press

Chapter 11

The Dance

CHARLIE PECK RETOOK the podium, acknowledged Paul, and announced that it was time to start dancing! Paul was stopped by several attendees as he made his way back to the table against the backdrop of the party that was unfolding. The deejay kicked things off with an old song—an Elvis Presley cover of the classic love song Unchained Melody.

It was the same song they had danced to the last night they were together, although back then it was the Righteous Brothers’ version. Would Paul remember? Or was she alone in thinking back to that summer night twenty years ago?

She met his gaze as he approached the table. He held out his hand as he drew nearer to where she sat. He stood before her, his arm extended in silent invitation.

“May I have this dance?”

She got up, carelessly tossing her napkin on the table as she placed her hand in his. Their eyes met and held for a moment, and then he led her to the dance floor.

The lights were low, and several couples were already dancing, but as Paul’s arm went around her waist and drew her close, Lilly felt as if they were the only two people in the room.

They didn’t speak, just moved in time to the music. Lilly allowed herself the luxury of leaning her head on his shoulder and reveled in the feel of the firm, steady beat of his heart.

The song said it all.

I’ve hungered for your touch for such a long, long time.

Lonely rivers cry, wait for me, wait for me.

Darling, wait for me.

I’ll be coming home.

When the music ended, she slowly looked up and into his eyes. It was as if the past two decades had suddenly melted away.

Still holding her close, he softly whispered in her ear, answering the question she dared not ask. “I remember this song, Lilly.”

Then he led her back to the table and pulled out her chair for her and thanked her for the dance.

Lilly felt overcome with joy. Somehow, she knew that he’d never forgotten her. She never thought she would see him in this life again, much less dance with him. She looked up at him with a smile. She expected him to sit beside her at the table so they could talk, but instead he turned to James, who was standing nearby.

“How about a round of drinks for the table on me, James? I’d like to thank everyone for their generosity.”

“Sounds good to me! Let’s hit the bar.”

Paul took a moment to confirm what everyone was drinking before walking away with James, much to Lilly’s disappointment.

Within a few minutes they returned, James carrying a tray of cold beverages. Paul casually handed her a glass of white wine. He looked at her momentarily, and she thought this was the moment they would break off into a private conversation—but when he sat next to her, he leaned forward and started to chat with Charlotte.

She listened to the chatter for what felt like an eternity, feeling morose.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.