Page 65 of Not Strictly Ballroom

“I was just asking Nicholas if you would be interested in coming to teach us at the village. There are a few of us who can still move our hips enough to dance, and I think everyone would enjoy the music.”

I look at Nick, who’s nodding enthusiastically. It would help bring in some money until the studio is ready, and I think I’d enjoy it too.

“I’m sure that we can sort something out,” I reply, and she looks delighted. I leave her talking to Nick and head off to thank some of our regulars for helping us out.

“Do you want a cup of tea, love?” Doreen appears at my elbow with a cup in her hand and a plate. “And when did you last eat?”

When I admit I haven’t had anything since breakfast, she gives me a look that says she knew before she asked me.

“Thank you, Doreen,” I say, gratefully taking the cup, gulping down the tea, and eating half the cake in one go. “I don’t know what I’d do without you,” I say when I’ve finished.

She cups my cheek in her hand like I’ve seen her do to Nick a thousand times. It’s her gesture of love and caring, and my heart that was ripped apart by my own mother heals a little from her touch.

“You’re family Darcy, love.”

“Where’s tha want this?” Barry asks, holding up a sign. I hurry over from where I’ve been putting the final coat of paint on the walls in the foyer.

The sign displays the New Steps logo that Darcy designed a couple of weeks ago. A silhouette of two guys dancing with a rainbow-heart background. It looks amazing, made real and two feet tall. I call Darcy, who’s cleaning the kitchen.

“Wow!” he exclaims when he sees it. “I didn’t imagine that it would look so good.”

He ushers Barry outside the front door and shows him the place where the sign will go. Barry’s offer to make the sign has been gratefully received, but it’s not the only assistance we’ve had. We’ve been overwhelmed by how many people wanted to come and help. My dad and Alan have helped with the renovations, along with Barry, on the weekends. Mum has been incredible, and marshalled Maggie and Brenda into helping. Justin and Mark, freshly back from their honeymoon, got in touch with us and lent their help, mostly clearing the jungle outside, mowing the old bowling green, trimming the hedges, and weeding the car park. Mr Hamilton came forward as he’s a knowledgeable gardener and took ownership of the flower beds, directing Justin and Mark in what can be saved and what needs replacing. Claire has helped with the marketing, offering some great advice and useful contacts. We’d given ourselves a month before opening, thinking that as long as the studio room is ready, we can start, and work on the rest as we go. With everyone’s help, the studio is almost completely ready when Barry brings us the sign two days before we’re due to open.

When it’s hung, we gather everyone together to have a look.

“I’m proud of you, son.” My dad puts his arm around my shoulders and draws me into a side hug. I turn and hug him properly.

“Thanks Dad. We couldn’t have done it without your help.”

I release him, and I see him go over to Darcy. I don’t know what Darcy says to him, but I see a rare smile blossom on my dad’s face and then he hugs Darcy, too. A warmth spreads in my core, watching them together. I think I’ve come to understand my dad more in the last few weeks than I’ve ever done in my life. I feel a lot closer to him. Seeing him and Darcy together makes me really happy, especially when Darcy’s relationship with his own parents is so broken.

Before we leave for the day, we stand and stare at the sign again.

“I feel like a phoenix rising from the ashes,” he says, and I can understand that from what he’s been through.

“Greek?” I ask, as I have no idea about mythology.

“Egyptian,” Darcy replies, giving it a final look.

“Are you nervous?” I ask Darcy, the morning of our grand opening.

“Yes. Well no, but yes.” He stops speaking and laughs. “I’m excited about what we’re about to do, but nervous in case no one wants to come and dance with us.”

I understand him, and I feel it too. But I also know that we’re fully booked for the first two months. Darcy created a website with an online booking system. We booked in all those clients who wanted to join us from his parents’ school, and then Darcy had sent the information to all the people in his inbox. The response has been phenomenal and we haven’t even advertised yet, simply relying on word of mouth and the publicity from the competition.

I put my arms round him and nuzzle into his neck, inhaling his warm citrus and honey scent.

“Are we crazy?” he asks.

“Probably.” I chuckle. “But I can’t think of anyone I would rather be crazy with.”

“Do you want to drive?” I ask, as I reluctantly release him.

“Oh no, not today. I’m far too nervous for that,” Darcy laughs. Once we’d finalised the contract for the studio, I bought a car. Just a cheap runabout, but it was clear we were going to need one to get to the new studio, fetch supplies for renovating it, and to get to the lessons we’re giving at Gran’s retirement village. Darcy is learning to drive as well and making good progress.

We’re just about ready when people start arriving. It’s a beautiful summer’s day, and we can open up the studio doors and use the garden as well.

My parents arrive, along with Barry, Maggie, Alan, and Brenda. They soon apply themselves to helping and making refreshments. Justin and Mark are not far behind them, bringing some of their friends that we met at their wedding. Claire came straight over and hugged us, saying she was a very proud big sister. All our clients from the forties event bring their support, as well as many people we’ve never even seen before.

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