Page 116 of Perfect Mess

Holding my breath, I watched and waited for the inevitable.

Gary sang, “You’re the one thing,” shaking his hips and twirling.

Janet sang, “I can’t get enough of.” Janet flung her torso backward, arms flailing, then pointed directly at Gary, lips pouting.

Ralph stared in awe. “You don’t think they’re going to try the jump, do you?”

I shook my head. “No way. Not again.”

Gary sang his part.

Together they sang the duet part.

From the left side of the stage, Janet dashed toward Gary.

Together, Ralph and I said, “Oh my God.”

Gary went down on one knee and braced himself.

Janet leaped into the air, her body rising, then falling.

Gary lunged forward and caught her in his arms, then hoisted her high above his head.

Again, Ralph and I said, “Oh my God.”

They started spinning. Janet had her arms and legs outstretched, her back arched. With the grace of an 80s film legend, Gary carried Janet around the stage, together singing.

This time Jack and Karen joined Ralph and me as we said, “Oh my God.”

* * *

After it was over,Gary and Janet were the center of attention. Even complete strangers came over to tell them how amazing they were. Mike gave them a round of drinks on the house. The truth was, they were amazing together. The way they moved was no natural and so free it looked like they had been dancing together their entire lives.

Long after the dust had settled, and the crowds of adoring fans had dispersed, Gary and Janet were still smiling. I couldn’t help but notice the way she was looking at him. I also couldn’t help but notice the way he was looking at her. Finally, after all this time, I had gotten exactly what I wanted. Finally, after all this time, my plan was starting to work.

“You okay Mary?”

“Huh?”

Janet was looking over at me and frowning. “You don’t look so good.”

“Oh, no, I’m great. Good. I’m fine.”

“Another great to fine in the span of two seconds.” Ralph shook his head.

“I’m just tired, that’s all.” But that wasn’t all. I was tired, sure. A little drunk, maybe. But I couldn’t get the picture of Janet and Gary gliding across the stage out of my head. The way he held her against his chest when he dipped her backwards. The lines of the muscles in his arms as he effortlessly lifted her over his head. The fire in his eyes as he thrust his hips when she bent over in front of him. The way his eyes sparkled when he looked at her.Whirlpools in the middle of the ocean.

It was obvious to anyone paying attention that there was some kind of spark between Gary and Janet while they performed on stage. But if Jack noticed, he didn’t seem concerned. “Speaking of tired, I have a delivery first thing in the morning. I better head home for the night.” Jack clapped Gary on the back. “Nice moves up there, champ.”

Gary smiled through his teeth. “Thanks Jack.”

As Jack said his goodbyes out, I knew I had to take advantage of the fortuitous turn of events of the night. Finally, there was some positive momentum. Finally, the Universe had cut me some slack. It was clear to me that there was a budding chemistry between Janet and Gary, even if Jack and Janet and even Gary didn’t have a clue. I had to strike while the iron was hot. Bend fate while it was still malleable to my will.

If I could arrange for Janet and Gary to get a little more time together, the spark that had ignited on stage would grow into a conflagration. One more idea to force Janet and Gary together, while simultaneously pulling Jack and Janet apart.

My mind raced. There was a new indoor rock climbing place near the real estate office. But then I had a vision of Gary dangling upside down from the top of a plastic rock formation, ankle ensnared by a safety rope. Or what about paintball? We could divide up into teams. Gary and Janet on one side, me and Jack on another. But then I realized paintball welts all over my body might not help my cause.

As Jack turned to leave, I became even more desperate. Things were finally falling into place and I couldn’t let it all fall apart now. I decided I would find a church carnival. Bribe the pimple faced teenager manning the ride controls to get Gary and Janet stuck at the top of the Ferris wheel. But then I remembered they put those things up and take them back down in five minutes. With my luck, the wheel would break off with Gary and me still in it. Our screams fading as we rolled off into the sunset.

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