Page 39 of Saltwater Memories
But it didn’t seem like now was the right time. He wanted her to start having some fun. And there was nothing that improved a mood like good food.
“They’re serving dinner in the other room – would you like to get something to eat?”
“Oh yes, that would be great!”
On the way there, they ran into Will’s boss, Gordon, and Will introduced them.
“I knew that Will would findmanyprecious gemstones on that island,” Gordon said, kissing the top of her hand. “But I had no idea just how precious. Nice to meet you Amanda, enjoy your evening.”
He walked off and Amanda pulled her hand away, a look of disgust on her face.
Will reached up to rub his forehead, forgetting that he was wearing a mask. “I’mreallysorry about him. He’s….”
“Disgusting.” Amanda laughed, covering her mouth with one hand, and holding the other hand in front of her. “I feel like I need to go and wash this off. What just happened?”
Her laughter was contagious. “That’s how we all feel when we have to interact with him.” Will pointed toward the restroom. “Please, feel free to wash your hands.”
“Yeah, I think I will pop in for a second. Be right back.”
As Will waited, he cursed himself for bringing her here. He thought it’d be a first-class, grand party and a perfect time to tell her how he felt. Now he wished they’d just gone to get seafood again so she would’ve been more comfortable and no one would’ve kissed her hand. That would’ve been a lot more natural for their relationship.
When she emerged from the restroom, he was prepared to continue his apology. “I’mreallysorry about him. I wish we could ban him from these things. He’s the worst. At the last party, he told the wife of my client that she reminded him of his sister. He specified it was his ‘hot’ sister.”
Amanda groaned. “Oh my gosh, make it stop!”
“Okay, I’m done. Dinner?”
She smiled. “Sure.”
They were able to make it through dinner without any further incidents. Amanda seemed to be enjoying herself. Not as much as she enjoyed the Chris Farley movies, but more than earlier in the evening.
Will tried to think of every funny story he knew about the company, and he got her laughing as he pointed out the various characters from his office.
Once dinner was through, he asked her if she’d like to dance.
She hesitated. “I’m not a great dancer.”
“That’s okay. Neither am I.”
“And I don’t like people…looking at me.”
“Well, my friend, I’m afraid it’s too late for that.” He stuck out a hand. “No one can keep their eyes off of you.”
She looked down, smiling, before accepting his hand. “Fine.Onedance.”
They walked to the dance floor hand-in-hand. There was a big, live band – the company spared no expense in front of their clients.
The music was fast – maybe Glen Miller? His mom always loved that stuff. Will did his best impression of a swing dancer, spinning Amanda out and twirling her back in. She was laughing now, really laughing, despite their missteps.
When the song ended, Amanda fanned herself with her hand. “Okay, I guess this is pretty fun.”
“I’m glad you think so.”
The next song started, much slower than the first. A woman’s voice rang out, singing the opening words to “At Last.”
His heart leapt. “I know you only agreed to one song, but would you do me the honor?”
She took his hand and he brought her in close. They swayed gently to the music, his face only inches from hers. It was a nice change of pace from before, but his heart was still thundering in his chest.
