Page 40 of Ra
“Dancing? I know your people had to dance in some form. What is what?”
“That sound. Is that music? Is that what music has come to?”
“It is. And I like it. So if you don’t, you should go back into the living room.”
He stood there for a few moments, even closing his eyes to better appreciate the sound of slow jazz pouring from her phone. “No. No, I’ll stay. I like it, too.”
Azi turned her back to him and reached for another piece of cheese, this time pairing it with a green olive and spiced mustard. Just as she put it in her mouth and began chewing, his face appeared right beside her ear, looking over her shoulder, just like he’d done while looking at her computer with her.
“What are you eating?”
“I’m just snacking. Cheeses, pepperoni, some vegetables, and hummus.”
“I want some.”
“Help yourself. I made plenty in case you did.”
“How thoughtful!” he said, reaching around her, his arm brushing her breast as he made a few choices, then instead of stepping clear of her to put the food in his mouth, he leaned his head over her shoulder to take the bite. “Mmm. Yes, delicious.”
“It’s just occurred to me that you’re speaking to me again. I thought you weren’t going to talk to me anymore.”
“Why would you think that?” he asked.
“Maybe because you said you’re not talking to me anymore.”
“I just meant at the moment, not forever. Forever is a long time, you know. And I’d get lonely. No one else knows who I am.”
Azi picked up her wine and took a sip.
His eyes watched her like a predator watches prey.
“Would you like some wine?”
He shook his head slowly.
“Would you like some more food?”
“Eventually.” His predatory gaze didn’t shift as he slowly reached out and took the wine glass from her hand, setting it on the table beside the platter of food, then took her hand and turned her toward him.
“What are you doing?” she asked, her voice hushed.
“I like the way you danced. I wish to learn.”
“I’m not sure I can teach you. I’m not very good.”
“I’m sure you’re mistaken, or humble. Either way, I have no doubt you can teach me.”
He reluctantly allowed his focus to drift down her body to her hips again, waiting for her to sway them back and forth again.
“Give me your hands,” she said, her voice hushed again.
He looked up at her quickly, then held his hands out for her.
She placed one of them on her side, between her waist and her hip, then held his other hand in hers as she moved closer to him and began to slowly sway back and forth, moving her feet in time to the music, to slowly turn them in a circle. Ra looked down at her feet, following her movements until he got it right, then he focused on her hips, moving his in time with hers, untilhe was successful at that, too, then he met her gaze, smiling brightly. “I’m doing it!”
“Yes, you are. And very well.”
“I like this dance much better than those we had before.”
