To can tango

Chapter 3: Basics

"The basics of what?" I was dying to know.

"Of flirting. It was obvious he was flirting with you. Every step, move, sway," she said imitating Edward, "he does for you. And you just stood there – gawking at him. Although he is our teacher, he is interested in you. " She finished with a satisfied grin.

"Oh, so like you and your dance partner," I stated. Her eyes widened in disbelief.

"Was it noticeable?"

"Oh, no. It wasn't noticeable at all. Besides the fact that half of time you were getting up close and personal with your partner. Bonding, HA!" I crossed my arms. Hopefully, she caught onto my sarcasm this time.

"It was that bad…oh well. Jasper, my partner, is amazing. And I returned the feelings. But you, missy, I don't know why I even claim you," she said pointing accusingly at me. "Edward was throwing all kinds of stuff at you and you wouldn't even bite. That's what I wanted to talk to you about. Your lack of game."

"Game?" Now, she was confusing me. Edward, flirting with me, the klutz. Yeah, right.

"Bella, you got to keep up. Sometimes, I feel like your gears are stuck in neutral and the rest of the world is shifted into drive. Game, caking, flirting, they are all synonymous." She made her way to the door.

"Bella?"

"Yes."

"You are doing fine in the tango lessons. But don't think you're hopeless or pathetic. That's a turn-off." She left me in a stupor. I finally rose from my pathetic funk while processing Edward through my mind. I checked my body odor; I smelled like sweat. Yuck! I ran the water to shower.

The hot water woke my body like it was caffeine. Why was my dance instructor interested in me? Well, besides the fact that I was his worse student. But he wasn't just interested in me because I needed to improve. He liked me, as a woman, as Bella. How could Alice see that? Was Alice the only one who saw it or was I the only one that was oblivious to his intentions? Well, I guess I would have to find out at our next tango lesson. That was exactly in three days. I don't think I could wait that long; I needed to know now.

I stopped the water and wrapped my soaking hair. I came up with a plan: I would see Edward on my relaxation break. I know it was untraditional, but it was worth the shot.

I walked towards the studio, my anticipation rising with every step I took. I was trying to encourage myself to go through with it.

"Okay, Bella you have gotten this far. Now, just open the door, go in, and talk to the man." But my hands didn't respond to the command. Trembling, my hands held onto the handle. I took a deep breath and finally pulled the door opened. Music greeted me.

I slowly walked in breathing shallowly when I saw him dancing – with another girl.

The dancing was just as Edward had described. They flowed across the dance floor. He was leading her around as she seduced him with her intricate footwork. The crowd looked on in admiration like me - she and Edward were flawless and majestic in every move. The music slowly faded until it was inaudible. Edward withdrew from the woman and the crowd dissipated leaving me exposed. Edward excused himself and walked…towards me. The mystery lady turned her back to him and started directing the rest of the people – the students. When he finally was over here, what was I going to do…or say?

"What a pleasant surprise!" He smiled showing his brilliant smile before taking my hand to kiss it. I smiled back, while trying to form phrases, but could only muster incomprehensible mumbles.

Finally I said, "That was…beautiful."

"Well, yes, but it has taken practice," he chuckled.

"I wish I could dance like her…" fading my voice.