The Dance

*7*

'Just where do you think I'm going to wear this back in Atlanta? Costco?' she quipped.

'Shhh, just go with it,' Prince replied. 'You never know what might happen.'

Out another door, through another gauntlet of reporters and photographers, and they were back in the car.

'Our hard work is finished for today,' Prince said.

'You mean my hard work is done today,' she responded. 'I think you have a couple of other things to do before we call this a day.'

'I mean, now it's time for some relaxation. You said you wanted to see some mountains. You ready?' Prince said once again using his silly, high pitched voice. Emma giggled at how adorable he looked when he used that voice.

'Absolutely!' she replied.

'While we drive, I'd like to ask you something,' Prince said. 'You were doing a devotional this morning, which shows me you believe in God. How would you categorize your beliefs?'

'Well, I was raised a Christian, and have stayed with the faith all my life. Not to say I'm some sort of perfect person, you know?'

Prince nodded his understanding, pushing Emma's hair behind her ear, running his fingers down her jawline and neck, down to her collarbone. He kept trying to find ways to touch her that wouldn't seem too forward. Her skin was so soft, and he really wanted to just play with her hair. 'What I really want I have no business doing...yet. Stay cool, Nelson.'

Emma blushed, and put her head down. Prince picked up her chin and said, 'Go on, I'm listening.'

'Oh. Right.' Emma replied, still flustered. She took a breath and continued. 'I'm thankful for the miracles of grace and salvation, and I try to be forgiving of others. How about you?'

'I think my spiritual brother Larry and the other Witnesses saved my life when I was at my lowest, but almost 15 years in, I find there are aspects to this religion that are confining to me, not just theology, but deeper than that.' Prince looked at her quizzically. 'At the same time, I feel very loyal to them for all they've done for me. Does that make sense to you?'

"Yes,' she said. 'I'm not about to argue about religion with you. I'm not that smart!' Emma laughed, and Prince chuckled. Emma went on, 'The fact that we are both believers is enough for me right now. Sometimes I think there are many denominations because God is so merciful; and he realizes that we humans can't all agree on much of anything.'

Prince threw his head back and laughed out loud. 'Wow! That was wild, mama. I love it.' He kept laughing as he squeezed her hand reassuringly.

Emma smiled at his upbeat response. She felt like she was experiencing the relaxed side of a man who let very few people in.

Just then, the car pulled off the main highway. After keying in a passcode, they passed through a set of gates into the driveway of a chateau perched on the side of one of the many mountains surrounding Montreux.

Prince lowered the dividing window and asked Kirk, 'You think it's okay to get out?'

'Yeah, P, we lost them a while back. Lots of good things to say about this driver!' Kirk answered.