"It's a date." With that decided, they joined the men and began circulating until dinner was announced. Melanie was pleased to find that Susan and Brian were seated at the table with them. The dinner was excellent, but she found the speeches to be a bit boring, because she couldn't wait to dance with Russ. She told herself it was because she really loved dancing, then called herself a liar because she knew it had more to do with being in his arms and close to him.
Finally the awards had been given out, the speeches all concluded, and the tables cleared. The combo tuned up their instruments and launched into their version of 'Moon River'. Melanie had a CD of slow dance tunes at home, and this was her favorite sound track.
As the music started, Russ stood and turned to Melanie. "My dance, I believe." Taking her hand, he led her onto the dance floor. He was an excellent dancer and easy to follow. But she realized by the third slow dance that he was holding her like she was his mother or sister, and not as a girlfriend. Weird! When Melanie indulged in wine, it was usually just a third or a half glass, unless she was in her own home or was being driven home. Then she might have two half glasses. But the wine being poured tonight was generous, to say the least, and she had had a second glass with dinner. She was now feeling the effects. She wanted Russ to pull her in close to his body, and she resisted the urge to put her arms around his neck, with difficulty.
As the third song was ending, Russ said, "Melanie, I..." but just then Brian tapped him on the shoulder and asked, "Mind if I cut in? I haven't danced with my favorite sister-in-law in a very long time."
"She's all yours, but only for one dance." Russ smiled at them both and walked off the floor, silently thanking Brian for interrupting what probably would have been a mistake on his part. He had almost told Melanie that he wanted more than just friendship from her.
As Melanie danced with Brian, he said, "What's up with you and Russ?"
"We're just friends, Brian, so don't go getting any ideas. He's teaching me how to fish."
"If you say so, Kiddo. By the way, what were you and Susan talking about before dinner? Looked pretty intense to me."
"She was asking me about Russ. You know Susan. She wants everybody to be hooked up and as happy as you two are." Melanie was quite comfortable with telling him a half-truth. She wasn't lying, just censoring her words a bit. When the dance ended, Brian walked her back to their table where Russ was in a deep conversation with Susan.