EXTRACT FOR
Hail Mary, Full Of Grace?
(Paula Cameron)

After a half hour Paul asked me to dance.  I hadn`t danced with anyone in a long time. So I accepted.  We were whirling around the dance floor, idly chatting, when Paul looked behind him.  Merrick was tapping him on the shoulder.



"Can I cut in?"  She asked, with a smile.



He cut his eyes to me and grinned. "Sure, I was getting a little tired. Old age, it kills you."



"No, I really should go and sit down myself..." I started. But Merrick grabbed me and pulled me into her. With her left hand in my right and her right arm across my back.



"Aw Teach, it`s a dance." She smiled full on. So I relaxed.  Figuring I`d get it over with.



"You look stunning." She said. "That dress is amazing."



"Thank you. You look very nice yourself. Although I was surprised you wore a suit to an event like this." I said with a raised eyebrow.



"And why not?  It`s what I like and these people are no concern to me. If I don`t like me, who else will?"



"Very true, I suppose."



We whirled around the floor for a few minutes. I was surprised she could dance so well.  Most young people can`t do the classic dances. They can only grind and writhe. She smelled wonderful.  I was wondering what it was when the band started playing an upbeat, Latin number.



"I think I should go sit down now." I said. Not really being a big fan of the genre.  I turned and started to go when she grabbed my hand and pulled me into her.



"Teach; are you that afraid of being close to me?"



"Of course I`m not afraid. I`m just not a fan of this type of music." I said, getting a little annoyed.



"Then you just haven`t had the right dance partner." Those eyes were boring into me again.