CRYPTO: Infidelity (Book 1)

CHAPTER 51: SWING

On Wednesday at 7:30 pm, I dropped by the dance studio to see Birdie. I entered the room to see all the couples in the class dancing to the music as the instructor counted to the beat. He was a fit tiger; probably attractive by feline standards. If Rockie didn't mind his girlfriend dancing with a guy like that, he probably wouldn't mind if I danced with her. Not that I needed his permission. I could join a dance class if I wanted. It was a free country.

I could make it work. I could take time off. It would only take a couple of hours once a week. I knew Birdie would appreciate it and we would have an allotted time to spend quality time together, outside Rockie and her's house. I had never been interested in dancing, but for Birdie... I'd do anything.

I was so lost in thought watching Birdie dance that I didn't notice the instructor walk up to me.

"Is there a problem, officer?" he asked.

"Um, no. I'm, uh, off duty. Just forgot to take my uniform off. Sorry."

"Crypto!" Birdie exclaimed, waving at me.

I smiled and waved back and she bounded over.

"You know each other?" the instructor asked.

"Yeah," Birdie said. She grabbed my paw and leaned up against me. "This is Crypto. He's gonna be my partner." She looked up at me with a big smile.

"Have you paid for the classes?" the instructor asked me.

"No, but I can," I said. "I will."

"Okay. Well, we're in the middle of class so why don't you join us and pay afterward?"

"Oh, I can't dance today. Not in my uniform. It wouldn't be professional," I said.

"Then take the uniform off, silly," Birdie said.

"Um... Alright," I said.

The class clapped in support as I removed my uniform. I felt very uncomfortable knowing I was way out of my element. I had never danced before, not even at prom. All the girls I asked out rejected me so I didn't go at all even though my friends went. It was a very depressing time for me.

Birdie pulled me into the center of the room. "Don't be nervous," she said. "We're all newbies here. We're just here to learn."

The instructor showed us what to do and we practiced with our partners. I actually had fun. The music was fast-paced and I wasn't the only one making mistakes. Birdie was very encouraging to me too which helped immensely.

Afterward, I signed up for the rest of the classes. There were only three classes left so I paid for four classes even though I had no money. I tried not to think about that. I was going to get my paycheck soon and the mafia still owed me money. I would have to ask Rockie about that.

"Did you have a good time?" Birdie asked before getting in her car.

"I had a great time," I said. "It was fun. I look forward to doing it again with you."

She smiled. "I knew you'd like it." She turned to her car.

"Let me get that for you," I said, opening the car door for her.

She kissed me on the cheek. "Thank you."

"Any time," I said.

"I'll see you around," she said. She got in her car, turned it on, buckled her seatbelt, then waved at me.

I waved back and she pulled out of the parking spot. I hated to see her go, but I knew I'd see her again soon.

I got in my cop car and drove home.