{The Playground}
Santa Monica, California
October 4, 1981
River made good on her promise to Michael about taking him out of the studio. She decided to take him to a place that would allow him to become more connected to the dance.
"The Playground?" Michael read the sign and then looked at River.
"It's the name of the club nothing crazy," River reassured him. "My parents used to come to this club back in the day. It's a great place for ballroom dancers to showcase their skills. Tonight so happens to be Latin night. Which means most likely someone will be doing the Rumba. This way you'll be able to visually see it."
"Wow, this place has a lot of history to it?" He looked at the club.
"Yeah everyone here is very supportive. These are some of the best professional ballroom dancers in the world. The first time I came here to dance I was terrified but everyone is so sweet and nice."
"I'm glad you're sharing this with me. I'm looking forward to seeing the routines."
"Let's not keep you waiting any longer." The two made their way inside the club and found a booth. There was a large dance floor in the middle of the room. "I want you to pay attention to their body language and how they interact with each other."
"Okay," They watched several couples perform their routines. He began to connect the dots. "They're really good."
"Yeah, this dance is all about chemistry. If it's not there the dance will feel off. Rumba is known as the dance of love. You have to tap into that character. The seductive side of yourself." She turned to look at him. "I can understand your struggle. I learned the Rumba as a little kid and I didn't learn the adult Rumba until I was a teenager. Trying to be sexy was so weird. Flirting is already awkward and now I have to be seductive?"
He laughed. "Everything about being a teenager is awkward. But now you're more comfortable with it."
"Yeah as I got older things started to click for me. I was able to connect myself to the movements. If I'm honest I still don't think I'm all that sexy." She admitted to him.
"What?" He was shocked. "Riv you're sexy for sure."
"You're just saying that."
"No I mean it Riv you are. You're beautiful and you always have been.
You're ambitious and confident. You set goals for yourself and you achieved them that's sexy."
"You've always been good with compliments. Thank you."
"It's the truth." His famous smile spread across his face. That smile used to make her heart melt.
"Since we're giving out compliments you're sexy too. I admire you so much Michael. You push yourself to do things no one has done before. You dedicate yourself and do so well. People are going to remember who you are."
"Thanks River"
"I only speak the truth like you." She matched his smile. "Also I did bring our music just in case you wanted to try the routine here. Only if you want to though."
He thought for a moment. "I think it would be good practice. You said the couples would give constructive feedback. It's a good idea."
"Then let's do it." She changed into her dance shoes. She then stood up grabbing their music. "Ready?"
"Yeah," She took his hand bringing him to the dance floor. She gave the DJ their music and got into position.
"You got this Michael. I don't want you to think I want you to feel." She whispered encouraging him.
Once the music played the initial nervousness he felt washed away. Something about the atmosphere here was different. There was a shift happening between himself and River. The people and the room faded away where it was the two of them. Michael looked into River's eyes and he could tell she was feeling the shift too. The two seemed to dance around a fine line between right and wrong. The question is who's pulling and who's pushing?
When the routine ended the two were still stuck in their trance. The applause from the audience startled them. "It looks like they approve," River spoke up looking at the other dancers. "This is what I've been looking for."
"I'm happy they enjoyed it. What you think is more important to me." Michael said.
"You did everything I wanted. If you bring this to the ballroom the judges will love it."
"I'll bring it."
~~~~~~~
{River's Apartment}
Malibu, California
Michael figured they would come home late from the club. He didn't want River to be driving that late at night. So he decided that he was going to pick her up and drop her off. They pulled up in front of her apartment building.
"Have a good night Bill." River waved to him.
"You too River." Bill gave a nod from the driver's seat.
She got out of the car and Michael followed after. "Michael you don't have to get out. I'm fine I just have to walk a few feet."
"I'm not leaving until I'm sure you get inside safely." Michael insisted not letting up. A lot can happen in the span of a few minutes. He'd rather be safe than sorry. "I'm going to walk you to your door."
"I guess I can't say no to that." She smiled. He always cared about her safety when they were together. "You haven't changed I see."
"Unfortunately I have to be cautious. You never know what's lurking around the corner. You can never be too careful." The struggles of being a celebrity.
"I understand and I appreciate that you're looking out for me. Come on."
"Bill I'll be right back." He stated before walking inside the building with her. They took the elevator upstairs until they reached her floor. The two walked to her apartment door.
River took her keys out of her purse. "I would say tonight was a success. It was a lot of fun too."
"It was fun." He agreed nodding. "Thank you for taking me it helped."
"My goal is to build your confidence. Whenever you need a booster I'm here." She unlocked the door. "I'm going to get me some sleep. You and Bill get home safe please."
"We will" He gently pulled her into a hug. He felt his heart start to race before pulling back as they looked into each other's eyes. It almost felt as if they were hypnotized.
River came back to reality quickly pulling away. "I'll see you at rehearsal tomorrow. Goodnight Michael."
"Goodnight River." He responded.
She gave a smile before entering her apartment and closing the door behind her. Michael stood there for a moment trying to process the events of tonight. He wasn't sure if he had done something wrong or not. One thing is for sure something in him changed emotionally.
