The Dance - An LDS Romantic Short Story

Wishful Thinking?

Wishful Thinking?

After another month had passed, I finally decided to let go of any and all notions of Jaidev ever being interested in me–until the night he called, having looked up my number in the ward listing.

"Would you like to go out to dinner tomorrow night?" he asked.

"I would love to," I answered, unable to believe he was really asking me out.

He told me he would be by at five and I assured him I would be ready. The next day I changed clothes five or six times before finally settling on a casual green and black kameez. Ten minutes later, I heard Jaidev's knock and quickly opened the door. He took in my attire and smiled. Dressed in a burgundy linen shirt and khaki trousers, he looked perfect.

We dined on the terrace of the Prince Albert Restaurant at the Grand Pacific Hotel. I had seen the place from afar and heard others mention how incredible it was, but this would be my first visit to the popular island spot. The beautiful historic structure reminded me little of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, the setting for the 1980s movie, Somewhere in Time. The Grand Pacific was built in 1914 and was located right on Suva Harbour. After being closed in 1992 and left to fall into slow deterioration and neglect, the grand old place was renovated–completely upgraded to withstand a category 5 cyclone–and reopened in 2014. I figured it must have been a safe place to be during this last storm. Notable figures frequented the place in years past, including Queen Elizabeth the Second, and there was now a suite named after her.

From the terrace, we had an amazing view of the harbor just out beyond the hotel pool. We sipped frozen tropical drinks and feasted on delicious island cuisine while enjoying the soft music that merged with the peaceful sounds of the ocean. Though we didn't talk much, I felt comfortable with him, and it was the most enjoyable evening I'd had since coming to Fiji.

After eating, we sat watching people come and go until the skies grew dark and the staff lit the torches lining the walkways. Then we took a stroll along the water's edge before leaving.

"I had fun," he said as he walked me to my door.

"I did too. Thank you."

"You're welcome." He smiled and waited for me to open my door before saying goodnight and heading to his apartment. Closing the door, I rested my back against it and sighed, grateful for the chance to spend an evening with him. It may have been a one-time thing, but it had been worth it. I felt like I finally had a friend in Fiji. That was worth something. Kicking off my shoes, I plopped down on the couch, tired, but not quite ready for bed.

Five minutes later, my cell phone rang, and seeing Jaidev's name, I quickly answered it.

"What's up?" I asked him.

"Nothing. I was just wondering what you are doing tomorrow."