the anatomy of love [BxB] COMPLETED

31

Elena González met the love of her life at twenty-three years old.

    The midsummer heat cloaked Mexico City with the magic of possibility. Her abuela watched her rush down the stairs in her new black skirt that showed just enough of her legs that she started praying the rosary.

    A night of possibility led Elena by the hand. She knew tonight had something magical in store for her. The stars smiled at her as she hurried down the street, careful not to linger too long anywhere dark and walk like she knew her destination, which she did. These parts of the city lurked with dangers and beauty alike, and you had to know where to find both to avoid the former and see the latter.

    Elena rounded a corner onto a strip of pulsing signs, all pointing underground. Her heart beat to the bass of the music that traveled like an earthquake under her feet.

    She approached a sign in vivid red that said rosas y espinas in a seductive cursive.

    Roses and Thorns.

    The steps leading down to the dance club were velvet black. Her small heels were silent as she made her way to the door, guarded by a large, well-built man with a dark mustache that covered his top lip and an impressive mullet, still popular at the time.

"Hola chica," he said, opening the door with a dramatic, slow swing.

She smiled politely, then entered the club, sighing softly as the music seeped into her skin. Bars lined the room, encircling a small dance floor with women in skirts of varying bright colors and men in shirts opened to bare chests with long necklaces thumping to the beat of their hearts.

If she knew then how this night would irreversibly change her life, would she walk into that room, or run away scared?

Elena never saw herself as brave, but some days she cannot believe her blazing confidence as she headed straight on into the unknown.

    She took a step into the room, then another. The rhythm of the dance boiled in her blood. A group of young American guys, probably fresh out of college, walked in behind her and straight to the bar. It was easy to tell they were Americans. Something in their easy smiles and slow gaunt always gave them away. Let alone how tall they were, which wasn't always a perfect indicator, but this time hit the mark.

    One guy broke off from the group.

    "Hey, let's dance first. Forget the drinks, I love this song." His voice was smooth and deep, with a sureness that came with his youthful good looks, fair skin and brown wavy hair the exact color of her favorite milk chocolate bar.

    Someone from the group called out as they continued for the bar. It was clear no one wanted to dance yet without their liquid courage. "Oh man, come on. All the songs sound the same. Get a drink with us first." His voice sounded high and anxious in comparison.

    Elena started to the dance floor, aware she had been lingering too long on the outskirts. She walked past the lone American.

"Hey, señorita."

    To this day Elena can't remember if she knew he had been talking to her, or if she purposefully ignored him. When people asked how they met, though, they always liked to claim the latter. Makes for a better story.

    "Señorita." The voice persisted, and Elena turned around and came face to face with the lone American she had been eavesdropping on. His utter movie star smile shocked her, dimples and all. "Lo siento, señorita, pero mis amigos ... abandon... para ... drinks. Esta canción es mi favorito y no quiero bailar ... alone. ¿Do you want... bailar conmigo?"