Rod, again - Chapter 26, Off the cuff

From his perch behind the buffet table, Chet surveyed the crowd. Rico had been right, things had gone well. He’d received compliments on everything from the appetizers to the cake. Cindy’s father had taken great care to make sure the guests knew there would soon be a restaurant where they could enjoy this fare any time. Chet was almost done cleaning up; most of his helpers had long since gone and he was anxious to go home and relax as well. He moved around the table and then pushed it against the wall. The DJ was getting set up and Chet helped him move more tables to create a small dance floor.

Rod leaned back and looked at Cindy. He thought about the nervousness he’d felt earlier in the day and wondered how he ever could have doubted himself. Cindy noticed him looking at her and smiled.

“What’s up?” she asked.

“Nothing. I’m just very happy right now.” Rod replied.

“Me too. I’ve never been happier. It’s been a good day, Rod. There’s only one thing left for us to do.”

Rod looked at her quizzically.

Cindy nodded at the DJ, who had just started playing the song they’d chosen for their first dance. “Let’s go, honey. The people demand to see you dance.”

Rod groaned and then grinned. “They don’t know what they’re asking for. They’ll be sorry...”

Rod led Cindy to the center of the makeshift dance floor and the two danced slowly. As they moved around the room, Rod felt every eye on him. He couldn’t wait for other people to join them. Sensing his discomfort, Cindy urged Debbie and Rico to join them as they glided past. Soon, a handful of couples were dancing as the first song melted into the next.

Cindy looked at Rod and nodded toward Debbie. “I think you owe her at least one dance, don’t you?”

“Are you sure?” Rod asked. “It wouldn’t bother you?”

Cindy laughed. “Oh, it’s no bother. I plan on dancing with Rico, the soon-to-be male model. I think I can cope.”

They glided over and switched partners. Rico and Cindy disappeared into the crowd of dancers. Rod looked down at Debbie. “Thanks for everything.” he said. “You’re a good person and a real friend.”

“I’m glad you found someone, Rod.” Debbie replied, happily.

The two moved together easily and didn’t speak again until the song was over. Debbie looked up at Rod and said. “Goodbye, Rod.”

“Goodbye, Debbie.” Rod said, stepping away. As he did so, he felt a momentary tug on his sleeve - so transient that he might have imagined it. Rod wondered if maybe Debbie had grabbed him, just for an instant, instinctively. Maybe her brave face was just a facade. He looked at her, but she showed no hint of being anything but happy. Maybe it was his own wishful thinking, Rod thought. Maybe, deep down, he wanted Debbie to be more broken up about seeing him get married.

Rico felt the sweat beading on his forehead as he danced with Cindy. He didn’t know her very well and it felt awkward to have his hand on her side. He was grateful when the song ended and he could step back. Unfortunately, as he pulled his hand away, the button on the sleeve of his suit coat caught on Cindy’s pit pocket and he accidentally pulled her closer.

“S-s-sorry. My sleeve got caught on something.” Rico explained as he freed himself and stepped back.

“It’s okay Rico.” Cindy replied, smiling. “Thanks for the dance.”

Rico reunited with Debbie and the two danced a couple of more songs before making an early exit. On her way out, Debbie stopped by the DJ and requested Neil Sedaka’s “I Go Ape”. The song had been a favorite of Rod’s, although she wasn’t sure if he still liked it or not. She hoped he would appreciate the gesture but she wasn’t hanging around long enough to find out. She was much more interested in spending some quiet time with Rico. Plus, they needed to work out some logistics regarding his trip back with her. The two returned to her hotel room, where they talked and spent entirely too much time on the phone with the airline, trying to arrange seats together on the flight to Minnesota. Finally, around two o'clock in the morning, Rico left to pack, promising to return to the hotel by seven-thirty so they could ride together to the airport.

Debbie laid down and closed her eyes. It had been a tiring but pleasant day. Before long, she was sleeping soundly and didn’t stir until the muffled sounds of other residents passing through the hall woke her. Debbie rolled over and squinted at the bedside clock and then sat up suddenly when she realized it was after seven. She quickly climbed out of bed and picked out some comfortable traveling clothes. After a brief bathroom visit, she hurriedly packed her bags, pausing briefly when she felt a hard lump in the fabric of her orange dress. Odd, she thought, I thought I gave Rico the last Chiclet. She shrugged to herself and stuffed the dress into her bag as she heard a knock on the door. It was Rico. He grabbed her bag and they were off.

Meanwhile, across town at another hotel, Rod crawled about on his hands and knees scanning the floor while his new bride slept. He’d searched the room twice already and knew there was little chance he’d find anything this time either. The diamond cuff-link was gone. Maybe no one would ever ask him about it. Maybe, just maybe, it could be his secret.

The End.