A Summer in Time

Chapter VIII: "We Could Have Danced All Night"

A SUMMER IN TIME by Norman H. Goroshnik
CHAPTER VIII: "WE COULD HAVE DANCED ALL NIGHT"

The wind was still raging outside of your Hyannisport cottage.  David watched you come back in without Paul and he could tell something was wrong.

 David knew his friend better than anyone else; Paul never ran away from anything.

"Blair, where is Paul?" David questioned, "Which way did he go?"

But you were speechless having lost your voice yelling after Paul.  You pointed up the road.

David ran past you out the front door, in search of his friend.

He spotted Paul up ahead walking very  slowly back to his cottage.

"Paul, what the heck is going on," David called out, "where are you going?"  "We are all going to a bar in Hyannis, they are having a Labor Day Party.  Come with us, there is going to be dancing, we can have some fun.  What do you say?"

Dancing was the selling point!  Paul could not resist going any place where there was live music and dancing.  By then he was feeling terribly sorry for himself.  He had a habit of blaming himself entirely if anything went wrong.  That was his way.

"Okay, Dave, I'll go."  Paul seemd a bit relieved returning to your cottage with David.  David was glad he had run after Paul.  They were both having an exceptional time there.  And it was not over yet.

The cottage emptied out quickly as everyone headed for the cars on their way to the bar.

Paul had no choice, he had to sit pressed against you in David's Plymouth.  He did not utter a sound.  Paul chose not to associate with you in the crowded car.  The others laughed and made small talk during the short ride to Hyannis.

The wind began to turn northwest toward the mainland, perhaps reaching Boston.

Hyannis was still alive with people.  Crowds were streaming in and out of the well-lit bars and restaurants.  Most of the gift shops were closed by then.  Gaiety in Hyannis was very well reserved.  The change of weather in town was noticeable.

Nick's Bar was a popular bar.  It was almost completely round, built on a wooden platform that extended out over a channel.  There were homes directly across the way.  Boats of all kinds were tied to self-made piers.  The lights on the piers reflected on the water.  Spotlights on the ceiling of the bar threw different colors out over the rear deck.   But it was still too windy to stand out there.

Music and laughter came from inside Nick's Bar as well as the strong smell of the many beers and drinks poured that night.  A glass of beer in one's hand was a sign of respectability.  Nick's was filled with college-aged boys and girls.  A crew of servers worked the tables.  Paul had calmed down by then.  He was more himself.  His eyes focused entirely on you. 

Very confidently, he came to you, took your hand and led you to the dance floor.  Paul had taken charge of the moment and hadn't even asked you if you wanted to dance.

"I can't follow New Yorkers--you guys dance funny!"  you told him as your heart did flip-flops.   Your name was on his dance card.  It was as if Paul was asking for a second chance.  People had forgiven Paul in his life and in turn, he was able to forgive as well.

Paul had you dancing with him in 60 seconds.  At first, he held you away from him as he glided across the floor with ease.  When he saw you were comfortable and your steps matched his, he put his cheek next to yours.  He had no intention to stop dancing.  As he held you in his arms, Paul thought he must have done something right in his life to deserve this night.  Paul's wishes were met with gratitude. 

You could easily have still been angry or irritated with Paul.  Luckily that did not happen.  The night was still young and there was more dancing to do.

Paul never could make small talk at a bar.  Paul relied on his self-discipline when he went to bars or was among drinkers or crowds.  No matter what, he never got drunk.  He always kept his promise to himself.  He would always have one drink although people assumed he was drinking all night.  If someone poured something in his glass, he merely took a fresh glass. Paul had learned thata party was not the time to drink.  Strange motivation.

Paul once admitted to David, that he was very funny, when he was very sad.  Amongst his other friends in Brooklyn, he was the life of the party.  A clown at heart.

Considering the years you practiced ice skating, developing good rhythm you had the ability to follow music easily.  The two of you were a team.  Dancing you both drew the attention of your cottage chums who were sitting out the dance.

"Can we stop to get a drink now?" you asked.  The music happened to end just then anyway.  Paul signaled the bartender for two beers.

Paul led you to a corner table, tucked away.  He was glad to be alone with you and enjoy the refreshing ice cold beer while watching the other dancers.  Appearing special together.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

"I am fine, Paul," you replied.

"I am sorry about what happened,"  more or less apologizing. 

"I don't know what to say to you," Paul extended his hands in a gesture, asking you to accept him.

"I don't want to talk about it," you said.

It appeared you were attracted to him.  It had been such a tense day for the both of you.  

You danced with Paul through two more numbers.  He whirled you around all the other dancers, wanting to show you off.  He was proud as he stared into your blue eyes, loving every movement with you.

You though about the time the two of you had spent together walking, the wonderful day in Provincetown, swimming at Craigsville Beach and at Race Point, dancing with Paul.  It was not as if you were involved with him.  But being with him had to have some significance in many ways. 

Unbeknownst to Paul, he was a caregiver.  He was good for you.  For some strange reason, he did not talk at all about what kind of work he did.

All and all, it was such a relief that Thursday night.  He accepted you as you are.  Perhaps Paul was too trusting and therefore ran the risk of being hurt much too easily.

Sheila wanted to leave and David motioned to Paul that they were going.  The others chose to stay at Nick's and said they would catch a ride later.

It was late and David drove slowly out of town, watching for revelers.  There always was a homey feeling when you arrived back at the cottage, especially late at night.

Paul turned his head listening to the sound your shoes made as you walked up the drive toward the front door.  It was pitch black.  Someone had forgotten to leave the light on.  You experienced the sensation of sightlessness.

"Blair, do you have to go in right now? he asked.

"Why, what do you want to do?" you replied.

"Can we go for a short walk, before we called it a night?"

"Paul, it is very dark out here, and it is late!"

"I know, Blair, I just feel like talking right now." " He said.

"We might get bitten by the bugs!" you added.

You couldn't see him smiling in the dark.  Finally someone turned the porch light on.  That was reassuring.

Paul reached for your hand with his usual quick movement.  He led the way.  Bonding both of you together.  There were a lot of feelings passing between you.  This was not an ordinary date with an ordinary guy in an ordinary place in some ordinary time frame.  This relationship was only beginning.  Why not!  

Paul seemed to be trying to sort things out in his mind.  It must not have been easy or assuring. 

"I need to say something to you," Paul began as if what he had to say was so imperative.

"Blair, you have no idea how much this week with you has meant to me.  How can I explain how our time together has been more than I expected?"

"I have no hold on you.  I won't force my feelings on you.  I don't want you to feel hurt in anyway.  I can't stand to see you upset!"  

"You are what I have always needed," he said.  "I want to be able to see you after we leave the Cape.  I haven't worked out how we will be able to do that yet.  But I will figure it out."

"I don't know what to say.  I have to find a job, when I go home."

"In New York, we always say, 'What will be, will be!'"

If it is meant to be, then it will be.  Paul called upon his wisdom and tried to reach out to you with words and feelings even though he didn't have the slightest idea if and what you thought about all this.  It was crazy for him to assume you were in some way as serious as he was.  He just had to get it all out of his  system.  He was running away with himself.

Paul turned just enough to be able to kiss you on the cheek.  Your respect for him was so very important and special.  He feared he was not going to be able to see you again as his vacation was coming to an end.  His heart went out to you.

Nothing else seemed to matter too much just then.  The darkness closed in even more.

"Can we go back now?" you asked.

With that, Paul was barely able to move his feet to turn back.  He shifted his shoulders around.  His chest was in pain and he was still shaking a little from the emotional drama.  He was seeking some reassurance from you that would seal a relationship.  New Yorkers are not slow about anything--it had to be quick!

It would be unforgiveable for either of you, here on the Cape now, not to plan to write or see each other on occasion or on holidays.  It had to be the furthest thing on your mind.

The porch light showed the way back.  Paul kissed you on the porch.  For the first time, you gave him a hug.  You were tall enough to reach up to this big softie! 

"Good night, Paul!  Thanks again for a nice time, I really had fun dancing with you."

"Blair, you were terrific!"  His smile came from his heart.  His mood changed from serious to semi-serious.  He did indeed have a great time.

David slipped by you both as your serious talk continued.  Paul looked to see if David was waiting for him.

 "Are you alright, Paul?" David asked as you approached the Plymouth.

"I guess so," Paul said,  "Lets go," climbing in next to David.

"I am sorry I acted like a jerk Dave.  Did you have fun at the bar?"

"Sheila and I had a ball--she is really something," he replied.

Paul had to have asked permission to love you!

Coming soon: Chapter IX
It is never one person's fault if a relationship does not work out. Opportunity is always there to bond together.  Being able to chose, without fear, without regrets, even though two people know each other for a very short time. If the chemistry is right the relationship lasts as long as each partner makes it so.

There is more fun, entertainment,and romance coming in the next chapter.  Enjoy good reading.

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