Can I Have This Dance?

Everyone would think he had lost his mind and he was rushing into things, but Jake had thought it through. He may be crazy in other people’s eyes, but he knew he was just crazy in love. Nothing had ever felt so right as it did now with Maya in his life. He knew it was sudden, but he also knew his heart. He couldn’t stop thinking about her smile, her bright, lively eyes, and the way that everyone in a room would take notice when she entered. He felt in his soul that she was destined to be his wife. 

There was nothing more satisfying than envisioning their life together. He pictured the grand proposal that would leave her breathless and crying. The simple but classy wedding at which their families and friends would look on as Jack and Maya joined together at the altar to create a life full of happiness and love. He envisioned the children who would fill their house with laughter and noisy chaos. He wanted so much to have a family with Maya and to grow old with the love of his life by his side. He could see them in their backyard garden with a glass of lemonade, reminiscing about a life well spent together. There was no way he could wait the socially acceptable amount of time to start the rest of his life with her. 

Maya deserved the best of everything, and he was going to plan out the best proposal anyone had ever thought of. The ring was proving to be a problem, however. Because he hadn’t had much time to ponder this plan, he wasn’t exactly flush with cash. Buying a pawned engagement ring may or may not curse their marriage, but it was all he could afford right now. Luckily he didn’t believe in curses and he didn’t think there was any way that this love story could end, besides happily. Besides, he was likely to be able to find a huge rock for the same amount of money he would spend on something tiny in a jewelry store. 

Jake felt that they were in the stage of their relationship where they wanted to shout about their love from the rooftops, so a public proposal was definitely the right option for him. He loved Maya so much and he wanted everyone to join in the momentous occasion and be a part of their happiness. She exuded confidence and friendliness and loved attention so he knew she would also be on board with a public proposal. He would make sure she felt like the absolute queen she was for the night. 

Two weeks later, Jake dressed in his tailor made suit and slid the one carat diamond ring into his pants pocket. He fussed a little longer than normal in front of the mirror and spritzed on some of the cologne that Maya loved. He took a few calming breaths before leaving his house to meet her at the ballroom.. Tonight was going to be perfect. He could feel it in his bones. It was the night of the big showcase they had been working on for weeks and he felt the exhilaration coursing through his veins. Not only were they going to show off their hard work and skills, he was going to walk out of there with a fiancée. 

When he entered the ballroom, he was slightly overwhelmed with the number of dancers there to perform. As he walked over to the registration table to get his competition number, he searched the room for Maya’s beautiful face. He started to panic slightly when he didn’t see her after a few minutes of looking. Where was she? He knew how important this showcase was to her, and she had promised that she would meet him here at seven.  

Then, as if by divine intervention, it was as though the clouds parted to reveal the sun and she appeared before him. She was a stunning vision in a long, red, off-the-shoulder  dress with a slit cut up to her mid thigh. Her high heels showed off her defined and tan calves. She looked like a mixture of an angel sent from heaven and the devil on his shoulder who could convince him to do just about anything with only a batting of her eyes. He made a beeline for his beautiful Maya and she smiled brightly as she spotted him approaching. His heart about stopped in his chest as he reveled in that smile. 

“Dancers, please find your partners as the showcase is starting in three minutes” the M.C. announced to the crowd. 

“Well I guess this is it!” Jake said nervously

“Don’t worry. We’ll be great. We have worked really hard for eight weeks and we are ready for this. Besides, you have me as a partner so just look in my eyes if you start feeling nervous and I will bring you back into the music.” 

Jake highly doubted that looking into Maya’s eyes would help him focus on dancing at all. He would only get lost in those ice blue eyes, envisioning their life together and forgetting every dance step he ever learned. 

After about five other couples began their routine it was their turn. Jake took Maya’s hand and strode out into the center of the dance floor which was encircled by about fifty other dance couples. When they heard the opening chord of “The Best” by Tina Turner, they took to their positions. Her with her leg outstretched, his hand in hers and her head on his chest. Him with his hand grasping her trim waist and his hip in line with hers. 

The song started and it was pure magic. He was completely lost in the emotion of the song and the feeling of weightlessness dancing with his amazing partner. She looked up at him with love and admiration in her eyes and smiled throughout the performance. They were completely in sync and didn’t miss a step. When the song finally ended, the crowd erupted in loud applause and complimentary hoots. 

This was it. The  time was now. Before they had a chance to move on to the next dance couple and the spotlight was no longer on them, Jake dropped to his knee and fished the ring out of his pocket. 

“Maya, I know that we haven’t known each other for that long, but I know that I am completely, hopelessly in love with you. I know that you brighten all of my days. I know that you are the most exquisite creature to ever walk this earth and every time I look into your eyes all I see is our future together. Would you do me the honor of being my wife?” 

The crowd went wild with excitement but then became very still awaiting Maya’s response. It seemed like an eternity as Jake waited to hear the word “yes”. But he didn’t hear anything. All he saw was Maya with an odd expression on her face. Instead of excitement and happiness he registered shock and confusion. Now he was confused. What was going on? This was supposed to be the happiest moment of his life, but it was not going how he had expected. 

“Jake, what are you doing?” Maya asked quietly. 

“Well, I thought I was proposing but now I’m not quite sure.” 

“I don’t even know what to say.” 

“I was hoping for yes.” Jake laughed nervously. 

“Jake….” 

“ I know it might seem sudden but when you find the one, what’s the point of waiting for your life to start?” 

“What makes you think that I’m the one? We haven’t even been on a date! We joined the same dance class and we were partnered up. I’ve only known you for eight weeks! You haven’t even asked me on a date, and you’re asking me to marry you? Are you insane? Do you take medication that you have missed some doses of?” Maya screeched incredulously.

There was a collective gasp from the dozens of onlookers. Jake heard a distinctive guffaw emanating through the crowd. How could he have possibly misread this situation so badly, and why did he think proposing publicly was a good idea? He wanted to crawl into a hole and die. Oh! But wait! He had forgotten to show her the beautiful ring he found for her. Maybe that would change her mind. 

“Maya, if you could give me a chance, I can prove to you how happy we can be together. I got this ring for you that I know will look beautiful on you. Please just say yes.” Jake held the ring out to her in hopes that the diamond would dazzle her enough that she would change her mind and say yes. 

“You are embarrassing yourself. Please get off your knee. We are not now nor ever getting married. I hope you have someone in your life to talk to, because you need some help, Jake. I wish you the best, but please stay away from me.” With that, Maya turned on her heel and strutted away with the short train of her red dress trailing behind her. It was the last glimpse Jake would ever have of Maya and of his dignity. The crowd looked on with pity and there was silence for a good minute and a half until the M.C. finally spoke and called for the next dancers. Jake stood and made a beeline for the exit. 

He felt dejected and more embarrassed than he had ever felt in his life. He would have to give up ballroom dancing. Or find a new studio. He could never show his face around these people again. He was not delusional, however. That was simply uncalled for. He rushed to the coat check  and slid the ring back into his pocket. Tomorrow he would go sell it back to the pawn shop. He supposed he should’ve believed in cursed pawn shop rings, because obviously he had bought one.