I watch Hazel more closely now that I’ve got a better view and give her a couple of tips before I make my way back to the front to talk everyone through more steps.
While I can’t help but check out the pair a few more times, I mostly keep my mind on my work, at least until things are wrapping up 90 minutes later and I’m talking everyone through a little cooldown.
“That was fantastic, guys, if anyone’s interested in more classes, I’ve got a swing class today at 2:30, and I’ll be leading ballroom tomorrow at 1,” I announce. “If you’re interested in some private lessons with me, just come talk to me after class or grab one of my cards so you can text me.”
I gesture to the desk where there are two fully loaded business card holders. “And if you’re interested in the hip-hop class, there’s one starting at 5 and another tomorrow at 9 AM, but those will be led by Brianna, and I’ve also got her cards at the desk if you want to get in touch with her for more info.”
Honestly, by the time I’ve finished the spiel, most of the people have tuned out, some even making their way closer to the door. Hazel, who appeared to be listening intently, turns to Brendon and appears to ask him something, because he responds with a smile and a nod.
“Well, guys, thank you so much for hanging out with me today, I hope all of you have a great time here at the Hidden Pearl and I hope to see some of you back in the studio!”
There’s a light round of polite applause, then people start filing out. One older couple comes up to ask some more questions about the ballroom lesson tomorrow, and I see Hazel grab Brendon’s arm and lead him up to wait for a chance to chat with me, to my delight.
I give the other couple the information they’re looking for, then they thank me and exit, leaving me alone with Hazel and Brendon. “That was so fun,” Hazel exclaims immediately, “Is there a follow-up class or anything?”
“Not officially,” I tell her apologetically, “Since people are usually here on pretty short stays, I don’t usually have anyone who hangs around enough for an ‘intermediate’ class or anything. But there’s the other beginner classes I mentioned, plus I do offer private lessons to anyone interested,” I offer.
“I definitely want to come back tomorrow for ballroom,” she admits, “If Brendon’s up for it,” she glances shyly up at him.
“I think I’ll take a hard pass on the hip-hop classes, but I’m okay with any of the others,” Brendon says with a laugh.
“I don’t think that one is really my style, either” Hazel says, “Swing sounds fun, though…but I don’t want to totally monopolize all of our time, this is your vacation, too,” she flashes Brendon an apologetic look.
“Sweetheart, we’re here for 10 days, we’ve got plenty of time to do whatever you want,” he assures her, squeezing her hand before looking at me, “Do we need to sign up for any of those?”
I shake my head. “Nah, it’s pretty relaxed here, just kind of first-come-first-serve, and if you miss one, there’ll be another class within a couple of days or you can sign up to do it solo with me or the other instructor,” I explain.
“What about more salsa lessons?” Hazel asked hopefully, “You said maybe we could do that one-on-one with you?”
Brendon looks a little panicked at the prospect. I guess the idea of a class where he’s surrounded with other people is one thing, but the idea of being the focus of all the attention is a little more intimidating.
I nod. “We could definitely arrange some of that if you guys are interested. Tell you what, how about I treat the two of you to lunch and we can talk about this a little more?”
Hazel blinks. “Really? That’s so sweet, you don’t have to do that.”
I smile sheepishly. “To be honest, I’m kind of thrilled to have someone interested. For most people it’s pretty much a ‘one and done’ thing, so it’s been a while since I’ve gotten to teach anything besides the same beginner classes over and over.”
“Sounds like that would get pretty monotonous,” Brendon says sympathetically.
“Don’t get me wrong, I love teaching dance in any way, shape, or form,” I tell him, “But yeah, sometimes I wish I could do a little more.”
“I get that,” he nods, “But at least you get some variety in getting to teach new people, right?”
“Exactly,” I agree, “That honestly goes a long way towards keeping it interesting.”
“Well, I wouldn’t mind grabbing lunch, if it sounds okay with you, babe,” he says, looking down at Hazel.
She smiles up at him and there’s a moment between the two that almost makes me feel like I’m intruding, somehow, just a single intimate glance.
I clear my throat. “But of course, I don’t want to intrude on your vacation,” I add, “So please, don’t let me be an obnoxious third wheel or something if you wanted to do something else.”
They both shake their heads. “No, not at all,” Hazel says, “Lunch would be great.”
“The more, the merrier,” Brendon agrees sincerely, “I’ll have plenty of time to get this one all to myself,” he punctuates the words with a wink at his girlfriend that makes her cheeks flush prettily pink.
“Well, excellent. What are you guys feeling, the actual restaurant, or the beach café? Food’s great either way, but I have to admit, there’s definitely a better view when you go with the café.”
“Café it is, then,” Hazel says without missing a beat.