Dancing With The Perfect Stranger

New Years 2004

I remember you stretching out your hand inviting me on the podium. I remember looking around at my friends, should I? I remember you insisting on it. To hell with it, I thought, and I grabbed at your hand and you pulled me up. The first thing you said to me,

"I like your hair!"

I laughed. But I don't think you heard me. The music was so loud. I had my back facing you and we were facing the crowd. Your hands on my hips. Your fingers pulling my top down so it wouldn't ride up. ( I couldn't believe you actually did that!) I remember you singing along to all the songs. (I couldn't believe you knew all the words!).

You turned me around and we looked at each other. I remember you trying to make small talk. But we could hardly hear each other- so we just danced. :) I loved how I never felt self-conscious of myself at that moment. It felt like we were the only two people and all we had to do was just dance. We were moving in sync, bodies pressed up against each other, sweat dripping all over--I didn't want it to end. It seemed like everything could be as simple as that-dancing.

And then, I had to go. I didn't want to.

"I gotta go now."

You said okay. You leaned in and gave me a kiss on the cheek and helped me down the podium. And I didn't look back.

I regret one thing-not asking your name.

New Year's is coming up. Will you be there?