My watch said it was one minute to Midnight.  The first day of the trip was about to become the second day of the trip.  There is a peculiar time shift that takes place on cruise trips.  With no responsibility to get up in the morning and food available at different locations throughout the day, nightlife takes precedent over daytime.  For some people, they were just getting started at Midnight.  I felt very grim about this Midnight Mixer as I walked to the Disco.  I hesitated briefly at the door to scan the room.  At first glance, the Midnight Mixer was well-attended.  There were 60 or so people milling around.  Okay, I told myself, let's get this over with.  I took one step, then froze.  Did my eyes deceive me? 

At the Stroke of Midnight, Marla was standing alone on the other side of the room! 

Due to my lifelong preoccupation with Fate, I was suspicious that this so-called chance meeting was no accident.  Ever since that Miami trip, I had given up all hope.  Well, guess what.  Seeing Marla stand there all by herself, I swiftly changed my mind.  Staring in wonder, the parallel to the Cinderella story crossed my mind.  Hmm.  This would be a good time to ask her to dance before she lost her slipper.

Uh oh, it looked like Marla was ready to leave.  Feeling the urgency, I quickly crossed the room.  My heart was racing.  I had nursed a serious crush on this woman for a long time, but had gotten nowhere.  Considering Marla barely knew I existed, I wondered for the millionth time why I was so hung up on this woman.  I tried to remind myself not to get my hopes up.  Typically when a woman gives me the brush-off for ten months, this offers little reason for optimism. 

On the other hand, I was in a strong position.  I could not have picked a better place to make my move.  After all, there was a dance floor ten feet away.  A dance floor to Rick Archer was like spinach to Popeye.  This was kind of crazy.  How often had I dreamed of asking Marla to dance at some point on this cruise?  However in my wildest dreams I never expected Marla would be handed to me on a tray. 

As we moved to the floor, my mind was in two places.  Yes, I was thrilled to finally connect.  But that was no guarantee I was going to get my answers to the "Mystery".  My other thought dealt with the magnitude of this coincidence.  How could I help but switch to Supernatural alert?  Something very spooky was going on.  If I did not know better, my wish to get Marla alone sometime on this trip had just come true.  But what would the ending be?

Although I doubted seriously I could pry Marla away from Chris, at the very least I might be able to get the answers I had longed for.  Considering I had asked the Universe for the chance to learn the truth, this moment struck me as an answer to my prayer.  I was certain of that.  Before this night was through, I hoped to solve the Marla Mystery.

Six Year Relationship.  Miami.  Why was Marla on this trip alone?  And what she was doing at a dance listed as a 'Singles Mixer'?  Is she looking or not?  Maybe Marla doesn't even know herself.  Well, this is it.  Showdown.  I am going to get my answer tonight.  I may not get the answer I want and I may not get an answer I like, but I am going to get an answer one way or the other.  At the moment, Marla was oblivious to my presence.  She never saw me coming.  Staring blankly out at the dance floor, her expression indicated she on the verge of leaving.  I did a quick Reality Check to make sure I wasn't hallucinating.  Yes, that is Marla and this is not a dream.  Coming up from behind, I said, "Hi Marla, what are you doing here?"

Marla turned around in surprise.  To my enormous relief, she smiled.  Marla seemed happy to see a familiar face. 

"Oh, hello, Rick.  Where did you come from?"

"I just got here.  Sorry, I didn't mean to sneak up on you.  What brings you out at this hour?  Isn't this the witching hour?"

"Very funny," she answered.  Marla pointed to her roommate Sherry who was out on the floor dancing.  I turned to look.  Wearing a slinky, low-cut red dress, Sherry was hard to miss. 

"Sherry wanted to come to this midnight dance, but she needed courage.  She insisted I come along."

"Ah, so you're here as the dutiful roommate.  Sure, Marla, I believe you."

Marla gave me a dirty look, then grinned.  "Sherry's "looking".  She's the lady in red.  Red dress, red shoes, red lipstick..."

"And red attitude," I added.  I took a quick glance at Sherry.  "Sherry is so bright she is glowing in the dark.  She could give Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer a run for his money."

"Sherry was asked to dance the moment we entered the room.  She left me standing here alone.  The moment the song was over, I'm outta here.  You caught me maybe 30 seconds before I split."

I turned back to Marla.  "Why don't we join her?  Would you like to dance?"

Marla smiled and nodded yes.  "But first I have a favor to ask.  Would you mind putting my room key in your pocket?  I don't have a pocket."

I had not noticed Marla's form-fitting dress was pocket-less.  My eyes had feasted elsewhere.  Tight at the waist, this curve-hugging dress emphasized her hourglass figure to perfection.  Switching to eye contact, I gladly accepted her room key and put it in my pocket.  It was a simple request, but I took it as a positive sign.   Finding Marla alone had been Good Omen number one.  Asking me to hold her room key was Good Omen number two.  Dancing with me was Good Omen Three.  Dare I get my hopes up?

As we danced freestyle, I thought back to my decision 27 years ago.  I had bought The Mistress Book in search of ideas on how to break the ice with a woman I did not know.  The book had said dancing was the easiest way imaginable to approach a woman.  Asking a girl to dance was also the fastest way to get her in his arms short of grabbing her.  This axiom had proven true time and again over the years.  I had always viewed learning to dance as the smartest move I ever made.  Since most men rarely stumble across a dance opportunity, they place little value on the need to learn.  I saw it differently.  I had always believed the day would come when the ability to dance would become the most critical skill in the world.  And so it had.  I smiled at my good fortune.  I had waited a long time for this ultimate opportunity to see my dance skills pay off.  It had been worth the wait just to have Marla say yes. 

Unfortunately, I doubted I was impressing her.  Marla was a much better freestyle dance than me.  She was what I would call a natural, very fluid, full of jazz and pizzazz.  I was dying to show off, but the rap music did not mesh with my Disco moves.  I did not feel comfortable.  Maybe I was rusty.  Or maybe it was the wrong music.  Or maybe it was my nerves.  I was surprised at how self-conscious I felt.  I had never had any luck with this woman.  In all these past months, I had yet to figure out why Marla was always so pleasant to talk to, yet remote at the same time.  Would I be able to get past her mask tonight?

So far I had been the beneficiary of three good omens.  After fifteen minutes of dancing, I decided to take the biggest risk of the night.  Taking a deep breath, I made my move.  "Marla, would you consider sharing a margarita with me?" 

To my great relief, Marla accepted.  This was the fourth good omen.  My pulse was racing, but at least things were progressing smoothly.  Relax, Rick, relax.  As we sat down at the bar, I quickly made a request for two margaritas.  The next thing I did was marvel at her beauty.  I wondered for the millionth time what guy would ever let a woman who looked like Marla come on this trip by herself.  

What advice would Cary Grant give me?  "Keep it light!  Keep it breezy!"  Or I could say, "Here's looking at you, kid."  Okay, so that was Humphrey Bogart, not Cary Grant.  I'm so nervous I'm getting my movies mixed up.  Close enough, wish me luck.  I was dying to ask Marla what she was doing on this cruise without her boyfriend.  However, I thought an indirect approach would be a better starting point. 

"So, Marla, how did you get to the ship?  Did you drive down with Sherry?"

"No, I spent the night with Chris.  He lives nearby in Clear Lake and dropped me off in the afternoon.  Right now my car is in his driveway."

Oh my lord, what a dumb question!  Definitely NOT the answer I wanted to hear.  On the other hand, Chris was out of sight on distant shores while here I am having a drink with his girlfriend.  I am here, Chris is there.  The ball was in my court. 

"You told me you came on this trip to hang with your friends.  Are you glad you decided to come?"

"I haven't made up my mind yet.  Things didn't work out like I planned.  I hate to say it, but my friends from dance class let me down.  I don't know a soul aboard this ship other than Sherry."

"What about Martin, the man who gave you and Chris the Salsa lesson?"

"We didn't take from Martin, we used Linda instead.  She was great.  Chris liked her so much we took two private lessons.  When we got to the Tropicana, Chris danced with me a lot more than I expected.  I might turn him into a dancer yet."

Oh great, wouldn't that be wonderful?  I gritted my teeth at the mention of the Tropicana.  This reference to 'Miami' immediately brought my jealousy back to mind.  No matter what question I asked, it felt like Chris was looking over Marla's shoulder.

"What about me?  You know me."

Marla laughed.  "You're my teacher, you don't count."

I rolled my eyes.  "Gee, thanks a lot."

"Don't get your feelings hurt, I'm just kidding."

"So I gather you regret coming."

Marla nodded.  "That's actually true.  I almost didn't come.  During the past week, I decided to blow this cruise off.  However, my daughter Marissa shoved me out the door."

That's strange.  I didn't want to come either.  "What did Marissa say?"

"She said, 'Mom, you should go.  You're bound to make new friends.  Plus you love to travel.'  Marissa's guilt trip worked, so I changed my mind at the last minute and drove down to spend the night at Chris' house."

Here we go again.  This is a woman who spent last weekend with Chris in Miami.  This is a woman who spent last night side by side with Chris at his house.  Obviously she and Chris were so tight she no longer wanted to be on this trip.  Whatever made me think that she and Chris were on the rocks?  So much for my keen intuition.  Oh, well, I am here and Chris is there.  Don't give up so easy.  With a sigh, I continued.  "Now that you're aboard, do you still regret your decision to come?

"If you have to ask, yes.  I'm still disappointed that no one asked me to dance at your cocktail party."

That surprised me.  "Why not?"

"You told everyone to find a partner and come to the floor.  Since I don't know anyone on this cruise and there's ten extra women, Sherry and I got left out.   The two of us just sat there watching everyone but us have fun.  I only came because Sherry asked me to."

I was not happy.  I was getting nowhere and this conversation was shaping up just like all the other lousy conversations back at the studio.  At this point, this bartender brought us our drinks.  I handed him my room pass to charge to the bill, then handed Marla her margarita.

"Thanks for the drink, Marla"

She looked at me quizzically.

"I used your room key to pay."  Seeing her indignation, I laughed.  "Not really."

Marla gave me a look that would kill.  "Shame on you!"  Then she smiled. 

Ah, the ice was finally broken.  Thank God.  I raised my glass and she complied.  With a clink of our glasses, I said, "Here's to a better trip."

"Let's hope so."

Marla did not have the slightest idea my heart was pounding.  Nor was she aware that I considered our Midnight meeting to be a coincidence of the highest magnitude.  That said, there was no guarantee the coincidence held any importance.  The significance of our meeting was yet to be determined.

"Your daughter Marissa said you love to travel."

"That's true, I do love to travel.  This is my eighth cruise.  I thought it would be fun to get away for a while.  Plus the chance to dance for four nights was a nice twist.  Thank goodness you came along.  At least I got to dance a little tonight."

"You are a very good freestyle dancer.  I did not know that."

"Thank you.  I love to dance."

Then Marla frowned.  "I almost missed the boat today.  I dragged my feet all day long because I didn't want to go."

"What changed your mind?"

"I debated yes and no all day long.  I had already arranged to take the time off and the trip was paid for, so I thought I might as well go.  But I almost waited too long.  I did not anticipate there would be construction on the freeway.  Traffic was backed up for miles.  Why is it wherever I go, there is always construction?  I hate Houston freeways!  Don't laugh, but I think I was the actual last passenger on board.  There was no one else in line with me."

I grinned.  "Well, I'm glad you made it.  I am glad I ran into you.  Who would have thought at Midnight, no less.  As for freeway construction, I completely agree.  Houston could be attractive, but all they ever do is destroy neighborhoods to make room for more steel and pavement.  Due to our humid climate, trees grow easily.  However our beautiful forests are sacrificed to lay more concrete."

"I feel the same way.  Plus it takes forever to finish the construction.  Out in Kingwood where I live they have been widening the freeway ever since I moved to Texas ten years ago.  Will it ever end?"

"At some point I wish they would figure out that rail makes more sense than constantly building new freeways.  Take the Katy Freeway for example.  They actually removed an existing railroad to double the width freeway.  Did anyone ever stop to think maybe they could have put that railroad to better use?"

"Did they really do that?"

"Yes.  And what about Galveston?  I saw the same traffic you did.  You were late because they are widening the Gulf Freeway.  Why not try rail instead?  The idea to bring the cruise ships to Galveston just started last year.  If Houston were to connect to Galveston by rail, I bet tourism in both cities would explode."

"You seem to have given this a lot of thought."

"Yeah, I suppose so.  Houston is supposed to be the Space City, the city of the future, but there doesn't seem to be much vision."

When I said that, Marla got the funniest look on her face.  I had no idea what that meant.  If I had to guess, she was surprised I had said something interesting about freeways of all things.  In all my fantasies, I never dreamed our first topic of conversation would be Houston's massive freeway system.  However, Marla was smiling, so that was good enough for me.  Just then the bartender came over.  I looked at Marla and she nodded, so I ordered a second round.  One of the smartest moves I ever made.

Wanting to get off the decidedly unromantic freeway topic, I changed the subject. 

"Marla, tell me about your love of travel."

"Earlier in my career I worked as a buyer for a sporting goods company.  My job required me to take two long trips a year to Southeast Asia.  I went to places like Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, Philippines, South Korea, and Hong Kong to find manufacturers to source my product.  I did that for about ten years.  My job also took me to Germany and Switzerland to identify the latest European fashion trends.  In addition I have been to Hawaii, Costa Rica, and Alaska.  I have been very fortunate to see much of the world."

"What about Mexico?  I've never been there."

Marla laughed.  "Mexico?  Of course.  I grew up in Southern California.  We consider Mexico our back yard.  I've been there a dozen times, maybe more.  Two years ago Chris and I went to visit Big Bend National Park on the Texas-Mexico border.  The water in the Rio Grande was so low we walked across the river and had tequila shots at a bar on the Mexican side.  I got a kick out that."

"Is it really that easy to cross the Rio Grande?"

Marla nodded.

"I never knew that.  No wonder half the people in Texas speak Spanish.  You are quite the globetrotter.  I've never met anyone with quite so much travel experience."

"Travel is my favorite hobby.  I love seeing new places."

Just then the bartender arrived with our second round.  I raised my glass and said, "May your heart be light and your purse be heavy."

Marla raised an eyebrow.  "That's a new one.  It sounds Irish.  Where did you hear that?"

"I heard it in a TV mini-series about Catherine the Great.  Maybe it's a Russian phrase.  Since you're from Russia, I assumed you had heard it before."

Marla stuck her tongue out.  I had teased her about being Russian many times in dance class.  "Marla, this isn't the Bolshoi Ballet.  Stop being a diva and learn to follow!"

"Will you knock it off?  I am not Russian, my great-grandparents were Russian.  They were from Minsk, but I grew up in Southern California.  Tell me about Catherine the Great.  I don't know a thing about her."

"Catherine was a German princess who was escorted to Russia as a potential bride for Peter the Third, heir to the throne.  Her bodyguard on the trip suggested some vodka might make the long night in a snowy cabin go a little better.  That is when he used that slogan."

"Sounds like a line to me.  Did the bodyguard seduce her?"

"No, but he wanted to.  Fortunately he got his chance later in the movie."

"What happened?"

"As an outsider, Catherine was in disfavor from the start.  Influential people were always trying to murder her.  There was a serious attempt to poison her, but the bodyguard guessed why she was sick just in time to save her life.  Catherine ended up marrying the future Tsar, but it didn't go well.  They were about to send her back to Germany because she couldn't produce an heir.  Catherine suspected she wasn't the problem.  Figuring a different rooster was called for, Catherine enticed the bodyguard to her bed.  In the process of producing an heir, the bodyguard became the love of her life."

"How did the movie end?"

"Tsar Peter was a half-wit.  Catherine could see Russia wasn't getting anywhere with him in charge, so she persuaded her boyfriend to murder her simpleton husband.  In the process she became Tsarina.  Since Catherine was a clear upgrade, no one mourned the loss of her idiot husband."

"Interesting story.  I did not know that.  Do you like history?"

"I love history, especially Rome and Greece.  Ask me about the Trojan War sometime."

"Then you should travel.  History comes alive when you travel."

"What have you learned on your travels?"

"I've learned that Asians are tough bargainers, I love Asian food and Hong Kong is the most crowded city in the world.  Asians want the same thing as Americans... peace, security, friendship, a chance to raise their children in safety.

"I have never traveled, Marla, but it is not surprising to learn that people around the world want the same things we do.  In my opinion, it's the politicians that mess things up.  So here's another question.  What's your favorite place to visit?"

"Costa Rica for sure.  Last year Chris and I hiked a volcano.  What a view!"

I winced when Marla brought up Chris again.  Was any subject safe from Chris?  Back at the studio, Chris was the answer to every damn question I asked.  Tonight I was getting more of the same.  Six years is a long time.  Chris had defined Marla's life as far back as she could remember.  Clearly their relationship worked.  How else would it survive this long?  But at the same time I still had that nagging feeling something was wrong.  I wondered if it was possible to pry Marla from six years of memories, habits, and comfort.  For that matter, how much longer could I keep this conversation going?  Considering I had never gotten anywhere in six months of previous conversations, I was dealing with considerable anxiety that Marla would ditch me the moment things lagged.  Fortunately Marla seemed to enjoy talking about travel.  I had picked a good topic, so I took that as my fifth good omen. 

At this point Marla's roommate Sherry came over to say hello.  Uh oh.  My heart sank when I saw her coming.  Based on the look in her eye, Sherry intended to ask me to dance.  This spelled doom because Marla would surely use this as an excuse to head back to her room.  I liked Sherry, but my night hung in the balance.  After months of getting nowhere with Marla, having her open up tonight was the moment I had been waiting for.  If I left now, that would give Marla a face-saving reason to call it a night.  That was unacceptable.

"Hi Sherry.  I've been watching you dance up a storm.  Marla says you're on the prowl."

Sherry blushed.  When Marla laughed, Sherry did too.  "Marla and I did not dance a single time at your party this afternoon, so I figured I needed to come here tonight to make up for lost time." 

Which, I gathered, was Sherry's lead-in to ask me to dance.  I was smiling on the outside, but worried on the inside.  I did not want to blow my big chance with Marla on a duty dance with Sherry.  Just then Martin, my Salsa instructor, showed up.  He must have seen Sherry coming over and figured out we were having an SSQQ powwow.  Based on the way Martin looked at Marla as he neared, she was his first choice.  Suspecting Martin had a crush on Marla, more than likely he saw this as his big chance.  I had a hunch he figured Sherry would pry me away and leave Marla for him.  Well aware that I could not let this happen, I was at a loss to know what to do. 

Although I liked Martin a lot, his unanticipated appearance was distinctly unwelcome.  At the exact moment I felt a rapport developing with Marla, my greatest fear was giving her a face-saving reason to disengage and return to her cabin.  Yes, Marla was definitely thawing in my regard.  For the first time, I felt we had become friends.  But I wanted more than that.  I wanted Marla to develop an interest in me strong enough to override her likely feelings of guilt.  No doubt she felt an obligation to honor her commitment to Mr. Miami.  I had no desire to play fair.  Never give a girl the chance to think it over.  If I disengaged to go with Sherry, more than likely Marla would take the opportunity to say, "Hey guys, have fun on the dance floor, but I think I'm going to call it a night."

Out of nowhere, I had an idea.  It is so odd how Fate works sometimes.  Earlier I was angry because Mitchell, a recipient of one of my free cabins, had stolen Priscilla from me.  Now I was happy because Martin, another recipient of a free cabin, was available to help me out of a jam.  Since Martin owed me, this was the perfect time to call in my favor.  Before Martin could say a word, I spoke up.

"Hey, Martin, I am so glad you came over.  Will you do me a favor?  Marla and I are having a deep conversation about the meaning of life.  I was just about to ask Sherry to dance, but why don't you ask her to dance instead?"

The evening hung in the balance.  Would my ploy work?  I made sure to smile at Sherry so she would see I was not rejecting her.  As Martin looked at Sherry and Sherry looked at Martin, I held my breath.  To my immense relief, Martin stuck out his hand. Imagine how happy I was when Sherry smiled.  I took Martin's sudden appearance as my sixth good omen of the night.  I could not bear to part with Marla.  Not now.  Maybe not ever. 

Marla grinned at me.  "Nice move."

Marla's comment surprised me.  Her reaction indicated she liked how I handled that.  Did that mean why I hoped it meant?  Her comment suggested that maybe she felt the same way as me.  If so, be still my beating heart.  Maybe there was hope for me after all. 

"I was lucky that Martin showed up when he did."  Pausing to give Marla a serious look, I continued.  "I would have enjoyed dancing with Sherry, but right now I would much rather talk to you."

Marla's expression changed.  Not for the better, not for the worse, but rather as if something unexpected had crossed her mind.  Marla offered a smile, but it was more like she blinked.  If forced to guess, Marla was starting to see me in a new light.  I certainly hoped so.  After a pause, Marla confirmed my hunch. 

"I expected you would go dance with Sherry.  I am glad you didn't.  I am enjoying our conversation.  Tonight you seem different."

"How is that?"

"When you talk to me at the studio, you're always looking around, always checking things out.  Tonight you are focusing on no one but me."

"I was not aware of that, but you're probably right.  There are many story lines I follow at the studio, so I guess I have gotten in the habit of constantly keeping an eye out.  Do you think I have a roving eye?  Is that it?"

"Maybe, but it's more like you only give me half of your attention."

"How am I different now?"

Marla laughed.  "I like it when you give me all your attention."

"Ouch, I guess I deserve that.  I'm sorry I gave you the wrong impression.  Actually I have wanted to talk to you for a long time."

Marla smiled.  "Oh really?  Why is that?"

"You intrigue me.  I like the way you don't back down when I tease you in dance class.  You do a good job of putting me in my place and you make the other students laugh.  They like it when we argue."

"Am I the only person who picks on you?"

"No, but you are the only one who is any good at it.  You are an excellent sparring partner."

Marla laughed again.  "I've been told that before.  As long as I can remember, I've always had snappy comebacks.  I will never initiate, but I will always come back with a witty retort."

I laughed.  "You certainly know how to put me in my place."

Marla smiled.  "I am glad we connected tonight.  I am seeing a side to you I did not know existed.  At the studio, you come across as superficial and all business.  Tonight I have learned you are more knowledgeable than I realized.  You are easy to talk to."

"Not really.  I got you drunk.  Oldest trick in the book.  Tequila has been causing women to lower their standards for hundreds of years."

Marla laughed.  "That's probably true."

I was thrilled.  This was the first time Marla had ever shown interest in me.  With my confidence bolstered by yet another good omen, I suggested we dance some more.  "Let's go join Martin and Sherry on the dance floor and show them we still love them."

Marla nodded okay.  I glanced at the bartender to guard our drinks and we headed to the floor.  Marla and I finished out the song dancing freestyle while standing next to Sherry and Martin.  When the next song started, I grabbed Sherry and Marla grabbed Martin.  Teamwork.  Everybody's happy.  After dancing a song with Sherry, I danced one more song with Marla.  Then it was back to the bar and further conversation.  

Noting Marla followed me back to the bar without being asked, I took this as my eighth good sign of the night.  How strange this all was.  For six months I had tried to connect with Marla without any success.  Admittedly I was not bold.  My fear of rejection was just too great to make a move without any encouragement.  I thought of Ashley.  I thought of Connie.  I was used to women making their interest known on their own initiative.  But not Marla.  Not once did I receive a whiff of interest prior to tonight.  Clearly the Wheel of Fortune had turned.  Tonight Marla moved in perfect step to every move I made.  My heart was beating fast and my head was swimming.  I could not help but wonder about our incredibly strange Cinderella-style meeting tonight.  If one of her shoes fell off, I intended to ask her to marry me.  You think I'm kidding, right?  Guess again.

Our margaritas were waiting on the counter for us.  Seeing us return, the bartender asked me to sign my ticket.  Just then I noticed Marla smiling.  Hmm.  Was it my charm or was it the margarita?  I didn't care.  Whatever works.

Marla resumed the conversation.  "Incidentally, I heard a rumor about you the other day."

"What was that?"

"Someone told me you are quite the lady's man.  First dancing, then tequila, then your racy conversation about Houston freeways.  Pretty sexy stuff.  Am I in any danger?"

Ohmygosh, Marla knows how to send out smoke signals after all!!  You want to know something interesting?  Marla was pointing out a side to me that had been buried for some time.  Once upon a time, yes, I had been a lady's man.  But that side of me had been conspicuously absent ever since Christmas Eve.  How very curious my long-lost ability to flirt had returned at the exact time I needed it the most.  Blushing a little, I replied, "You might want to re-check your sources.  I have not dated anyone seriously since I separated from Judy eight months ago."

"That's not what I heard."

"What did you hear?"

"Truth be told, I'm not one for rumors.  Out of curiosity, when was your divorce final?"

I raised an eyebrow.  Marla did not answer my question; she was being evasive.

"Last May."

Marla nodded.  "Do you feel like telling me what happened?"

"Sure.  I don't mind."

This was the first personal question Marla had ever asked.  Finally.  At long last she had decided to check me out.  I recognized her questions as the female equivalent of 'The Interview'.  I smiled to myself.  Our meeting tonight was unfolding just like that certain Fairy Tale.  This conversation was exactly the breakthrough I had hoped for.  No way I was going to let this girl get away!  Marla seemed relaxed.  I could tell she was in no hurry to leave.  No ominous fidgeting, no furtive glances at her watch, no sudden decision to leave like Kellie earlier in the evening.  Marla seemed to be enjoying this conversation as much as me.  Even better, her questions had shifted from name, rank, and serial number to things like how I was coping with my divorce, what had gone wrong, how was my daughter adjusting, what was my current relationship with the ex.  These were good signs.  Marla was checking me out.  Hmm.  It was about time. 

I was very pleased when Marla took the initiative.  She was asking the kind of questions a woman asks when she is interested.  Well aware that Marla was on same page, that is when the goosebumps hit.  Unless I knew better, something very serious was taking place, something that might actually change the course of my life.  I wondered if my wish upon a star was being answered at this very moment.  Since I had nothing to hide, I answered her questions candidly.  I could not believe this incredible turn of events.  I was terrified to jump to conclusions too soon, but at the same time I had the strangest feeling our Fairy Tale encounter was meant to be. 

Out of the blue, Marla asked, "I'm curious, who is your roommate?"

"I don't have a roommate.  In return for the work I did, they gave me a room to myself."

Marla broke out in a wide smile.  When I saw the pleased look cross her face, I read her mind.  No roommate meant no girlfriend.  Speaking of cabins, I remembered Marla's room key was in my pocket.  Just to be sure I wasn't dreaming, I touched it like a lucky rabbit's foot.  It was so incredible to break through after all those months of futility. 

Just then Marla picked up her margarita and finished it in one gulp.  She stood up and stuck out her hand.  "Let's dance!"

And dance we did.  As we danced, there was a sweet smile on Marla's face.  Something was definitely changing in that mind of hers.  If forced to guess, Marla was seeing me in a new light.  I smiled.  Blame it on the margaritas.  If Dancing was Love Potion #9, those margaritas were Love Potion #10. 

We stayed on the floor a long time.  As we danced, I recalled the day I decided to learn to dance 25 years ago.  Long ago and far away, I lost a girl named Katie on a dance floor to a man who knew how to dance much better than I did.  Katie was the woman I wanted to marry, but I chose the wrong place to make my move.  Recalling the pain at seeing Katie get swept off her feet, that was then, this was now.  It never hurts to let a woman see a man do something he is good at.  I was not the best Freestyle dancer, but I was definitely the best partner dancer.  Once Marla and I began partner dancing, people stopped to watch us. 

I think Marla enjoyed the attention.  She was in a very good mood.  Where did an evening like this come from?  This was like a dream come true.  Marla was happy to dance at my side.   In no hurry to leave, she was smiling, she was enjoying herself.  We danced freestyle and partner dance, but there was no slow music.  Not a problem.  As long as Marla wanted to dance, I was game.  Anything to keep the magic spell alive. 

After a good half hour of dancing, we were both tired, so we left the floor.  It was nearing 2 am.  However, despite the late hour, I did not want the evening to end.   For that reason, I decided it was time to make my move. 

RICK ARCHER'S LIST OF SUSPECTED SUPERNATURAL EVENTS

115

114

113

113

112

111

110

109

Serious

Soul Mate Concept

107

Suspicious

Lucky Break
Coincidence

Suspicious

Soul Mate Concept