We can always find somethin' for us to do

 

The pizzeria closed down because of the wedding.

"Another wedding?" Alex just didn't get it. Of course, they were left to their own devices. Eric had an old friend visiting and he was with him.

Not that Alex suspected anything going on. Instead, it felt like a chance to Alex. A time to go out and explore the city on their own. He didn't feel the need to call Liv. These days it felt as if she pooed on everything they might want to do. What did she know?

Of course, it didn't feel quite like Autumn yet, but the air was cooler, and yet summer hung on at the ground. Sure, Alex was in the trusty platforms. No matter what there was always the feeling of being a rockstar while wearing them.

Naturally, Alex had nothing really in mind. So Alex went past the pub as the dark veil of the night made the sense of excitement in his/her stride. No telling how many blocks Alex had walked. But the thump of music enticed him/her. So did the blinking neon lights of Zelda's Room. Alex smiled. This was definitely where it was at.

It didn't take long for them to know that they'd found the right place. Everyone was electric on the lit dance floor that was in sync with the disco music. As the saying goes, "You're not in Kansas anymore."

Alex was so happy to find what he'd been yearning for all this time. And before he knew it, somebody was buying them a drink. And it just made Alex feel even more warm and excited. 

She went by the name Freida. She told him/her "SHE looked so nice." 

"Just forget everything you've ever heard, and come dance with me, Darling," Freida told Alex with an extended hand. "I'll teach you everything you'll ever need to know."

"Are you for real?" Eric couldn't help but smile even more when Derrick told him he was moving to Omaha. "And I'm going to work here." He showed him the yoga place.

"But they don't teach dance here?" Eric shook his head.

"But they will," Derrick told him. "The guy who's taking over this place used to be in ballet. I knew him when I was a little kid. He's the one who called me. He wants to teach ballet."

Derrick sighed as if he thought the pandemic might be over. He said he just about went stir-crazy living back in Toronto. "I was afraid I might not ever dance again." He'd done all sorts of odd jobs. His last was a LIFT driver.

"But..but you're like the best. I mean you made it into a ballet company." Eric had always admired Derrick. After all, he was in a league of his own. "Won't this be a step-down?"

"Look, I've had a few good years. I haven't gotten hurt yet. I'd rather leave before I get hurt." He said he was into choreographing, but this was a good start. He said it felt fresh.

"Besides, you're here," he told him. "You are a good friend. You've reached out to me when so many probably can't even remember my name."

Eric was glad to see his old friend. 

"That's why I need your help," Derrick told him. "You've always been good with kids."

"Kids?" Eric looked at him surprised. They hadn't even gone into the yoga studio. But Derrick wanted to show him around. He had a key to the building. Derrick looked back at him with his smiling face. "I don't want you to stop dancing either. At least, you'll have a place to practice now."