Dancers

It was inevitable that they would both be present at Angus's big Christmas party. Whilst they were married they had attended it together and, since the divorce, they had each continued to attend in their own right - with or without a "plus one". Neither of them was prepared to miss the Christmas tradition with the buffet and dancing in Angus's huge hall with its enormous open fire threatening to set fire to the chimney at one end.

Helen had been talking to friends near the fire, watching the sparks flying up and the logs spitting. But it was hot and the dancing would start soon so she retreated to the other end of the room where the drinks were ready on the mismatched trestle tables. Andrew had clearly had the same idea and they caught up with each other's news whilst sipping warm white wine. The divorce had been amicable enough and it was natural to talk to each other.

And when the music started up, it was natural to take to the floor together. They had been apart for five years but fifteen years of marriage meant that his hand fitted the small of her back and hers the back of his neck as easily as though they had last danced together yesterday.

Old flames dancing.