Page 27 of Under a Dancing Star

“You’re the one talking about potential sexual partners,” Ben puts in stubbornly. “And I think you’ll discover there’s a big difference between theory and reality in that department. It’s a lot more complicated than you think.”

I fall silent at that. It’s true that I have very little actual experience with romance. And he’s not wrong – there’s a huge difference between reading something in a book and experiencing it. It’s theory versus practice.

“You’re right,” I say finally.

“Good,” Ben says automatically. Then, “Wait … right about what?”

“About my lack of experience.” I give Ben a look that my mother could warn him means mischief. “I should do some more research,” I continue, keeping my tone deliberately thoughtful. “In fact, perhaps I should take a lover.”

And with that, I waltz past him and out of the door.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Ben trails after me, spluttering and slightly incoherent.

“Take a lover!” I hear him mutter under his breath, and I repress the urge to laugh. I’m surprised that shocking him was so easy. I thought he was made of sterner stuff than my parents’ dinner party guests.

“You’re abandoning Simone,” I point out as we make our way deeper into the gardens. “I think you were doing quite well there.”

He doesn’t dignify that with a response.

We find Ursula and Klaus sprawled on an old red blanket in front of the fountain. There are candles in a rather gothic-looking brass candelabra in the middle, casting the pair in a warm, flickering glow. More candles are arranged in glass jars along the edge of the fountain itself, and a makeshift feast has been laid out, along with two bottles of wine.

“What kept you?” Ursula greets me, holding out her hands to receive the pastries with all the reverence they deserve.

“We were just talking,” Ben says, his usual easy charm restored.

“I don’t know what you can have been talking about to have taken so long,” Klaus complains, handing me my plate. “And why it has kept my dessert from me.”

“Ben was suggesting I take a lover,” I say, applying myself to my dinner.

Klaus chokes on his wine, Ben drops his head into his hands and groans. Ursula’s eyes meet mine with a glimmer of appreciation. “What an excellent thought,” she says. “Did Ben, ah, have anyone in mind?”

“Well—” I begin.

“No, he didn’t.” Ben’s voice is weary. “And I’ll thank you not to credit me with the idea.”

“In which case…” Klaus’s voice holds a slight quaver of laughter. “I wonder what inspired such a suggestion?”

He holds out a glass of wine and I take it.

“Ben simply pointed out that there is a big difference between theory and practical experience,” I say. “The logical thing to do if I wish to truly understand that difference is to take a lover. An experiment, of sorts.”

Klaus is laughing openly now. “An experiment?” he says.

“Again,” Ben cuts in, “I want to be very clear that this was not my suggestion. This is just Bea’s idea of a hilarious joke.”

“Well, you made it easy. I didn’t expect you to be so puritanical about it,” I say over the top of my glass, enjoying watching him squirm.

“Why does it have to be a joke?” Ursula asks. “I think it’s a wonderful idea.”

“Me too,” Klaus chimes in. “I’m sure finding a suitable candidate would be easy enough.”

“Don’t encourage her!” Ben groans. “The idea is ridiculous.”

I feel my spine stiffen at that. Is the idea of romance with me really so absurd?

“Actually,” I say, a little more forcefully than I intended, “it could be just what I need.”