Was I supposed to see that?

Years ago I went out with a girlfriend for a night of dancing Salsa.  We weren't sure where we wanted to go when we left the house and so we ended up at a local spot called the Quiet Canyon.  The Quiet Canyon wasn't necessarily the hottest spot in town for salsa but if you wanted to just hang with the regulars and not drive far from town, it would do in a pinch.

My girlfriend happened to be a fellow Flamenco dancer and to tell the truth I wasn't all that sure she could dance salsa, not that I had any real reason to question her ability, but Salsa and Flamenco really are two worlds apart.

Once we got on the dance floor I saw that Claudina was not bad at all.  She could definitely hold her own.  We danced and danced and then we danced some more, coming up for just short periods to grab a quick drink or glass of water.

During one of our breaks we stood to the right side of the dance floor near the bar and chatted. As we stood watching people dance, I turned to look behind me, just curious to see who was around...possibly a new dance partner.  Just behind us stood one of the band member's girlfriend.  I happened to know her, not well, but I knew her and her boyfriend because not only had I been in a Salsa band with Juan Carlos, but because Juan Carlos frequently introduced me to many of his musician friends.

We waved a quick hello and then I turned back to Claudina to continue on with our conversation.  After a few minutes I'd finally caught my breath and felt like I was ready to hit the floor again.  I glanced back over my shoulder to see if my friend was still there, just to give a little wave that I was moving on.  As I turned I saw something fall out of her mouth and onto the floor.  I wasn't sure but something told me by the look on her face and the rapidity with which she covered her mouth that a tooth may have been on the run.  I turned around quickly so that she wouldn't know I'd seen the mishap.

You should know that I can't stand to lose anything.  I'd rather miss out on a party, a wedding, a dance, a reunion...just about anything than leave the house with a lost or missing item.  When I drop something like a contact or whatever it may be, I find it.  I have the determination of 10 people when it comes to finding lost somethings.

So when I saw this thing fling on the floor, I knew, knew, knew I had to stick my two cents in.  I quickly explained to Claudina what I thought may have happened.  She, of course, did exactly what I didn't want her to do; she started laughing hysterically.  I somehow kept a straight face but I will admit, I was jiggling on the inside.  I was torn knowing that I might embarrass my friend but I knew beyond a doubt I could find IT.

I did a quick side glance and could see my friend still had her hand over mouth talking to her friend trying not to look like she was desperately looking for anything.  I couldn't take it, I was sweating for her.  I said to Claudina "that's it, I can't take it, I'm going over there".  I was on a mission.

I walked up and said "Hi.  Ahhh, I don't want to embarass you but I noticed...ok, well, I saw your tooth fly out and I also noticed you haven't been able to find it.  I find everything so if you wouldn't mind; I'd like to find it for you".  Covering her mouth she smiled and said "if you think you can, sure".

I bent over and before she could count 1, 2, 3 I found it, picked it up and put it in her hand.  With her hand still covering her mouth she smiled and said "thank you so much".  I could feel her relief as her boyfriend walked up for a short break. She must have explained to him what had happened because as Claudina and I finally turned to walk away he mouthed a great big "Thank You!" to me.

It was an interesting night.  It's not often you get to go out, dance and save someone's tooth from the dance heel of death.