The song was coming to its end now. Elena moved in close to Carter once more. She took his hands and, gazing at him seductively, guided them over the gentle curves of her hips before stretching up to him with moist, parted lips. His heart pounding, Carter leaned forward to accept her kiss, but at the last moment, Elena turned her head and drew back from him. Without a word, she took his hand and led him back to the table. Carter felt on the verge of dying, but he told himself that he must be patient just a little longer, that everything he hoped for would soon happen, when the moment was right.

Elena’s friends came back to the tables. Carter was in high spirits and wanted to impress Elena, so he beckoned for the waitress so that he could order a round of drinks for everyone. It was just then, as he was turning away to ask the others if they would like something from the bar, that he heard an angry voice behind him. Carter whirled around to find standing there a young man of his own age with jet black hair and wild, anguished eyes.

“Elena, venga,” the newcomer snapped angrily. “Come with me!”

“No,” Elena said scornfully. She looked away from him and reached out her hand to Carter, but the other man snatched it away.

“Come with me now!” he cried, and he began to pull her from her chair.

Elena gave a shriek of protest.

Carter saw red and sprang from his seat at the man. He grabbed him by the throat and cocked his arm to strike him. The man released Elena, and she slumped back into her chair. Carter turned quickly to be sure that she was unhurt. Then, as he angrily whirled back to confront her assailant, he saw the other man’s fist flying toward his face. Carter’s first reaction was to duck and shove the man away. He came at Carter a second time, swinging wildly, but missed again. Carter then let loose with one straight punch that caught the man flush on the cheek and sent him sprawling backwards onto the floor.

“Armando!” cried Elena.

To Carter’s bewilderment, Elena jumped from her chair and flew past him to the young man’s side. Tears streaming down her face, she lifted his head and cradled it in her arms.

“Armando,” she wept. “Speak to me.Tell me you are all right!”

Tears streaming from his own eyes, the young man sat up and wrapped his arms around her.

“Forgive me,” he cried. “I am so sorry.”

“No, it was me,” returned Elena, brushing away his tears, and the two embraced.

By now the music had stopped and everyone in the club had flocked to the scene. Carter stood there in their midst, trying to make sense of what was happening but having no success whatsoever.

“Elena,” he said, taking a step toward her.