Beach Read

January takes Gus line dancing on Saturday She is preoccupied the whole time by thoughts of his divorce. They go to a bar where an instructor helps beginners learn what to do. Gus seems to be having a good time, but January fights off her feelings for him most of the night. They continue to drink. The anger wells in her as the night goes on and the dancing becomes more complex. When Gus catches her expression, he pulls her aside to ask what’s wrong. January can’t find the words, so she flees to the parking lot for air.

Gus follows January. She tells him she wants to leave, but he reminds her that they need to sober up and begs her to tell him what’s wrong. January asks why she would tell him anything when they’re not actually friends. Gus blocks the door to her car, pleading with her to tell him what’s going on. January breaks down and reveals that she knows about his marriage, going on about how he must not respect her for her “cliche” view of the world. Gus snaps back, saying that it’s painful to talk about how his marriage only lasted two years and how his wife left him for his best man and college roommate.