she noticed his nostrils
in a pinched little face.
Smaller than expected.
he had an odd pallor
peculiar to Russian dancers.
They took tea
sizing each other up
five sugars for him.
Polite, he sat up straight,
with limited English
but making himself plain
When he laughed
she saw a difference
losing his 'on guard' look.
He smiled.
she was captivated.
they would dance.