Alice continued excitedly, "Think about it, Dane. When you play really well, and you have a long- what d’you call it? back and forth? Rally! It’s like a song. It’s got a rhythm and you can change it up, when you need to. Use a drop shot or something, right?"

Dana grinned at Alice’s flailing for tennis terminology but impressed with her analogy.

Alice offered her hand again and this time Dana took it immediately, following her to the drum set.

"Okay, have a seat, Fairbanks. Let’s see what you’ve got."

Dana hesitantly sat down and took the drumsticks Alice handed her. She tapped experimentally on all the surfaces, getting a feel for their sounds before starting to pound away in earnest.

When she finished, she was grinning. She turned to look back at Alice who was watching her with a halfway horrified exression. Dana’s face fell and she started to get up but Alice placed her hands on her shoulders, holding her in place.

"Whoa there, John Bonham. Hold your horses."

Alice swiveled so Dana was in position again then stood directly behind her, her hands capturing Dana’s wrists and her breath tickling Dana’s neck.

"Okay, I’m gonna help you out.

"

Dana nodded mutely, and let Alice guide her hands. They started with a slow tempo, kind of jazzy to Dana’s unpracticed ears. Then Alice sped them up, her hands keeping Dana’s moving over the skins.

After a few minutes, Dana got more comfortable and could sense where Alice was going to take her next. Then Alice said, "Okay, wanna try something?"

Dana nodded uncertainly and Alice grinned. She took Dana’s hands again and for a moment there was no talking as Alice showed her a pattern. When she finished she pulled back and Dana felt a sudden rush of air where Alice had just been.

Alice walked in front of Dana, smiling softly and she said, "Okay, let me hear it Fairbanks."

Dana played it; a little shakily at first but gaining confidence. When she finished Alice said, "Perfect."

She walked over to the piano and sat down then turned to look at Dana and said, "Okay, go. Play it, Dane."

This time, Alice accompanied her at the piano and Dana could recognize the song easily. Grinning, she looked at Alice in surprise, missing a hit and groaning at her failure. Alice said, "Don’t stop, Dane. You’re doing so good."

Dana continued and after a moment, it sounded as if on that part of that song, she knew what she was doing.

Dana stopped first, beaming at Alice with pride.

Alice grinned back, saying, "There’s hope for you yet, Fairbanks."