Over the next half hour, Shawn and Ilane enjoy their food and chat. Shawn talks about music,
painting, theater and good books. He deftly kept the conversation light and enjoyable. He asked her
about things that she liked. Dancing, what it was like in a professional troupe. If she seemed to
not want to talk about anything, he changed the subject.

The theater lights darkened a little and a man dressed in a formal suit came across the stage to
stand before the gathered diners.

"My dear guests, welcome. We, the cast and crew, thank you deeply for coming tonight."

He looked across the crowd with a smile.

"As you all know, this is a special performance. Tonight, all proceeds from your most generous
donations go to the starving artists fund."

The crowd broke into applause and he waited for it to die down before he continued.

"And to those of you in the tables before the stage, we give especial thanks for your most generous
additional contributions. On behalf of all of us, I thank you."

He bowed low from the waist and then straightened again.

"On with the show!"

He turned and strode back into the off stage area and the lights darkened.

The play began and was immediately off and running. The actors and actresses were very good and the
plot captivating. Threaded through the mystery, a romantic plot was woven. There was one
intermission and drinks could be refreshed then. Shawn deferred to Ilane as to what, if any, drink
they would have. Occasionally, he leaned over to make some quiet comment and Ilane found her hand
taken in his after a bit while they spoke. He released it but reluctantly.

The second half was just as good as the first. It hardly seems like they had started when the play
is done and the cast and crew are on stage taking their final bows. Shawn was on his feet, clapping
like a madman.

He looks all lit up. He is obviously having a very good time but his eyes are focused on Ilane and
how she is doing.

Shawn