"How much longer until the show starts?" Donna asked.
The Doctor looked at the clock in the lobby. "About half an hour. Do you want to go in now?"
Donna shook her head. "No, the people watching is better out here for now. Besides, this lobby is gorgeous." She looked up again at the ornate ceiling and chandeliers overhead. She was jostled by another couple walking past, so the Doctor took her arm and drew her away from the crowd.
"So why are we at this particular show?" Donna asked.
"I just thought you'd enjoy it. I've seen a later production, but I wanted to see it while the cast was still fresh and enjoying their roles."
Donna nodded, and sipped at her drink. Another couple wearing elaborate clothes walked past. "I feel underdressed," she said, looking down at her gown.
"No, you're fine."
"Fine? Don't overwhelm me with the compliments."
He blinked at her. "You look lovely. Didn't I tell you that already?"
"Never hurts to hear it again. Nine hundred years old and you still don't understand women?" She looked him up and down. "You might have put on a tux – I know you have one."
"Yeah, I haven't had much luck when I wear it. I think I need a new one."
"Hmm. We can add that to the shopping list, then." She pulled the program out of her dress pocket. "So we're really here just to see the show? Not because there's something mysterious going on, or the director is an alien intent on taking over the world or anything?"
"Really just to see the show." He smiled. "Don't sound so disappointed. Something interesting is bound to happen – you know how things go."
"Yeah, I should probably enjoy the lull." Donna put the program back in her pocket. "While I was looking for you I heard about a stage production of Phantom of the Opera in some little village. There were rumors there was a real ghost in the theater."
"So what was it?"
"Turned out it was just some local kids playing an elaborate joke. The production was pretty good, though. And it was nice to get out into the country for a bit." Her eyes took on a faraway look. "It was just after Dad died. Mum was so angry at me for going away so soon."
The Doctor put his hand on her arm. "I'm sorry I wasn't there."
"Thanks," she said. She remembered sitting at the funeral, next to her mother, and her mother gripping her hand so hard. She had thought she couldn't bear her mother's pain as well as her own, and had pulled her hand away. She felt tears pricking at her eyes, but she blinked them back.
He put his hand on her cheek. "I really wish I had been there. If I had known—"
"I know." She put her hand over his. "I was looking for you for so long."
"I know. I'm sorry for that, too." He brushed a tear from her cheek with his thumb. "Donna Noble."
The overhead lights blinked, signaling the start of the show, and they both looked up, surprised. He moved his hand so he could offer her his arm. "Shall we go in?"
She touched her face. "Do I look alright?" she asked, as she took his arm.
They joined the line of people waiting to get to their seats. "You look beautiful," he answered.