Benny raised his glass up to the light and watched the alcohol swirl around within it. He looked again at the Cassidy Caravan schedule he had spread out over his desk. A sly smile played along his lips as he folded the papers back up and put them on his wall safe. He had one more cigarette while contemplating whether or not to look at the Schedule again. He had seen it three times in the hour, putting it back into his safe after each time, almost as if he thought the figures would change once he stopped looking at it. His rose was coming back today and he'd be there to greet her with open arms and open bottles. He downed his drink and stepped into the elevator; there were preparations to make.

Their relationship was one crazy ordeal after another. Had he loved her? Sure he did. Would he ever admit it to himself, much less anyone else? Not in a million years. Sure, they were drinking buddies, and yeah, there was that night so long ago but hell, you couldn't be good friends like they were without a little fuck in there to break the tension. Sometimes, he tried to drink himself into a state that'd let him remember that crazy night, never with any success and then hate himself for it in the morning. He still remembered waking up next to her, that day. Naked, save for the bottle glued to his hand, though she wasn't much more clothed, only wearing a party hat on her tit and her trinket. That was the last time he'd drink absinthe in a long time.

He'd have to play things very cool tonight. Hell, he wasn't eve sure she'd be into the Tops tonight. She could get booze anywhere and his casino was just another watering hole for people like her. Drifters, not by choice, but by habit. He looked at his watch seeing that it was just about time for him to go to the Aces, he played a few hands of poker with some of the high rollers to blow off steam. He was beginning to get annoyed with his shaking hands when he realized that it was time to go.

Tommy had been acting pretty damn shady lately, shadier than any guy with one eye should act. Swank too, but Benny knew that meant that whatever they were doing wasn't going to harm him any way. Their actions had culminated with whatever Torini had planned for him to see tonight. He whistled, beckoning to his date for the show. As she closed the distance, he smiled at her, the smile he gave all of his escorts he used when He wasn't really looking for a date, but someone to keep up appearances. They entered the Aces, arms locked and he ordered their drinks. Gin and tonic for him, wine for the lady.

He almost laughed when he saw her. This "new act" had suddenly become apparent for the ruse it was. He sat at the table near the front and off to stage left, giving the singer full view of him with his 'date'. He sipped his drink, watching her intently. The room could have been empty except for her as far as he was concerned. He knew Tommy was laughing his ass off for this and he was going to get the son of a bitch later. Maybe make him put on that god awful comic that liked to stand out on the strip and tell bad jokes..

The music started and he put down his drink, watching her with his full attention.

You've been on my mind

I grow fonder every day,
Lose myself in time
Just thinking of your face
God only knows
Why it's taking me so long
To let my doubts go
You're the only one that I want…

He was completely blown away, her singing was of a quality he had never heard. Benny loved very second of it. He was not completely sure why she had chosen the song. Could have been anything really… So why did he suspect he was part of the reason in there? He watched her lips moving, almost trembling with the force behind the words. He watched her eyes. They scanned the room, never quite making it to his own, almost as if they were avoiding them.

I've been on your mind

You hang on every word I say, lose yourself in time
At the mention of my name,
Will I ever know how it feels to hold you close?
And have you tell me whichever road I choose, you'll go…

He saw her eyes finally rest on him and at that moment, any doubt that the song was about him had vanished. His date tugged on his sleeve and he merely jerked it away. She was suddenly loathe to him, like some kind of insect or small rodent he didn't care for. He crossed his legs and leaned forward slightly, intent on hearing the remainder of the song.

So I dare you to let me be your, your one and only

I promise I'm worthy to hold in your arms
So come on and give me the chance
To prove I'm the one who can
Walk that mile until the end starts
Come on and give me a chance
To prove that I'm the one who can
Walk that mile until the end starts.

The song ended and the lights faded. He began the clapping a split second before the room erupted in applause. He stood up, waiting for the lights to flicker on so he could talk to her. As they did, however, he saw that she had vanished, almost as if she had never been there. So that's how it was going to be. Well, that's life.. He turned back to his date. "Did you like the show?"