Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this story except for the few you do not recognize. The copyright is simply to say that the story itself is mine, not the characters in it.

Author's Note: Many, many thanks to my reviewers. I'm so happy to know you're enjoying the ride and look forward to each chapter. I hope you enjoy this one. And cheers to my wonderful story editors Musicallover and Penmora Zenith.

Chapter 10

The Bal Masque

Christine took a long leisurely shower and was now applying her makeup. She still had a good hour before Megan picked her up, so she took her time applying the sequins, faux jewels, and body glitter to her eyes, face and hands. She made sure the appliqués and her makeup were perfect. To the casual observer, she was an angel that had stepped out of the pages of a knight's tale.

She was as excited about the masquerade as a little girl. The costumes had become more extravagant as each year went by to where it was now compared to the Carnival-like atmosphere of Rio. As she carefully applied her mascara, her mind wandered to Erik and what costume he might be wearing. She imagined he'd look dashing in whatever he chose to come as – a policeman, a sheik, maybe even a cowboy. But then she wondered if she'd even recognize him, let alone find him in a crowd of thousands.

And then there was Ed. For some reason, she couldn't imagine him as dashing at all. Despite Megan's advice, she couldn't believe he'd be anything other than ordinary, for why would she luck out and be pursued by a tall, dark, handsome stranger? Things like that just didn't happen to her, they happened to other people.

Once satisfied with her makeup, she did her hair. The gold braiding would stand out beautifully against her dark brown curls and the majority of her hair would flow down her back under her halo. She retrieved her costume from the closet and carefully put it on. It was a beautiful iridescent white form-fitting gown that puddled slightly into a train, with long flowing sleeves and gold trim. The wings were about four feet in length and were made of a beautiful opalescent fabric stretched over a flexible frame. She tried it on over her costume and found that they fit perfectly. She marveled at the fact that the wings looked like a natural outgrowth of her costume. She and Megan would keep their wings and masks in the trunk until they arrived at the Phil. A small, specially made beaded purse would be worn loosely around her waist to match perfectly with her gown so she could pack her ID, cash, and cell phone. Even angels have to be prepared she thought with a smile.

As 6:30 rolled around there was a knock at the door. Christine opened it to find Megan to be a vision in a glittering bluish-green form-fitting gown reminiscent of A Midsummer Night's Dream. She wore a colorful wreath around her head that trailed shimmering ribbons, and her normally straight blond hair was now a cascade of golden curls. "Oh, Megan, you look beautiful!" Christine took her hand and twirled her around.

"You do, too!" Christine twirled for her friend and they both laughed. "This is going to be so much fun! Do you know what kind of costume Ed's going to be wearing?"

"No, he said he wanted it to be a surprise, so I have no idea what he's going to look like." Christine was starting to feel jittery in her excitement.

Megan was also jumpy with excitement and was practically bouncing on her feet. "Don't worry, I'll help you scope him out. Just remember to keep an open mind, and think positive!"

They were in high spirits on their way to the Music Center and they laughed and chatted animatedly about the live entertainment and handsome eye candy in store. Thanks to the extensive write-up in the papers and magazines, everyone who was part of the entertainment community knew that this was the party of the year. Christine and Megan arrived promptly at seven o'clock, but the plaza was already packed judging by the number of cars parked around the area of the Music Center and in the enormous parking structure, although there was still plenty of room, for the facility was built to accommodate thousands. As they alighted from the car, Christine and Megan retrieved their wings and masks from the trunk and helped each other put them on.

As they slowly made their way toward the plaza, following the rest of the crowd from the parking structure, it seemed somewhat unreal to be in the company of everything from knights, gypsies, and urban cowboys to the requisite witches, vampires, and devils. When they finally reached the plaza, Christine and Megan froze and stared at the scene before them. Even after three years, they'd never gotten used to the amount of time, effort and expense that went into making the enormous wonderland that was the Music Center on Halloween. It was breathtakingly beautiful as a privileged design firm was awarded the commission to decorate the entire plaza for the event, and no expense had been spared. There was a definite excitement and carnival atmosphere in the air.

Christine wondered if Erik was already there. Having seen so many masked men since their arrival a short while ago, it was possible she'd already unknowingly passed him by. As they strolled through the crowds, Christine noticed that she and Megan were getting quite a bit of favorable attention from a number of masked men who would nod and smile as they passed. She had to admit, they did look very much like what one would expect fairy creatures to look like, that is to say, beautiful with long flowing hair, beautiful gowns, and wings. The only thing missing were their magic wands.

"Christine, look over there! Do you think that could be Ed?" Megan had subtly grabbed her arm and turned her to the left. It seemed there was a man dressed as a policeman in a domino who had been staring at them from time to time as they approached his position.

"Megan, no, get a grip. That's a policeman, he's part of security." Christine took a deep calming breath, pulling off Megan's death grip. She'd been keeping her eyes peeled as well, but she didn't know who she was expecting to find since she had no idea what Ed looked like.

As they walked along, Megan had started pointing out different men whom she thought could be Ed. "How about him?" she smiled and pointed to a vampire with elongated canines and generous love handles. "He's been looking at us and smiling for about five minutes. Or maybe him." She pointed to an urban cowboy with rhinestones around his hat and mask. "Or how about that one?" Superman.

They strolled the plaza for awhile and eventually sat to do more people watching after acquiring a glass of wine and some appetizers. Christine was having a wonderful time with Megan who had helped calm her nerves about finding Ed. They'd already been there about an hour and he hadn't shown up, so perhaps he'd never find her.

"Ms. Megan Gerard and Ms. Christine Karlsson."

Megan and Christine turned toward the voice. It was the most handsome pirate they'd ever seen. Christine smiled as she was reminded strongly of Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean, only much better.

He smiled under his black domino and showed a row of perfect teeth. "Amir Khan. We met at the lecture a few weeks back."

"Dr. Khan, how nice to see you again!" Megan extended her hand as did Christine. Megan was smiling broadly. "How did you ever recognize us?"

"It had to be your hair. You both look beautiful, like something out of an opera," he smiled.

"That was a wonderful lecture, Dr. Khan. I hope you'll do it again." Christine felt like walking again.

"There are three more lectures in the series, but I won't be giving them until the next time they call me. Have you ladies had something to eat?"

They had, but Megan seemed eager to get to know the eloquent Dr. Khan better. "No, not really, would you care to join us? We were just going to get a plate of finger foods."

Christine thought this would be the perfect opportunity to take her walk. "You two go ahead, I'm going to walk a bit. Good to see you again, Dr. Khan. I'll see you a little later, Sis."

As Megan and Dr. Khan headed toward one of the food areas, Christine walked further into the crowd, taking in the beautifully constructed Halloween sets, décor and costumes. She saw many beautiful costumes and noticed that all of them were of rather high quality. She supposed that was to be expected for an event such as this.

"Christine…"

She thought she heard her name whispered, and so she turned around to see if someone had called. She was almost to the end of one side of the plaza but saw no one who gave any indication of having called her, so she thought she'd imagined it. There was a lot of conversation and noise, so it was very possible she was mistaken. She continued to walk through the crowd.

"Christine…"

There, she heard it again! She turned all the way around and looked through the crowd.

"Christine, I knew it was you!" It was Rick. "You look wonderful!" He came up and gave her a big hug.

Christine hugged him back and felt the warm familiarity of his arms around her. In that brief moment, she realized how much she had missed him. "Rick, what a great costume! You look wonderful!" She thought he looked so handsome dressed as an eighteenth-century British admiral, complete with an admiral's hat and white domino.

He grabbed her hand and led her over to a group of people. "Christine, you remember my brother Phillip, and this is my friend Roan Richards, and I'd like you to meet my parents."

She shook hands with Phillip and Roan and they smiled amiably at her. As Rick introduced her to his mother and father, she could tell immediately where his and Phillip's good looks came from. "Mr. and Mrs. de Chagny, I'm very pleased to meet you. Your foundation has done so much for the city, and especially for the children's hospital."

They shook her hand warmly and seemed genuinely interested in meeting one of their son's friends. Christine smiled and spoke with them for a few minutes before she excused herself so she could resume walking. But before she could get very far, Rick came up behind her and gently took her arm. "Wait, Christine. I…I just wanted to tell you how great you look, you look beautiful."

"Thank you, Rick. You do, too." Christine smiled and looked up into his beautiful blue eyes as he took her hand. His hair was tied back with a dark blue ribbon and he looked every bit the British admiral.

He seemed sad. "I miss you, Christine. Will you come back?"

She reached up and touched his face. "I'm sorry, Rick, I don't think so. I think I still need some time."

He reached out and held her, and Christine held him as well. "I'll always be there for you," he whispered. "I love you."

"I love you, too," she murmured, and she meant it.

When he felt her start to let go, he loosened his hold, leaning down slightly to give her a kiss, and he could feel Christine kiss him back softly. "Dance later?"

"I'd love to, Rick." She smiled before turning to resume her walk. She knew she still loved Rick and always would, but she'd probably never love him the way he wanted her to. There was never the passion for him that she wanted to feel for someone she'd be willing to spend the rest of her life with. And again she wondered, if it can't be Rick, who can it be?

It was almost 9:00 and the entertainment would be starting soon. She started walking back toward the center of the plaza where the dance floor was located. She loved to watch the couples dance, and she had loved dancing with Rick, who was very good, but now things were different. It had been two hours since she'd arrived and Ed still hadn't found her. Maybe he won't find me at all tonight….

Erik had seen her the moment she entered the plaza. A glorious angelic vision in white, he had discreetly followed her for two hours before deciding to make his move. But before he could proceed with his plan, powerful hands roughly grabbed him from behind, pinning his arms so he couldn't move, and held a blade to his throat.

Erik stiffened as he heard a menacing whisper in his ear, "I ought to kill you right now for impersonating a lover."

Erik immediately relaxed. "Is that the best you can do, old man?"

"Are you going to wait all night to approach her or wait until I age?" Amir released him and sheathed his dagger. "Don Juan, correct?"

"Of course. And you, I assume, are Captain Jack Sparrow or his brother?"

"Something like that. Honestly, Erik, you try my patience. I've already eaten with Ms. Gerard and here you haven't even revealed yourself. Are you waiting for an engraved invitation?"

"Megan Gerard? Were you planning to ask her out?"

"Perhaps, she's quite attractive, you know." He grinned. "If I do, maybe we can double date sometime."

Erik snorted. "Right. I'll see you on the dance floor."

He again started in the direction that he'd last seen Christine and spotted her with the de Chagny boy, who, he had to admit, did look annoyingly handsome in his admiral's costume. Erik felt a stab of pain when he saw Christine kiss him, but then she had walked away, and it was obvious the boy was saddened for he stared after her until she was out of his sight. Encouraged by this latest development, he continued following.

"Christine…"

She definitely heard that. She stopped walking and glanced around. No one was paying any attention to her except those who may have wondered why she was standing alone looking bewildered.

"Come to me…"

Her eyes got wider as she heard this last command, and she looked around again.

"Come to me… the dance floor."

Christine started walking, her nerves starting to tingle. Was this Ed that was calling her? She knew she wasn't imagining this.

It took about fifteen minutes for her to make her way through the crowds to reach the dance floor. It was enormous, and she could see the band up on the platform getting ready and the master of ceremonies/band director starting to announce the start of the musical segment. She looked around at the people waiting for the music to start, but no one was taking notice of her. She again found herself wondering what Ed would look like. Was he Ed the composer geek, or Ed with the beer belly, or Ed with no life to speak of, or Ed the creep? She was nervous, and it was getting worse. And where was Megan? What if she wasn't there to rescue her like they'd agreed?

"I'm here…"

Oh my god, he's here. Christine was a nervous wreck. What if I don't like him? She looked around but still didn't see anyone.

"I'm here…"

She continued to look around and mouthed "where?"

"Here…"

Christine vaguely heard the MC bidding the crowd welcome to the Bal Masque and inviting them now to dance. The band began playing a grand waltz in keeping with the elegance of the Music Center, but it seemed no one wanted to be the first ones on the dance floor.

Christine glanced around again and again mouthed "where?"

"Here." From behind, she felt the warm breath of someone whisper close to her right ear. Her heart was pounding and her breathing was shallow, this was it. She turned slowly, not knowing what to expect. And then she saw him.

"Oh my god." She froze in shock. "Erik?" He was magnificent.

"Erik Dupont….may I have this dance?" Oh my god, that voice… And then he held out his hand.

As she stared into his amber eyes, her mind went completely blank, but some faint recess of her brain still retained enough activity to process the words and cause her hand to take his as he led her onto the dance floor. They were the first, and as they swept into the waltz, Erik noticed that Amir followed with Megan Gerard, and then other couples soon found their spot on the dance floor until it was comfortably filled. As they swept in circles and gazed into each other's eyes, Christine felt that this was all so surreal.

Erik was stunning. He wore slim black pants with black leather knee high boots, a blood red satin shirt with flowing sleeves, and a black cape. On his left he wore a silver saber with a skull head sheathed in a silver scabbard, and his belt had a silver buckle off center from his waist. On his face was a large black domino and his hair was slicked back and parted in the middle, just touching his shoulders. She knew he was Don Juan.

Christine had noticed his style and grace when she first saw him, but now, dressed as Don Juan, he was elegance personified. They stared into each other's eyes as they danced, and she again had that familiar sensation of drowning in his gaze. "You were the one who left me the notes and the flowers? EDupont?"

He smiled gently.

Christine's smile was dazzling, and Erik smiled beautifully in return. She couldn't believe this was really happening. It felt like a wondrous dream come true and she never wanted to wake up. "But why did you go through all this? Why didn't you just tell me it was you?"

"I told you, I'm shy."

"And you've really been watching me for four years?" Christine couldn't believe it, but Erik merely nodded, his eyes never leaving her.

As the waltz concluded, the band began playing another selection, this time a slow dance. As Erik held her in his arms, Christine placed her arms around his neck and rested her head slightly against his chin, just enjoying the feel of his closeness. She noted that they seemed to fit so well together, as though it were always meant to be. She felt very comfortable this way with him, and she could tell he felt the same. She rested her head against his chest and felt the warmth emanating through his shirt. She closed her eyes and loved that she could feel his heartbeat, and as she breathed in, she picked up the mild scent of his cologne. She loved that scent for it reminded her of his letters. As they moved and swayed to the music, she felt like she could stay this way forever.

When the music ended, Christine reluctantly stepped back, leaving the comfort of his arms. Erik offered his arm to lead her from the dance floor. "Would you care to walk with me?"

"I would."

As they walked, Christine became aware of the envious glances of a number of gorgeous women. She had no idea who they were, but assumed they were most likely connected to Erik through his work. Christine was very aware that Erik looked devastatingly handsome and achingly desirable as Don Juan, but the fact that these women looked so beautiful in their costumes and masks made her very self-conscious. Erik noticed that Christine had unknowingly tightened her grasp on his arm. Most of the women smiled widely at Erik and nodded as though trying to catch his attention, but he seemed oblivious to their displays. In answer to Christine's unspoken question, one of the women, who was dressed as an 18th century lady of means, approached them, or rather Erik, as though she were a very familiar acquaintance.

"Erik, how wonderful to see you! We've missed your presence at our rehearsals, and we're so looking forward to your next production!"

Erik politely acknowledged her, but it seemed to Christine that he didn't really wish to be distracted by this new presence. "Good evening, Victoria. I've been quite busy, as you know. May I present Ms. Christine Karlsson. Christine, Ms. Victoria Rinaldi. She's one of the sopranos at the Phil."

Christine was rather in awe and somewhat intimidated by her flamboyance and by the fact that she was a rather famous opera personality who was one day expected to sing internationally. Christine smiled and extended her hand graciously. "I'm very honored to meet you, Ms. Rinaldi."

Victoria extended her hand so that Christine was only able to grasp her fingertips. "Charmed," she smiled. "The Bal Masque will be ending quite early, so we were going to extend the party at Gaston's. Erik, you absolutely must come, we've got so much to catch up on. And you can bring your friend, of course," she smiled over at Christine.

Erik smiled and graciously gave her a nod. "Thank you, Victoria. We will see each other later then." He turned and continued to lead Christine away from Victoria and her friends. He glanced over to look at Christine to see if she was upset by Victoria's rudeness, but her face showed no emotion.

Christine wondered if Erik would really prefer to be with the beautiful Victoria than with her. As handsome as he was, she wouldn't have been at all surprised if any one of those beautiful women had flirted with him. "Will you be going to that party afterwards?" she asked softly.

"Not if I'm lucky," he murmured. Christine giggled in relief. Erik was glad to see her happy again. Knowing that he caused her happiness warmed his heart more than he would have imagined. He loved seeing her smile, and her laughter was like tinkling bells to his ears.

It had been easy for him to blend into the crowd and not be noticed when he was alone, but now that he was with Christine, he wanted to try and get them through the crowd as discreetly as possible. He sincerely hoped that they wouldn't be stopped tonight by any more female performers from the Phil. He wanted this first meeting with Christine to be perfect.

As they walked along, Erik was delighted by how easy it was to talk with Christine. She was charming and funny and he found that they had an easy rapport. She was able to speak with him on a number of topics, although she was especially knowledgeable about music and opera, but of course that was her major. And despite her tremendous talent, he was very pleased that she still retained a genuine sweetness and didn't exhibit any of the haughtiness or arrogance that so many of the performers at the Philharmonic seemed to display. Although he had watched her in secret for four years, it was only now that he could truly appreciate all there was to love about Christine. After they had strolled for awhile, Erik thought it was time to spring another surprise as they approached a group of people in costume.

Erik quietly approached one woman whose back was turned and said in that beautiful voice Christine had come to love, "Antoinette, how long has it been?"

Christine was shocked as she saw Megan's mother turn sharply to face Erik, and with a cry of surprise, suddenly throw her arms around him in an affectionate hug. She was dressed in the beautiful dark red gown of a French countess. "Erik, you scoundrel! How dare you stay away for so long and then come and surprise me like this! You should be ashamed of yourself!"

Erik laughed out loud as he picked her up and twirled her around. "I'm sorry, Antoinette, but you know I've been incredibly busy. I believe you already know Christine," he said as he now turned towards her.

Madame Gerard hugged Christine and looked at her. "Of course! Christine, it's so good to see you. I'm glad your costumes came out so nicely. You look very beautiful. Doesn't she, Erik?"

"Indeed she does," he smiled, and he approached another in their group that Christine hadn't noticed before.

"Madame Wu, so nice to see you again," he said as he hugged her. She look absolutely regal dressed as a Chinese empress. Christine was shocked that he would know her! "You know, she was the one who introduced me to Fong's Chinese Restaurant and so I am indebted to her," he said to Christine with a wink.

Madame Wu smiled warmly and motioned to her right, "Erik, so good to see you! And of course you remember my grandson, Evan?" She gestured to a handsome young man who was seated next to her and who now got up and gave Erik an affectionate yet manly hug. He mumbled something in Erik's ear that Christine didn't quite catch, but it seemed he was thanking him for something, for which Erik then playfully slapped his face. Madame Wu then smiled at Christine and took her hand. "Evan, I'd like to introduce you to Christine Karlsson. She works at the store part-time and she's a student at the conservatory."

Evan extended his hand and smiled at her warmly. "I'm very glad to meet you, Christine. I think my grandmother's been trying to get us to meet for awhile, but I promise I didn't have anything to do with it." He said this for Erik's benefit for he knew this was the woman Erik had had him deliver roses to.

"I'm very pleased to meet you, Evan," she smiled. I wonder how Erik knows these people? They've never mentioned him to me before, although, why would they?

Erik was ready to leave at this point. "I believe we'll resume our walk. So good to see everyone again. And I'll be by to visit soon, Antoinette."

Christine felt more relaxed about Erik since he had just proven that he had told the truth when he said he knew Madame Gerard and that they had been long time friends. She felt he must be safe if Madame Wu also knew him and everyone treated him like family.

As they walked along, they were almost to the edge of the plaza. Erik was about to lead her along a walkway that stretched beyond the plaza when he suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Erik Dupont, the man of the hour! Come over here and say hello to the mayor."

Erik and Christine turned and saw that Mr. de Chagny had called them over to join the mayor and some other important looking gentlemen.

Christine had had the impression that Erik might have been rather quiet and shy, but now felt that she may have been mistaken as he addressed these men as though it were a natural part of his activities. "Antoine, a pleasure, as always. And Mr. Mayor, I trust you're enjoying the festivities?" He smiled pleasantly.

The mayor shook his hand firmly and smiled at Christine warmly. "It becomes more impressive and beautiful each year. Antoine here tells me that you're the one responsible for the unprecedented response to not only the programs at the Philharmonic but for the Music Center as a whole. That's quite an accomplishment, and I have to thank you for putting San Francisco on the cultural map. You and Antoine have been wonderful for San Francisco, and the city is grateful."

"You're too kind, Robert. It's been a pleasure serving the city, but you'll have to excuse us right now, we were in the midst of going for a walk," he smiled. After shaking their hands again and waving goodbye, they turned and resumed walking down the path arm in arm away from the noisy plaza. Christine was stunned that Erik would choose to continue their walk rather than stay and talk with the mayor and Mr. de Chagny. What kind of man is this that he walks away from the most powerful men in the city after being praised so highly, just to be with me?

Christine felt like she had to say something about what had just happened. "Erik, I don't want to keep you from talking to the mayor or Mr. de Chagny if you need to, I'd understand."

Erik stopped walking and looked down at her as he held her hand. "Christine, I want you to understand that nothing is more important to me at this moment than being with you. I can talk to the mayor or Mr. de Chagny anytime. I told you, I just want to get to know you." And with that, he brought her hand up to his lips and kissed it softly, letting his lips linger before placing her arm through his again as they continued strolling. Christine was shocked, for never had anyone so openly and naturally displayed such loyalty and affection for her, not even Rick. Christine's thoughts were suddenly in an unexpected state of confusion, for it seemed that Erik was far more complex than she had ever imagined.

As they came upon a wooden bench, they stopped to sit. Erik noticed that they were now out of range of the outdoor heaters and Christine only had on her thin costume. "Are you cold?"

"A little bit." Christine had wrapped her arms around herself to keep warm, but Erik untied his cape and placed it gently around Christine's shoulders.

"Better?"

"Ummm, thank you." His cape was surprisingly warm, and Christine loved that he was so chivalrous.

"Here…" He opened his arms as he sat next to her so she could be comforted in his embrace.

Christine shrugged her shoulders in the warm cape and smiled as she realized how warm and cozy she now felt in his arms. "This is nice," she murmured contentedly.

Erik held her close and closed his eyes as he rested his cheek against her hair, breathing in the faint fragrance of roses. "Ever since I first saw you, I thought you were so beautiful, and you sang like an angel. I wanted to meet you then, but I couldn't. But I knew you'd be graduating soon, and I couldn't let you just go out of my life if I could help it."

"But why would you feel that way about me when you didn't even know me?" Christine had to know why he chose her instead of any one of those beautiful performers from the Philharmonic or someone else that was as accomplished as he was.

"I admit that at first it was your voice that attracted me, but as time went on and I saw more of your performances, I almost felt like I knew you through the parts you'd played. You're an actress, yet you brought yourself into every role."

"And you watched me perform for four years…" Christine was amazed at how relaxed she felt around Erik. As notable as he obviously was, hobnobbing with the likes of the de Chagnys and the mayor, she normally would have been a bundle of nerves, but she thought he's just as normal as I am! She tried to stifle a little giggle.

"What?" Erik smiled.

"Oh, nothing," she grinned. "I'm just having a wonderful time." Such a good time, in fact, that she didn't want the evening to end.

"I'm glad," he said as he hugged her even tighter, rocking them slightly from side to side, and Christine giggled even more, reveling in the feel of his arms around her.

It wasn't until Christine turned to smile at him that she noticed how close his face was to hers, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. His face was so incredibly beautiful, and as she closed her eyes, she felt his soft lips suddenlyclaim hers in a devastating kiss, and she felt herself in free fall… Erik….

When she opened her eyes, his eyes smoldered with an unfathomable fire, and before she could form coherent thought, his lips had once again come down passionately on hers. Christine wrapped her arms around him as Erik tangled his fingers through her hair, pulling her even closer. He thrust his tongue into her mouth, invading it deeply, the erotic joining numbing her other senses. For now she was his…HIS.

Rick had been nearby when his father had called over Erik Dupont and he'd been surprised to see Christine on his arm. When he saw them leave the plaza to walk down one of the pathways, he followed at a discrete distance, his curiosity getting the better of him. He knew it was none of his business whom Christine chose to be with, but he couldn't help himself. He'd been working at the Phil for four years, but this was the first time he'd ever seen the elusive resident composer, although he knew him by reputation. His father apparently thought very highly of him, as did the mayor, and now he was with Christine.

He was surprised that Erik was so young, he had expected a much older composer. And not only was he young, but he was handsome and refined, judging by his carriage and demeanor. Rick's hands unknowingly formed into fists. He'd seen when they'd stopped to talk briefly, and had felt a flash of anger when he saw Erik kiss her hand. He's quite the charmer, this composer.

Rick was only about thirty feet away when they had sat on the bench and Erik had offered his cape to her. He was about to leave because he felt guilty for spying on them, but he froze when he saw Erik turn his head and kiss her. He wondered what Christine's reaction would be.

He got his answer quickly when he saw her wrap her arms around him and kiss him back passionately. She was never like that with me.

Rick turned away and put a hand to his forehead. He walked quietly and quickly back to the plaza, his breathing shallow, and a lump forming in his throat.