Caroline and Richard exchanged glances. "IRS agent? Annie, who are you talking about?"

"Jimmy, you know… the guy who audited me? Is obsessed with Cats and the audition that we…" The words faded, replaced by a feeling of guilt. How could she have tricked him like that? It was true that at the time she had no feelings for him whatsoever, but she had no idea that she'd actually fall in love with the man!

Meanwhile, Caroline and Richard's eyes widened in shock. "You mean…"

"Yes, Richard, Jimmy Callahan, the one who auditioned for a role in Cats, and Del's stupid friend Charlie gave him a part! I loathed Jimmy at first but now-." Horrifyingly Annie began to cry prompting Caroline to go to her, grasping her in a hug.

"I'm sorry..." Annie sobbed as Caroline rubbed her back.

"Whoa, you really have it bad for this guy!" Richard laughed. But neither Caroline nor Annie were amused.

"Richard, go home!" Caroline shouted.

"And miss all of this drama?"

"Richard, just go!"

Richard threw up his hands in defeat. "Fine, I'll leave. But I want details!"

Caroline shoved her colorist out of the apartment. "Goodbye, Richard. Thanks for the help tonight."

Annie would have laughed at the sight, but instead she sank into Caroline's sofa and cried even harder. Always the caring friend, Caroline sat beside her allowing

Annie to cry on her shoulder once more. "Hey, hey… what's going on?"

"I-I love him, Caroline!" Annie sobbed.

Caroline sighed and held Annie closer. "Annie, my God, you really do love him! I've never seen you like this!"

"That's because I've never been like this, Caroline! What's wrong with me? I hated him at first… I really and truly hated him, but somehow…"

"What happened?"

Annie took a deep breath and proceeded to tell Caroline the whole story, including every detail of their date at Remo's and even the time spent in her apartment. And when she finished her story, Caroline handed her a tissue.

Annie blotted her eyes and blew her nose. "Thanks."

"Annie, I hate to say this but he sounds completely wonderful. I mean, he's so romantic, and… my God, giving you flowers named after cats?"

"Isn't that the most beautiful thing you've ever heard of? I mean, I thought it was totally weird at first but now… Oh man, I don't know what I think but when I realized what he had done, I realized just how much being in Cats means to him. And I guess…. It just touched something inside of me. He's just so… completely wonderful. And

I love him so much."

Now it was Caroline who blotted her eyes with a Kleenex. "That's beautiful."

Annie sighed deeply and wiped away her own tears. "God, I've become a walking Hallmark Card! I don't know what to do!"

"I think at this point there's only one thing you can do."

"What's that?"

"Tell him how you feel."

She gasped in horror at the thought. "What? You mean, tell him that I love him? I can't! What if he rejects me?"

"Annie, if he really loves you like he says he does then he won't reject you. He'll be happier than he ever dreamed. And so will you."

"You really think so?"

Caroline smiled. "I do."

Annie's heart leapt in her chest and she hugged Caroline tightly. "Thanks Caroline."

"No problem. Now it's late so you should probably get some sleep. Or at least try."

"All right." After giving Caroline one last hug, Annie rose from the sofa and walked to the door. But she paused and looked at her friend. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure, what is it?"

A mischievous smile crossed Annie's lips. "IS something going on between you and Richard?"

Caroline's hand flew to her chest in a dramatic fashion. "What? No, of course not! Don't be ridiculous. We were just-."

"Working, I know. Seems kind of late to be working, doesn't it?"

"Well yeah, but-."

"Look, it's none of my business and I know you'll tell me when you're ready to tell me. But just know that I want you to be happy. And if it's with Richard or another guy, then so be it."

Annie's words earned her a hug that she leaned into, finding comfort in her friend's arms. "Thank you, Annie. And don't be afraid to tell Jimmy how you feel. You never know what will happen. He might surprise you!"

As Annie turned to go back to her apartment she found herself smiling. A surprise from Jimmy was exactly what she was hoping for.