The performance was, to put it lightly, a complete and utter disaster; even worse that the other performances. And that was saying a lot. By the middle of the first Act, nearly a third of the audience had vacated the theatre and those who remained were shouting so many obscenities and degrading words that Annie could barely hear herself singing, let alone the music of the orchestra. And the glares she received from the other "Cats" certainly didn't go unnoticed. Her career was fading fast and if she didn't do something quickly, things were sure to become worse. But there was nothing she could do except to sing louder and pretend like everything was perfectly normal.

Finally after what seemed like an eternity the orchestra played the final strands of "The Addressing of Cats". The cast bowed politely and save for the scattered and very faint applause, not a sound could be heard. As the rest of the audience rose to leave, the cast members disbursed, fleeing the stage as quickly as possible. However, a few chose to stay and present Annie with a few choice words, most of which weren't very positive.

"Thanks a lot, Annie!"

"You've ruined my career! And my life!"

"You really blew it this time!"

"Good thing you have an understudy. She'll be seeing more work than you! That is if you still have a job tomorrow!"

The comments continued, mostly laced with swear words that even Annie wouldn't say. Normally her skin was thicker than molasses and she'd insulted Richard and Del enough times to join this crowd by hurling even worse insults their way. But the insults and comments included Jimmy and, well… that was something she just couldn't handle right now… or any time. Her chest began to ache and she swallowed hard, willing her tears to remain near the surface. But the last insult from Jacob, the arrogant jackass who played Rumpleteaser hit her in the gut, knocking the emotional wind out of her.

"Hey, Annie, why don't you throw that Cat of yours in front of a moving truck and then bury him in the backyard where he belongs?"

She gasped in horror, appalled that someone could say something so cruel. But before she could reply, she was lifted off her feet and twirled around. When she floated back to the ground, her heart leapt in her chest. "Jimmy…"

He smiled at her, handsome even in full makeup and a Cat costume. And it was hard to resist kissing him. When the kiss, which was all too brief, ended, he hugged her tightly. "Oh Annie, wasn't that incredible? I know we've done this show before but it's the most exhilarating feeling in the world! Just think Annie, you and I-."

"MISS SPADERO!"

She gasped in surprise and whirled around, stunned to find herself looking into the raging eyes of the show director, also known as her boss.

"Mr. Nunn…"

"SPADERO? A WORD… NOW!"

She turned and looked helplessly at Jimmy who wore a blank expression. "Annie, what's going on?"

"I-I don't know. Wait here, okay?"

"Are you sure? I can go with you."

"No, it's better if I go alone."

"All right, But I'll be waiting." Jimmy leaned to kiss her but she drew back, feeling the watchful eye of Mr. Nunn. And reluctantly she walked toward him, feeling her heart race beneath her chest. "You wanted to see me?"

"You're damn right I did! Come with me!"

"A-all right. But where-."

"My office."

Oh God….

She followed him around the corner and up the stairs to the office that she'd seen many times before, the one she'd been in when she came in to apply for her job. But now things were different. They paused at the door and he thrust it open.

"All right, Miss Spadaro Come in."

She did as he asked, gasping in horror when Helen entered the room.

"Close the door."

Mr. Nunn took a seat across from her while Helen sat beside her, the two pairs of eyes boring into her soul.

"What's going on? And what's she doing here?" Annie demanded.

Helen simply smirked while Mr. Nunn cleared his throat. "Miss Spadaro, it has come to my attention that you've taken it upon yourself to audition and hire a cast member without my consent."

She swallowed hard. "I-I don't know what you-."

"Does the name Jimmy Callahan ring a bell?"

"Um, well…"

"Miss Spadaro, I've seen your performances and I must say that you have a tremendous talent."

She blushed at the unexpected compliment. "Well, thank you, Mr. Nunn."

"BUT IF YOU DON'T DO SOMETHING ABOUT MR. CALLAHAN, YOU'LL NEVER WORK ON ANY STAGE EVE AGAIN! DO YOU UNDERSTAND?"

She cringed at his booming voice which, even in the large office made it seem even louder. "Um… yes, of course. Well, I guess if you have to let Jimmy go, then you have to let him go. This will crush him, but go easy on him, all right? I swear I won't say a word until after you tell him. He may seem a little different on the outside but he's very sensitive and-."

"Get rid of him, Annie."

She looked at Helen in disbelief. "What?"

"Get rid of him, in any way you can, or you're fired. Do you understand me?"

"But Mr. Nunn, why can't you-."

Mr. Nunn rose from his chair, pressing his hands on his desk. "Because I'm the director of this show, also known as your boss. Fire him or else!"

Suddenly feeling bold she rose to her feet. "Or else what?"

He smiled slyly. "Believe me; you don't want to know the answer to that question! Now get rid of him, immediately!"

She lowered her head. "Yes, sir."

"Now, good day, Miss Spadaro!"

As Annie left the office and walked down the stairs to return to her dressing room, she blinked back tears. God, she couldn't do this! What would she say? Jimmy was sweet and sensitive and this… this would crush him… no… worse than that. This would absolutely kill him. Cats was his life and he'd finally been given a chance but now…

She had to remain strong. And maybe it wouldn't be as horrible as she imagined. It's not like he'd be unemployed. And he still had his IRS job.

When she'd showered and changed into her clothes, she took a deep breath and went to find Jimmy. The quicker she could break the news to him, the sooner she could apologize. And the sooner they could begin the rest of their lives together.