Diversion
Firmin stood backstage, Andre beside him. Firmin was at his best, unperturbed and content in the press of people. A ballet girl with ginger colored hair stood beside him, flirting outrageously, and he offered to let her take a draw from his cigar.
It would seem that he had already acquired a handsome diversion, even though this was only his first night as a manager. The opera house was shaping up to be the best move of his career. The dancer might be a little beneath his station, but she was merely a pretty wrung in his ladder of success.
He replaced his cigar in his mouth, grinning all the while. Things were going swimmingly for him in all accounts-except one. He held a bouquet awkwardly in his arms, a weighty reminder that he had been refused when he attempted to deliver the flowers to his new leading lady. Normally, he would take great offense at this none-too-subtle snub, but he felt amiable tonight. Still, he would see this Christine Daaé, one way or another.
He let his attention wander to the crowd and studied the faces around him. Suddenly, he spotted someone he recognized. Before his prey could move out of hearing range, Firmin let out a shout.
"Ah, Vicomte, Vicomte!"
The call drew both Andre's and Raoul de Changy's attention. Andre quickly located the Vicomte, and he beckoned to him. The young noble met Firmin's eye and resignedly made his way toward the managers.
"I think we've made quite a discovery with Miss Daaé…" Firmin boasted as the Vicomte drew near.
"Perhaps we could present her to you, dear Vicomte," Andre suggested, nudging and winking at Firmin.
Raoul looked more that slightly dubious. "Gentlemen, if you wouldn't mind, this is one visit I should prefer to make unaccompanied." He noticed the bouquet that Firmin still held and neatly plucked it from the manager's arms.
"Thank you," he said, with a bob of his head, and he took the few steps toward Christine's dressing room.
Firmin wasn't sure if he should be offended or honored that the Vicomte out-and-out stole his flowers-especially without allowing himself to come along to Miss Daaé's room. Then, feeling the weight of coins in his coin purse, he decided he could afford to buy a hundred bouquets, if he so wished. What were a few flowers to a businessman of his supreme talents?
Good natured once again, Firmin planted his tongue in his cheek. "It would appear they've met before…" he remarked to his partner.
"Yes," Andre agreed, and then both men smiled and turned their attention back to the women flocking about them.