Sweet Seduction

Chapter Seven: Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

Erik shut the door behind him, calling out "Christine I'm back". He threw his keys on the table and removed his jacket. It had been two weeks since he'd proposed, and he loved the feeling of walking in the door to his loving fiancée, something he would have never dared to hope for a few years ago. He just hoped Christine wasn't going to murder him after he told her this. He had been down to the Opera House that morning and Monsieur Beaumont had finally met the mysterious angel that had been sending him money for the Opera House's reconstruction. Erik was pleased to discover he was a rather literate, polite man, very easy-going and witty too, unlike the two twittering idiot managers the Opera had previously housed. Monsieur Beaumont even had some stage expierence too. He was a comical baritone and had performed in a few touring operas years before. The two men had enjoyed their conversation so much, Erik suggested they continue at his place and invited the man to dinner. He only hoped Christine wouldn't mind a few surprises.

She emerged from the kitchen, tucking loose strands of hair back into place. "Oh, good, you're home" she said cheerfully. She hoped he was in a good mood, for she had some news too.

He swept her up and whirled her around the kitchen, ignoring her weak protests. He set her back down and pecked a swift kiss on her lips before hanging up his coat. God, it felt great to finally be able to kiss her without any awkward thoughts or hesitations. She didn't seem to mind it too much either.

She took a deep breath. Better to get this over with

"Erik, uh...how was your day?"

"Fine, just fine. Yours?"

"Oh it was great. I fixed that collar on one of your shirts, and I'm just getting started on dinner, oh, and uh... I stopped by the Opera House too" she exhaled in one bright, perky rush, hoping he didn't pick up on that last bit.

"What was that?"

"Oh, I stopped by the Opera House this morning. I got, you know, a little bored. Sorry I forgot to tell you earlier. The construction sure is progressing. Oh, and I ran into Meg and Madame Giry. You'll never believe this"

"What?" he asked, half-listening to her conversation

"Meg has a suitor!" she squealed "She met him last week at the ballet, of course. He's a dancer too! And, of all things, he was in Il Muto, in that little country ballet they did at Act Three. I couldn't believe Meg hadn't met him before, but she realized after they started talking that they'd met before, so I suppose it wasn't really their first meeting, but it's still so romantic. His name is Jacques Chauder and he's only two years older than her. They've just met and they have already started courting! I'm so happy for her. And, I couldn't resist myself. I invited Meg, Mme. Giry and Jacques to dinner tonight. I hope you don't mind, do you Erik? Just for tonight?" she asked innocently, batting her eyelashes

He laughed "Well, who could say no to that face?" he asked, sliding his arm around her waist and trailing soft kisses down her neck.

She moaned "Erik, stop it! I'll never get anything done if you start that already!" she scolded

He sighed "All right. I suppose I'd better leave you alone if we want our guests to have any food tonight. Speaking of which, I,uh, invited someone to dinner too. Hope you won't mind cooking for six"

"Oh Erik, really? Who is it?"

"Monsieur Beaumont. He's a very nice man. We had quite an enjoyable conversation, and I hated to cut it short, so I invited him to dinner tonight."

"Oh, that's wonderful you made a new friend. What does he do?"

"He's uh"- Erik coughed, saying the rest in a low, hurried voice, hoping Christine wouldn't catch it - "he's the new manager of the Opera Populaire"

She dropped the spoon she was holding "Oh, Erik, the manager? How did you run into him?"

"Well, dear, I just happened to be at the Opera House this morning too."

"Doing what? Why were you there, Erik? Don't you know how dangerous that is? You could still be caught and sent to prison!"

"For what?"

"Oh, I don't know, maybe blackmailing the managers? Murdering Buquet? Crashing the opera and the chandelier and killing more people, need I go on?" she asked exasperated

"Christine, I'm sorry. But please, this is the chance for a fresh start! This guy doesn't even know who I am, or who I used to be. He has no idea I was the Phantom of the Opera! He just wanted to finally meet me since I was sending so much money anonymously for the reconstruction and thus far I'm just plain old Erik Destler to him."

"And how did you explain the mask?" she asked, gesturing to the ever-present white mask on his face

"He didn't ask"

She looked at him suspiciously

"Christine, I am serious, he did not ask! He didn't seem like one to pry and I didn't feel any explanation was necessary. Come on, do you really think I would be that reckless? I am not going to reveal myself as anything but Erik Destler and I have no intention of ever revealing myself as anything but Erik Destler. Okay?"

She sighed "I suppose. I'm sorry for doubting you, it's just, I don't want to see you making some stupid mistake that could hurt us both if it was preventable, but you obviously know what you're doing"

He smiled "Thank you. And, I give you my word, if I misbehave at all, you can punish me anyway you like "

"Anyway?" she asked mischeviously

"Mm-hm. After dinner though"

Christine smiled wickedly, picking up her wooden spoon and whacking him with it, giggling afterwards. He grunted, getting that fiery look in his eyes again

"I said after dinner, Christine!" he growled. She giggled and the next twenty minutes was spent with the pair chasing each other childishly around the apartment, laughing and screaming the entire time, until they both fell exhausted onto the couch and (of course) kissed and made up.

When that display was finished, they were both very tired, needless to say, and Christine transformed into a whirlwind of gourmet cooking that afternoon (with the occasional help from Erik, of course)

Christine hastily got herself into a simple, blue dress, added a small broach, put her hair up into a coil and fixed her makeup. Erik just combed back his hair and slid into a different jacket, so of course he was ready about twenty minutes earlier than his wife. Someone finally knocked on their door and Erik was just about to answer it when Christine came rushing out and just about knocked Erik over trying to get to the door first. She flashed him an apologetic grin before answering the door to reveal Meg, Mme. Giry and a young man Erik presumed to be Meg's suitor.

Christine let out a little squeal and hugged Meg tightly for the second time that day, whispering in her ear "Oh Meg, he's so handsome! You made such a great catch!"

Meg laughed "I did, didn't I? Oh Christine, he's so perfect. He's polite and thoughtful and very smart too!"

"Ahem" Mme. Giry cleared her throat expectantly at Meg, gesturing towards Jacques who was standing quite awkwardly in the doorway "Meg Giry, where are your manners?"

She blushed "I'm sorry Mother. Ahem. Christine, may I present Monsieur Chauder, my new suitor. And Jacques, this is my best friend Mademoiselle Christine Daae"

"A pleasure to finally meet you monsieur" Christine asked politely as Jacques kissed her hand briefly

"The pleasure is all mine, Mademoiselle. What a charming home you have"

"Merci, monsieur"

Erik came up behind her suddenly

"And Jacques, this is Christine's, uh..." Meg trailed off awkwardly while Christine hastily finished for her

"This is my friend, Erik Destler. Erik, this is Monsieur Chauder"

"How do you do sir?" Jacques asked formally

"Pleased to make your acquittance" Erik said politely. The man had quite a firm grip and Erik could see he had the well toned, slim body of a dancer and a kind, quiet manner. No wonder he and little Giry were perfect for each other.

Mme. Giry stepped in the doorway once the introductions had been

"Erik, Christine, thank you for the invitation. This is quite a lovely little apartment. About how long have you both been here?" she asked, directed at Erik suspiciously

"About a month. Don't worry Marie, we're doing fine." he said

Everyone settled down on the various pieces of furniture in the living room while Meg followed Christine in to the kitchen to help with dinner, gushing about Jacques the entire time

"And he's actually been to a university! Can you believe that? He likes literature but he enjoyed dancing even more so he quit a year before his graduation and became a background dancer for the Opera Ballet, although he doesn't just dance at the Opera House, he dances at all the local operas and ballets around here, basically wherever there's a position available. And did I tell you-"

"Meg, Meg calm down! I don't think there's anything you haven't told me about Jacques so far, but I agree, he does sound perfect. You two were practically meant to be"

"So..." Meg said inquisitively

"So what?"

"So what about you and Erik, huh? What has happened between you two? And why did you decided to jilt Raoul like that? Everyone's talking about it. You really didn't tell me all that much this morning"

Christine smiled. Meg had always been such a gossip even when they were children. She turned around, salting the fish

"Meg, nothing has really happened. And Raoul, we just...I just couldn't see him anymore. It is kind of complicated, to put it mildly"

"But Christine, I'm your best friend! You know you can tell me anything"

She sighed "Well-"

At that moment, Erik entered, and the kitchen fell silent. He smiled awkwardly as Meg made some hasty excuse to leave. He laughed and walked over to Christine

"Does she know we're engaged yet?"

"No, I thought we might surprise Meg and everyone else after dinner."

"You didn't tell her?"

"I haven't gotten around to it yet. Trust me, she'll find out even if we don't tell her"

He grimaced "Please Christine, I am begging you, do not make me sit next to Jacques at dinner"

She turned around surprised "Why? He seems nice enough"

"Oh, of course he's nice enough, but he never shuts up. He was talking my ear off out there. No wonder he and Meg are courting"

Christine slapped his arm lightly "Stop it, they might hear you. By the way, isn't Monsieur Beaumont here yet? We're almost ready to start serving"

"No, he hasn't arrived yet. I can't imagine what's keeping him"

At that precise moment, they heard the door shut and Erik heard Meg and Jacques finally fall silent and Georges' voice stutter "Oh, forgive me, I must have the wrong apartment. Sorry"

He and Christine both came out of the kitchen area

"Hey Georges, wait a moment. You're in the right place" Erik called out

Georges smiled "Ah, Erik, there you are. I was afraid I'd interrupted someone else's dinner" he chuckled

"No, you have the right place. Christine and I were in the kitchen. Sorry about that. Everyone, this is Monsieur Georges Beaumont, the new manager of the Opera Populaire. He'll be joining us for dinner tonight"

After the proper introductions were made, everyone settled down to begin eating. It was a little difficult to seat six people at Erik and Christine's small table, but they managed to squeeze everyone in with Erik at the head between Christine and Georges. Mme. Giry sat down gracefully next to Georges and Meg sat in between her mother and Jacques of course. The conversations soon picked up quickly, with Meg and Jacques chattering away in there own little world, Erik and Georges eagerly discussing new additions to the Opera House with some insights from Mme. Giry and Christine constantly serving all the excellent dishes she'd cooked and listening in on the snatches of conversations.

"Well, Erik, the entire third wing balcony was destroyed, so that will need to be completely furnished. Or do you think we should just expand the second wing balcony by twenty feet to compensate and only sell four boxes for the season?"

"Meg, do you enjoy Swan Lake? The Anthem Theater is considering it for next season and, if your mother consents, maybe you could come with me to the next audition? There's an open call for background dancers. Maybe we could be in it together?"

"Yes, thank you Jacques, I would love to"

"Monsieur Beaumont-"

"Please, Mme. Giry call me Georges"

"Well then Georges, you must call me Marie. As I was saying , forgive me, but how much do you estimate it will cost for the entire refurnishing? Do you think the opera House will be ready for the fall season?"

Christine finally sat down and when there as a break in the conversation, turned to Monsieur Beaumont

"So, monsieur, what else did you do today, besides the chat with Erik? Anything interesting?"

He laughed "That's just a female polite translation for 'Why were you late', isn't it?"

She blushed and saw Erik smirk, but suddenly felt him stiffen beside her when Georges brought up the one topic Erik had hoped to avoid

"Actually, I was late for dinner, (which I must say is delicious Mlle. Daae, delicious) because I was, forgive me ladies, at the horse races this afternoon. You won't believe the conversation I had."

"With whom?" Mme. Giry asked, suddenly interested

"Some young fellow I was betting against, named Gaston Leroux. He's quite the rich man, let me assure you, dare I say richer than our former patron Monsieur de Changy. Anyway, Monsieur Leroux has just inherited thirty million francs, but I bet the way he's going he'll lose it within the month!So, we got to talking and you know he actually wants to be a journalist?"

"Really?" Jacques asked

"Yes, he's working on publishing a few articles and he's actually gotten an idea for a new novel that concerns our Opera House. He said it was inspired by the recent chandelier crash. It's to be called 'The Phantom of the Opera' of all the absurd things. Can you imagine? 'The Phantom of the Opera' It is free advertising, I'll admit, and the young fellow is quite ambitious, but can you imagine anyone actually buying that nonsense?"

"No" Christine responded. "I'm not sure I can" She could feel Erik relax a little bit as Mme. Giry and Meg fought to suppress a laugh. Only Jacques had no idea how ironic the conversation was.

Eventually, the dinner was almost over and Christine felt a tiny stab of disappointment. This evening had been so much fun and reminded her how much she missed the old days at the Opera House. Suddenly, she realized, she had yet to the good news. She whispered to Erik and he grinned. As soon as the after-dinner wine was served, he gently clinked his fork against his glass and the chatter suddenly ceased. He cleared his throat, he and Christine standing up

"Well, uh, thank you everyone for coming tonight. And, Christine and I are both very sorry for keeping you in suspense, but we have some good news we want to share with everyone-"

Before he could say another word, Christine squealed softly with delight, clapping her hands and announcing

"We're going to be married!"

After that, the rest of the evening was a blur of congratulations and toasts to the engaged couple. Finally, the men adjourned to Erik's study with their drinks so Erik could show them a few building plans and compositions and Christine, Mme. Giry and Meg began cleaning up.

Meg sighed "Oh Christine, this is so wonderful! You're going to be married! To the Phantom of the Opera!" she softly squealed

Christine shushed her "Meg, quiet! Georges doesn't know about Erik's past and we don't inform of telling him"

"Oh, I'm sorry Christine. But just think about it :you're engaged, I' m courting and who knows? Maybe Jacques and I will be-"

"Meg Giry, I hope you're not assuming anything like that so soon. You and monsieur Chauder are courters and you're not spending any time unchaperoned for at least another year or so. And even so, why are you entertaining these foolish notions when there's work to be done?" Mme. Giry cut in, sneaking into the girl's conversations

Meg grumbled as soon as her mother was out of earshot

"Then again, with my strict Maman, I'll most likely end up an old maid!"

When the evening was finally over, all the guests left, saying the goodbyes and compliments accompanied by any good-mannered people after a social event. Georges and Erik had made plans for a meeting tomorrow, and meg might stop by again. When Christine thought everyone was gone, she went in to ready herself for bed. Mme. Giry caught Erik before he went into the bedroom

"Erik" she hissed quietly. He turned around

"Marie? What are you still doing here? Something wrong, or is this another ridiculous 'chaperoning' attempt"

"Erik, please, I need to tell you something. Meg and Jacques are waiting for me in the cab"

"Hey, that Jacques seems like a really nice guy. Not a half-bad fellow for little Meg's suitor. When is he planning on proposing?"

She gave him a lethal stare "Erik, please don't joke about this, my heart can't take it. Meg's lucky I haven't killed either of them yet."

"I see"

"Please, I need to tell you something. I didn't want to announce it at dinner, or in front of Christine, but I thought you needed to know."

"What is it?"

"I heard today that they're going to have Raoul committed to an insane asylum. His brother demands it. Apparently, someone else can see he's gone crazy and took some action. He'll be locked up by the end of the week for a long, long, time. Thought you may like to know. Even money can't change some things"

He smirked " Just about everything, Marie. Just about everything."

She sighed "Well, I'll leave now, I just wanted to inform you but please, keep it quiet. Of course it'll be in the headlines in a week or so, but just don't let Christine know quite yet. She still might have old feelings for him, and she can't bear to see anyone upset or hurt, even if they've hurt her"

He sighed once he knew Marie was gone "Don't I know it, Marie. Don't I know"