This is the fasted I've ever updated any story, but this is by far, my favorite RENT story next to "The Catsuit." However... this is the last update for a while. I need to write at least 3 more chapters before I post again.

When I spent the HUGE amount of money on the ticket to see WICKED, I also recieved a ticket to the after-party. The descriptioins here are taken from what I saw and experienced. (sighs) I loved it...

In this chapter, the stage is set. Pun wholeheartedly intended. There's another pun in here as well, if you can catch it. (wink) If you can, let me know. The first person to catch it, gets the dedication of my next chapter. And no, PinkElf, you can't get it, 'cause you already know. (smiles) Enjoy!

-Serendipity Kat

A Prospect Emerges

The performance was wonderful and she enjoyed every minute of it. Mick was right, the leading lady was fantastic. Afterwards, she and Mick were invited to the after-party. The room at the neighboring hotel was grandly made-up. There were metal trees everywhere with glowing green lanterns hanging from them. There were curved glass-topped tables filled to the brim with delectable sweets and savory appetizers. There were 2 drink stations set up, one carrying a selection of wines, water and juices and the other mixing drinks. Maureen went up to the mixed drinks bar and waited patiently in line. There were 2 mixers up there; one for Cosmos and one for Martinis. The mixers shook the alcohol and flavor and then poured it through a tube set up in a gigantic ice sculpture that was made to resemble vodka bottles. There were green olives stuffed with pimentos, apple slices, and lemons to garnish your drink. Standing tables were set up everywhere draped in black and green linens. There was soft music playing and the atmosphere was slightly sensual.

Mick, it seemed, knew quite a few of the patrons there as he was laughing with them when she walked up, Cosmo in hand. She slid her hand through his arm to signal she was there.

"Ah, my dear. Maureen, this is Mr. and Mrs. Edward Gray. They own quite a bit of property in the East Village and various other areas of New York. And this is their charming daughter, Alison." He gestured to each person in turn and Maureen extended her hand.

"Pleased to meet you. I've heard of you." She said warmly. Mrs. Gray was an elegant lady, gray hair done up in a sophisticated style and set off with diamonds and a lovely mink. Her dress was a dark charcoal gray that showed her blue eyes to advantage. Mr. Gray's hair was still quite dark. He was wearing a tux with tails and a silver vest and tie.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Johnson. I must say, I'm quite impressed with all your charity work." Mr. Gray's voice was deep and very cultured sounding. He nodded to Mick and turned back to her. "Mick here was telling me that you plan to refurbish a theater in the East Village and set it up for local work."

Maureen smiled and took a sip of her drink. "Indeed I do. When I was younger, I always thought that the idea of Theater was wasted on elderly rich people. I wanted theater to be available to those kids and teenagers and even adults that might not have the money and or the resources to attend Broadway and/or perform in it." Seeing that they both looked interested, she continued on. "I lived in the East Village for 10 years. I wanted to perform so very badly and a little while after I finally got my chance, I met Mick and the rest is history." She swallowed some of her drink. "By offering low cost or free drama, acting and singing programs, we help to eliminate the growing population of kids living on the streets and causing havoc. There has been significant improvements with our work in London. I'm eager to bring that here, where it will hopefully do good."

Mrs. Gray smiled softly. "I highly admire you ambitions, dear. There are so few people who have the motivation to do something for someone else. There is a run-down theater on a piece of property that we own that might be of interest to you." She paused. "It was built 30 years ago and was partly destroyed by a fire only 5 years after it was built. We're not exactly sure of the condition of the theater, but if you're interested, I can set you up with Alison's husband-"

"Ex-husband." Alison burst in.

Mrs. Gray looked sharply at her daughter. "Ex? Since when? Last I heard you were fine."

Alison smiled maliciously. "I caught him cheating and I filed the divorce papers yesterday. He was dallying with some dancer." She smiled at Maureen.

Mrs. Gray raised her eyes towards the ceiling and continued on. "Her ex-husband and he can give you a tour. How does that sound?"

Maureen leaned over to Mick and whispered in his ear. "What do you think? It would save us a lot of hassle in perusing the city."

Mick tensed slightly when he felt her breath touch his ear. "I agree. If it's not in too bad a condition, we'll take it." He whispered back and saw her smile. He faced the Grays and held out his hand. "Done. When can we meet with this young man?"

Maureen finished her drink and excused herself to get another. As she was waiting in line, she felt a hand on her arm.

"Maureen, was it?"

The other woman turned around and smiled. "Yes, Alison?"

The blond nodded. "I thought I might talk to you seeing as my parents and your boyfriend are doing business."

Maureen got her drink, waited for Alison to get hers and then the 2 of them moved over to an empty table. "Oh, Mick's not my boyfriend. He's the one who brought me out of the East Village. I owe him everything." Her gazed locked with Alison's. "I was going nowhere and he lifted me up and gave me a new life."

Alison smiled. "It's almost like one of those horrid Cinderella stories that mothers read to their kids."

Maureen raised her eyebrows. "Horrid? Why?"

Alison shrugged, her elegant dress fluttering. "It's just that they are so far-fetched that they couldn't possibly come true. The only way to rise form rags to riches is by hard work and determination."

Maureen was a bit shocked. Alison seemed nice enough, but underneath it all she was as bitchy as a dog in heat. "I-" Maureen started, then was interrupted when Mick came over and put his hand on her elbow.

"Maureen, my dear. We need to go. We're meeting the young gentleman at 3 tomorrow." He turned to Alison and her parents, who had come up behind her. "Mr. and Mrs. Gray, Alison, it was fortuitous meeting you here. I hope that we'll be able to do business together very soon. After we see the theater, I'll give you a call. Expect to hear from us within the week."

"Thank you so very much." Maureen murmured gracefully as she held out her hand and Mr. Gray brought it to his lips.

"Here's my card. If you have any questions, feel free to call me. The price is highly negotiable. Maureen, my dear; it was a pleasure meeting you."

"Here," Alison pushed another card into her hand. "My cell number. Maybe we can get together over lunch sometime. It's so rare to find another female who has the same motivations and isn't a flake."

Maureen groaned inwardly, but smiled sweetly and accepted the card. "Thank you, Alison. I'll give you a call when my schedule permits."

Know what I just realized? This chapter title is a foreshawdowing... wierd.