Remo's eyebrows rose at Annie's outburst and he looked around nervously as though making sure his reputation was intact. And then he laughed in the same nervous manner, his hands trembling as he produced two burgundy menus and placed them under his arm. "H-how many in your party?"

"Two, Remo!" Annie snapped, her thick New York accent coming through loud and clear. "Do you see anyone else here?"

"Um… no, I don't." He admitted. "But…"

"Just get us a table, Remo!" She shouted.

"The most romantic one you have!" Jimmy chimed in.

A smile crossed Remo's lips. "AH, zen you two are in a romance, no?"

"No." Annie said firmly, but she quickly corrected herself when she saw Jimmy's smile disappear. She didn't want to hurt him again. "I-I mean… we're on a date of sorts, so if you don't mind…"

"Very well… Right this way." Remo said. He ushered them around the small restaurant until they came to a table that was so secluded, Annie had no idea it had even been there. She started at the small, dark space in disbelief. "Remo… Where… I mean how…I-I mean where did this table come from?"

Remo chuckled, most likely because the question was so stupid. "It's been here all along, Annie! I'm surprised you haven't noticed it by now!"

"Well, of course she hasn't noticed it… Um, Remo, is it?" Jimmy laughed in a surprisingly mocking manner. "It's her first time here!"

At this, Remo let out a laugh that caused every head in the restaurant to turn.

"What's so funny?" Annie demanded.

"Mama Mia!" Remo exclaimed. "Annie Spadaro, you of all people should know that this isn't your first time here! You're a fixture in my restaurant! I've lost count of how many times you've come in here with your friends and even more times that you've left with some mystery guy, but most often with Del and Richard and Charlie!"

Annie's face burned with embarrassment. Damn him for bringing up her sordid past, even if it was mere days ago. And as she suspected, Jimmy's eyes widened in surprise. "Annie… who are Richard, Charlie and Del?"

Her face flushed even brighter and suddenly she was ashamed of what she had done; the fake audition which had landed him a role in Cats that he cherished more than anything in the world… and it wasn't even legal! Damn that Charlie for hiring Jimmy in the first place!" She was about to fabricate an excuse to the best of her ability when she saw Jimmy looking at her thoughtfully. "What's wrong?"

"Del….Charlie…. Del…. Those names sound so familiar! Why can't I… Oh WAIT! Now I know! Of course! Charlie and Del! I owe them my life! How could I have forgotten?

If I hadn't auditioned for Cats, I wouldn't be here right now with you! Annie Spadaro, I owe you even more!"

"But I didn't-."

Jimmy moved toward, so close that their lips were almost touching and as he moved closer, he froze at the sound.

"AHEM!"

They looked up to find Remo scowling at them, causing Annie to laugh nervously. "Um… we'd better sit down." She reached for her chair, but Jimmy moved past her pulling the chair out to allow her to sit. Annie was so stunned by the gentlemanly gesture that she could barely think. No man had ever-

"Your menus, Mr. Callahan, Ms. Spadaro." Remo said, shoving the large burgundy menu in front of her face.

But to the surprise of Remo and Annie, Jimmy pushed the menus away.

"Thank you Remo, but we won't need these!"

"And why is zat? Mr. Callahan?" Remo demanded with a hint of unmistakable annoyance in his voice.

"Because, in addition to a bottle of your finest wine, Annie and I will each have an order of your Alfredo Lasagna!"

Remo's eyes suddenly lit up. "An excellent choice for both of you! I'll be right back!"

Remo took two menus from them, leaving the couple alone at the secluded table. Annie looked around, amazed at how secluded it really was. If it weren't for the fact that Remo was so attentive, she doubted that anyone would know that they were even there. And suddenly she felt very self-conscious.

She stared at him across the table, her heart fluttering when he smiled at her. His face was incredibly handsome, the way the candlelight flickered upon it. And before she realized what was happening she reached for his hand.