"So I walked into the Wintergarden and was handed a program. I didn't know what to expect, but I knew it had to be spectacular!" Jimmy was saying. "It didn't take me long to find my seat but I could hardly sit still, anticipating the show to begin… and begin it did. That music… that glorious opening music! It was like a breath of fresh air! And then as the cats began to emerge from their places, my heart stopped. The stage drama, the costumes, the music and the sets that looked so realistic simply took my breath away! I was caught up in the moment and the lives… or nine lives… of the cats… Grizabella, Rumpleteaser, Duteronomy, Rum Tum Tugger, Mr. Mistoffelees…"
He droned on and on, telling her things she already knew… things she lived night after night, but when he stopped talking suddenly, she knew he was looking at her. She could feel it, but she couldn't bring herself to look at him.
"Annie! Annie, are you all right? What's wrong?"
"Nothing, I'm fine." She lied. "I just…" Her voice trembled as she downed another glass of wine, which immediately went to her head, making her dizzy. His fingertips were on her chin, gently turning her toward him, and when their eyes met; his blurry image was one of pure astonishment. He rose to his feet, his hands locked behind his head as he paced back and forth.
"Dear God, I've made you cry! How could I have been so stupid? How could I do this? I'm such a jackass!"
"Jimmy, no-."
"But those tears… REMO! CHECK, PLEASE!" Jimmy yelled, sending the restaurant owner scrambling to the table.
"Yes, Mr. Callahan?" Remo asked.
"We need our check please! Right away!"
"Is something wrong? Oh my…"
Jimmy moved away from the table so quickly that Annie rose to her feet as well.
"What's wrong?" Remo was asking now.
"Um… well, Annie isn't feeling very well, so I thought I'd take her home." Jimmy lied.
Remo gasped in horror. "Oh no! Mama Mia! It's not ze food, is it?"
"Remo, it's nothing!" Annie said. "Just relax! It's just-." She felt Jimmy's hand slip into hers and he began coaxing her toward the door.
"Come on Annie, let's get you home!"
"But Jimmy-."
He stopped and sighed; turning slowly to face her while Remo looked on. "Annie, I hurt you. And I don't ever want to do that again. I think it's best if we end our night early."
Amazingly her heart sank at the idea of leaving him before she was ready. "But Jimmy.."
He swallowed hard, offering her his arm and reluctantly she followed him out of the restaurant, glancing helplessly at Remo who seemed just as perplexed as she.