"Yes!"
"Better." Holding up her hand again, Leanne stepped forward, black pants suit with the silver beads etched into the fabric shimmering beneath the glittering chandeliers. "It's that time of year. We all know what time it is." She pointed to a couple all decked out in red and white. "There's no need to tell you guys what time it is."
"No!" They shouted, lifting joined hands. "It's time for Cupid to do his job."
"We never did establish Cupid's specific gender. But that's neither here nor there." She waited until the laughter had subsided. "We're here to celebrate Valentine's Day and this year the Kostas Princess will be doing it in its usual inimitable style.We have a musical composed by our own very talented director, Lydia Drummond. Give it up for her!" She gestured with one hand and waited for the applause to end.
"And of course the dedicated team who put in all the challenging work, including yours truly." She waited again. "On a serious note, people, we always bend over backwards to make you all feel welcome. We're aware that you fork out your hard earned money, okay, some not so hard earned." She waited again for the laughter to abate.
"Regardless, it's our duty and privilege to show you the very best of times and we're going to start off with a musical depicting the famous love story by Shakespeare of star crossed lovers. But this one will have a happy ending. Please help me to welcome the talented dancers, The Kostas Troupe!"
"Isn't she a gem?" Benjamin murmured in an awed tone to the silent man standing just outside of the curtains. "I've learned so much from her. I'm her assistant, but let's face it, she's the star of this show. You must be proud."
"Hmm." Christos wished the man would go away and leave him alone. He was watching her closely, for any signs that she was wavering.
"I understand congratulations are in order." Benjamin persisted.
Barely sparing him a glance, Christos lifted one thick dark brow.
"I mean, Leanne told me and of course, she has started showing." Wilting under the man's steady green gaze, he almost cried out in relief when Leanne came walking towards them.
"Darling," Rushing towards her in a swirl of poppy red jacket, he grabbed her hands and pulled her in for a kiss. "You were magnificent."
"Thanks." Her gaze lifted to the man leaning on a cream white column.
"He's a tough nut to crack. Very uncommunicative," Benjamin whispered in an aside.
"Really? I can hardly get him to shut up." She smiled at her assistant's dazzled expression. "You're on for the second act. I need to sit down for a minute."
His expression was one of concern. "Darling, is it the babes? Are you feeling nauseous?"
"A little." She patted his cheek. "I'll be fine."
"You scared poor Benjamin." She murmured as she crossed to him.
"He talks too much." Taking her hands in his, Christos pulled her closer to study her face.
"I feel like I'm under a microscope."
"You are." Letting go of her hand, he lifted her chin. "You look tired."
"I guess the makeup is useless."
"You've been on your feet for more than two hours." He started to scoop her into his arms when she slapped a palm on his chest.
"What the hell are you doing?" She hissed.
"Taking you to the cabin. You need rest."
"I just need to sit for a minute. The show is not over, and I can bloody well walk on my own." When he continued to stare at her, expression determined, she turned to pleas. "Please don't embarrass me like this. I can walk. We'll use the elevatorsinstead of the stairs. I just need to get something in my stomach."
"We can request a meal from the kitchen, and we sit in one of the empty rooms. This is my show and I need to see it to the end."
His hesitation had her holding her breath, until he nodded.
"All right." Taking her hand, he started to lead the way out.
"Thanks."
