“Thank you” He smiled, then stood and held out his hand to help me up. He led me out of the aisle and into the lobby, trading comments and greetings with people along the way. Once in the lobby we were ensnared in a conversation with a small group of critics and reporters whom he seemed to know on a personal basis. We stood and talked with them for half an hour—I could hardly believe it when I found myself pulled into the conversation. They were friendly and not anywhere near as forceful as the reporters outside the theatre had been. Jack explained our connection, which they all agreed sounded like a movie script itself. “Hmm, good idea,” Jack said. “Don’t mention it to anyone else; maybe I’ll try writing for a change!”

This triggered some in-joke to which I was obviously not privy, and for a while I was totally lost in the conversation. I allowed myself to mentally depart from it and take in what was going on around me. Actors in knots, rogue photographers in the corners, theatre staff, security … there were people everywhere, and I was one of them, I was a part of this world tonight. Unbelievable.

“Uh-oh, I’ve lost my date,” I heard Jack lament. I blushed and turned back to the group, who were all grinning and beginning to pull on their coats.

“I can’t blame her; you’re boring her. Can’t believe she’s still here. Better make up for it, Harrington,” one of the older gentlemen chided, then extended his hand. “Miss Winslowe, a pleasure to meet you. I hope you enjoy the party at Alexis’s.”

“It was nice meeting you, too,” I said, shaking his hand and smiling. The others followed suit, and then filed from the lobby into the drizzle that had begun.

“I’m sorry.”

“Good heavens, why?”

“You were totally bored.”

I laughed. “Good grief, Jack, I don’t expect you to baby-sit me. And you can’t expect me to mesh with everyone here. Or anyone here, for that matter. But that’s fine, I’m okay with that.” I thought briefly of Taylor’s comment and smiled. “This is the modern-day version of Cinderella at the ball, and I’m just happy for the opportunity. I can handle the fact that I’m a complete outsider.”

Jack laughed and pulled a cell phone out of his jacket. “Okay, Cinderella, whatever you say.” He dialed the driver and told him we were ready, then slapped the phone shut and dropped it back into his pocket before pulling on his overcoat. “It will take us about twenty minutes to get to Alexis’s place. Do you want to get something to eat on the way there? You haven’t eaten in a long time.”

I was touched by his concern. “Thanks for thinking of that, but I think I can make it.”