Underneath (Tag M. Saint-Just)

[ERIK DANIEL LENOIR]

It was almost a month ago. Danny had gone home, almost feeling like flying, he was so happy. The woman of his dreams, nay, obsessions, had not been angry with him as he had thought, and had promised to call him. It was Marguerite Saint-Just, the famous French actress that sent his heart into a tailspin.

Danny kept his mobile clipped to his belt and kept looking at it to make sure he hadn't inadvertently turned it off. He didn't want to miss that call. He had received several calls since seeing her home that night, and he almost breathlessly picked them up, but they were only calling him into work at the firm or calls from his housekeeper. For days, he had hoped, and hoped. After a few days, he had even waited outside the theatre where she was still playing in her long running dramatic piece. But somehow they had never connected again. He began to think that she was avoiding him and that her promise of a call and another date was just that, a promise, an empty promise.

After a while, he didn't go to the theatre to look for her any more. It was too painful to see her be whisked away in a limosine before he even had time to speak to her. Finally, he gave up and avoided the theatre completely. He began to put himself totally into his work to try to forget her. He pulled down the picture of her that he had printed off the internet and stuck to his computer. He ripped it up and threw it away. He started to compose again, but it was all sad things, depressing pieces, or on occasion, angry pieces. That last would go well with some of his computer games. He started work on a rather violent game and the music went well with that. The violence seemed to help ease his feelings of anger. He simply needed to take his mind off that woman, but she had become such an obsession that it was difficult. He dreamed of her all the time, but always awoke to the realization that she was not going to call him. He felt like pitching his mobile off of the roof of his building and see it smash into a million pieces.

And the last time his housekeeper Bunny called, Danny told her not to come for a while. Danny didn't realize how much he had slipped into depression. He hadn't shaved for several days and his hair was unkempt and he had gone to bed in the same jeans and tee shirt he had been wearing for quite some time. He shrugged and went back to his music room and put on something he had written recently. He lay down on the couch in the room, but when the music came on, he jumped up and pulled out the cd he had burned it onto and yelled, "Damn bloody dirge!" He broke the cd into pieces in his rage and went into the kitchen, opening cabinets and flinging dishes about the room, making a mess of broken dishes. Finally, he collapsed at the table, putting his head down and sobbed. How could he ever get out of this bloody depression?

[MARGUERITE SAINT-JUST]

She was exhausted but finally, she had secured at least one night off. That promise she made to Daniel Lenoir took more of a chance than anything else. Often she forgot about needing the time off to have dinner with Danny all because she was enjoying her work, the parties, other meetings, and especially attending promotions of various sorts. She was a very busy woman and constantly in the public eye. Already there was hints from one little person mentioning Marguerite's secret rendezvous in Central Park but she dismissed that as just nonsense chatter. For if she paid attention to it, then it would snowball and at this point in time she didn't want Danny to become the center of attention and create a scandal even if it wasn't one.

A limo sat in front of her building waiting for her until she appeared and slipped into the limo amid some fans and paparazzi. Once she was in the limo, the chaufer explained where they were going and how long it will be. It was now that she remembered finally and decided to give Danny a call.... finally!

Those fine fingers pulled out that special card, dialed the number that was written and pressed send on her personal cell phone. She waited and it started to ring.
It rang once....
twice...
three times...
... a fourth...?
Was he there?
She waited for him to pick up as she glanced out the window from time to time at the very busy New York.

[ERIK DANIEL LENOIR]

Still sitting at the table, his head down and amidst the mess of broken dishes, Danny heard a sound. He looked up. It was his mobile. Where the hell was it? He reached for it at his belt, but then he remembered that it was in his bedroom where he hadn't bothered to even pick it up the last few days. He took his time getting there. It rang, once, twice, three times, then four. As he reached it and picked it up, the ringing stopped.

He had been sure Marguerite wouldn't call him. She had undoubtedly completely forgotten him. Who was he anyway? It didn't matter that he had a brilliant mind, it only mattered that he had some strange mental quirks. Certainly that is what must have made her decide not to call, even though she had encouraged him so much on that night in front of her apartment building.

He looked at the phone number recorded on his mobile. It wasn't from the firm; it wasn't Bunny. It wasn't any other number he recognized. Could it be Marguerite? There was no message, but the caller also had not hidden the number. Should he call back? Not even letting himself hope that she was the caller, he highlighted the number and pressed the call button to see what would happen. It rang, once, twice and then he started to hyperventilate and quickly hung up.

Now he was just being ridiculous. It might not even be Marguerite. Still he was breathing quickly and shallowly and starting to tingle in his face and extremities. He put his hands over his face to breathe in more carbon dioxide to stabilize the gases in his body and lessen the chance he would pass out. He felt a bit better in a moment. He went back to his dilemma of the phone call. It had to be Marguerite.

He highlighted the number again and pressed the call button again. This time he was determined to stay on the line until she...if she.... answered. It rang again, once, twice...

[MARGUERITE SAINT-JUST]

The phone rang and rang and rang with no answer. He must be away at the moment. Pity. But there was no way to leave a message. Voicebox was full.
She sighed and ended the call. Those mismatched eyes turned to gaze out the window wondering when she would try to call him again. That is, until the phone in her hand started to ring then it ended before it finished the ring on her phone. A glance down and held the phone up to see the number... it was Danny! Perhaps he simply missed the phone call or there was some connection issues. And so, her fingers tapped into the phone once more and was just getting ready to dial him again when the phone rang once more. Her eyes took in the number and she smiled. It was Danny! And so... she picked up!

"Hello. This is Marguerite Saint-Just..." she trailed off while looking around outside the limo. Then with a smile as she gazed at the back of the seat before her, " Good afternoon, Daniel."

[ERIK DANIEL LENOIR]

Danny pressed the button to answer the phone and heard at the other end, Hello. This is Marguerite Saint-Just. Good afternoon, Daniel. He paused for a moment. "Is that really you, Marguerite?" he said in a breathless, soft voice. She was really calling him!

"Oh, I've missed you so much! Where are you?" He was still sitting among the mess he had made in the kitchen and he himself looked quite the mess himself. Danny hadn't taken his meds for weeks now and his thoughts often became confused. His obsession was still there though. It was still Marguerite. Now with elation bubbling up suddenly, he smiled and started to pace, walking back and forth rather quickly.

"When...when can I ... see you, Marguerite? I've hoped that you would call me....I thought you had forgotten all about me. Oh I must change and shower. Where are we going? May I pick up at your place?...." Danny went on and on, the questions coming one after the other at breakneck speed.

Finally he took a breath to give Marguerite time to speak. He was so elated, he had to listen hard to even understand what she was saying. He had to ask her to slow down a couple of times to make sure he understood every word. He couldn't believe it! She had called back!

[MARGUERITE SAINT-JUST]

A smile graced her lips and a gentle snicker as he sounded quite stunned yet delighted. "Oui, Danny. It is me," she stated and it sounded like she was smiling and happy, too. With a pause as he spoke, his longing for her caused her brows to rise and it touched her. Did he truly miss her? It was a sweet gesture but the sincerity was what caught her attention. She heard those same words before from former boyfriends but they were not as sincere as Danny sounded.
Another scanning glance out the window at all the traffic, "I am on my way to a promotional presentation, a meeting later, and a couple of public appearances before I perform this evening." She took a dramatic breath in. Now, if Danny was there in the limo with her, he'd see her face all dramatic and a hand moving in gestures to emphasize her words. But if one was astute enough, they would pick up all that via the sound of her voice.

"I have tomorrow evening off. Took me a while to do so. Oh, do forgive me Daniel for not being able to call you." Again, she sounded dramatic with her words hoping he would hear that she did not mean to lead him off for so long. The life of a famous woman such as herself was a hard one filled with so much activity.
"Perhaps tomorrow evening? I could... come to your place for dinner... see your artwork and hear your music," the last part she sounded quite eager to hear his music.

"Oh, I am so sorry, Daniel, that I could not get back to you sooner. I just learned that I had the evening off, covered by an Understudy, and it took a while to accomplish since most who come to see the performance come to see me." She grinned but he wouldn't see it.
As he went on, he sounded beyond excited and she snickered softly, "I hope that is OK? Unless you wish to dine out then go to your home so I can see and hear your works?" If they dined out, reservations would have to be made and accommodations for a Celebrity.
She was touched even further, almost to the point of guilt and heartache when he stated that perhaps she forgotten him. She couldn't seem to bring herself to say it, but no... she could never forget Danny. Already the man had made an impression upon her.

"Is that OK? Dinner at your place or dine out then return to your place?" And by now, she hoped to make this as incognito as possible for Danny, the returning to his place. But then again, it's not like she does not visit people ever at their homes or vice versa. She is quite a social gal!

[ERIK DANIEL LENOIR]

He was so elated she'd called. There was no chiding her for not calling earlier and keeping him waiting. All that was forgotten in the glow of her phone call.

He had to ask her several times to repeat when she would be available and what she had in mind. He was finding it difficult to listen. Finally he had it. Tomorrow she had a day off work and she would be available for dinner and to come back to his home to hear his music. He smiled and soundlessly and excitedly mouthed the word YES to himself.

Then a thought occurred to him. "My housekeeper is the best cook in the western hemisphere," the hyperbole showing his excitement. "If you would come here, I can have her prepare us a lovely meal and have it ready when you come." He looked about the place. Bunny certainly needed to clean up the condo. She hadn't come for over a month because Danny kept putting her off. He hadn't wanted to speak to anyone. As a result, his condo was in bad shape as far as cleanliness. Then there were the broken things Danny often hurled about if he were in a rage. His housekeeper Bunny wondered how much he spent in replacing broken dishes. Danny wasn't much for cleaning, especially if he were in one of the long periods in which he hadn't taken his meds. Things rather became challenging and strange then. His ragged, confused thoughts and quickly changing moods were mirrored in the look of his apartment.

But things would be better now, wouldn't they? Marguerite had called! She wasn't angry with him and she hadn't forgotten him! Danny told her several times how much he was looking forward to seeing her again and after they hung up, he kissed the phone. Then he realized he looked a mess and went straightaway to the washroom and took a look in the mirror. His face looked haggard from neglect and not eating. He first took a shower and shaved and combed his hair nicely. Then he dressed in clean clothes.

He called Bunny and told her he needed her desperately. She said she would be right over. The kindly middle-aged woman looked on Danny as a son, and someone to be looked after, even though she was only a few years older than he was. She had motherly feelings toward him and knew he had trouble looking after himself sometimes. She had raised a family of her own and her children were nothing compared to Danny. But she had learned not to interfere when he was having one of his "spells," as she called it. She only hoped, at these times that he would be all right being alone and not hurt himself or someone else. But there was nothing much she could do about that, if he told her to stay away.

Danny felt much better now. He started humming and singing, and he found another picture of Marguerite on the internet, printed it in colour and pasted it to his computer. He would ask her to let him take a real photograph sometime...

[MARGUERITE SAINT-JUST]

From the sound of his voice, he was overwhelmed perhaps excited. Especially when he continued to ask her to repeat. Granted that was a bit annoying but she couldn't help but to breath, keep calm, sigh a couple times, and warmly repeat what she had said... a lot! Eventually her words did sink into his head and she could hear more of his excitement in his words. If she didn't know any better, she would have sworn he was some fangirl excited to have her greatest Celebrity crush visiting for a birthday party!

She had to think a little bit as it would be easier just to go to his place but then she realized, she really didn't know where he lived! His email address and phone number was on his card, but not his address. So, yes, she will have to allow him to pick her up at her place and then go to his place.
"Oui," she started. "You can pick me up, Daniel," she informed him. "Oui. Of course. That sounds delightful! Tomorrow night... at seven?" Unless he wanted to spend more time with her at least, but seven sounded like a proper time really.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


The following evening...
Nearly 7pm and she was making the final adjustments to herself and last preparations to other matters.
Dressed in a very fashionable gray ensamble - a light silvery gray thin tank top and charcoal gray mini-skirt, an off black/gray tweed-like cardigan with very long sleeves that was tight along the forearms and over her wrists partially covering her hands, but very loose and bellowing from the elbows to her shoulders and very loose around the torso just slightly past the hips with a cascading cowl and draping down the front of perfectly placed slight ruffles, her legs in medium gray tights with gray and black Oxford Mary Janes with a 2 inch stiletto like heel. Her long brunette hair was left cascading down in soft curls and her make up was light only enhancing her natural beauty.
Perhaps it was a bit much for just a little date. But it was a date! This man was interesting and she couldn't help but to need her curiosity satisfied. She was drawn to him, plain and simple! And she had gone through great lengths to just have this little visit with him tonight. Many had tried to grab her attention in an effort to use her as a medium to advance their careers. But... he didn't. He simply mentioned what he did but didn't sound like he wanted to do more to advance his career for his career was in Architecture, was't it? Or was she playing right into a wonderfully planned ploy?
She will see soon enough.

And so, she left her condo and made her way to the lobby to see if some vehicle was here to pick her up. She didn't know what to expect from Danny and that was one of the attractions about him... he was mysterious! Charming, strange, mysterious, sweet, intelligent, talented, not to mention handsome. Perhaps... just perhaps... she had finally found a worthy man!

[ERIK DANIEL LENOIR]

Danny could hardly sleep the night before his big date. Oh certainly Danny had had many dates with many girls. But this one...she was especially wonderful. And so far she still liked him. After a lovely first date and an almost disastrous second meeting, she still liked him enough for a third date.

Anyone observing him might have thought him a teen looking forward to a date with his girlfriend. Being without the meds for a long time made Danny a bit strange, to say the least. Who knew what might happen? Any one of a number of strange things...

Before he went to bed that night, he rented a car for a few days. Living in New York City, he had no need to own a car, but on occasion he would rent one if he needed to leave the city for any reason and on this occasion, it seemed right to pick up Marguerite in a car rather than walk to his condo from hers. There was a place not far from his condo at which he could rent quite expensive cars. He liked to drive those, but felt owning one in New York City would not be worth it, for the traffic was so bad, and he could take a cab or walk much easier.

Finally he fell asleep. The following morning, he arose early and picked up his rental. It was a red Lamborghini that he had especially requested. Perhaps after dinner, Marguerite would let him take her out on the highway and he would use it to its full sports potential...those cars were made for speed! He smiled at the thought of it as he got behind the wheel of the sports car. He had a reserved parking space at the condo underground garage even though he didn't own a car, it was always there for him.

He parked the car and got ready. Bunny had done a marvelous job of cleaning. She had rolled her eyes and thrown up her hands, but gave him a motherly kiss on his left cheek and dug right into the mess. He paid her extra for things like this.

Danny didn't know if it were overkill, but he dressed in a three piece suit, black with a red waistcoat and tie to match the car. He looked rather natty, he thought. After all, he wanted to look nice. She was someone famous. He hoped Marguerite would like the car. He sat for hours before the time he had to leave, rehearsing things he would say to her. He checked the music room and the art room to make sure everything was perfectly in order for her visit. He checked his watch nervously every few minutes. Finally it was time to leave.

Bunny had arrived a few hours ago and was finishing up the meal she was preparing for Danny and his guest. She would stay to serve it and then leave.

Finally it was time to go. Danny checked a dozen times to make sure he had the car keys in his pocket. Then he told Bunny he was leaving and went down to underground parking and sat in the car. It was a convertible and he knew that if he wanted to own a car, this would be it. He smiled as he turned on the motor and left the garage. He put on his sunglasses and black fedora and started on his way to Marguerite's home. He found parking right in front of the condo building and he turned off the car and went up the steps, entering the lobby. There she was, looking beautiful! He took off his hat and went over to her. "Bon jour, Marguerite. C'est si bon de te voir. Tu es magnifique!" which of course meant Hello, Marguerite. It is good to see you. You look beautiful! Even his British accented French words could not take away from the fact that the greeting sounded so much lovelier and romantic in French than it did in English. He kissed her hand...

[MARGUERITE SAINT-JUST]

It was almost on queue that a vehicle pulled up not long after she entered the Lobby. She was talking to the Security at the desk when the red sports car grabbed her attention and she raised a brow. Who on earth was this arrogant person? A car such as that? In a big city? No doubt someone wanting to impress.
She did a double take when to her surprise the person that exited the red Lamborghini was Danny! This stunned her so much that her mouth dropped open. Well, she was correct that someone was trying to impress someone. But it wasn't working for her. She wasn't the sort of gal to fancy sports cars in the slightest. Well, not that sort of sports car at least.

Still with mouth open as he entered the lobby and swiftly had to shut it to present a smile and seem touched by his appearance. This man was interesting, that's for sure. Ups and downs already that she was wondering was she making good decisions?
Then he spoke French! Her face lit up! The car was a strike against him, did not impress her at all, but his French impressed her enough that it took half of that strike away from him. "Merci beaucoup, Daniel! Je suis touché que vous me saluer en français et je salue votre louange." *
She grinned in delight as he kissed her hand then she squeezed his hand gently to relay her appreciation. Plus she thought he was indeed handsome. Granted the sports car was a bit awkward, he made up with such a generic move with his charm. Time or this evening will tell if he's worth keeping as a friend or perhaps a deeper relationship.

She walked with him to the car, trying not to be annoyed with the choice, to go back to his place.



* Translation:
" Thank you so much, Daniel! I am touched that you greet me in french and I welcome your praise."

[ERIK DANIEL LENOIR]

Danny put his arm around Marguerite as they walked out the door of her building and to the car. If he would not have been on such a manic high, Danny would have noticed Marguerite's slight displeasure at the sight of the car. He put on his sunglasses again and his fedora. He opened the door for her and then sat in place behind the wheel of the sports car. "Would you like me to put the top up, Marguerite? I would not wish you to muss your hair."

"I hope you like this car as much as I do. Marguerite, I am virtually in love with it. I love everything about it, the lines, the engine, even the colour. Did you know that there is a V12 6.5 litre quad cam engine under that bonnet? And did you know it can go over three hundred and twenty two kilometres per hour? It's only two hundred miles per hour, but the kilometres make it sound better." He laughed merrily. He was having the time of his life. The perfect car and the perfect woman. Neither one was his...yet. And the car, that could always be his. Anytime. But Marguerite, well, he still was rather amazed that she liked him, considering other, much less beautiful and talented and ... likeable women had not cared a whit about him. In fact, some had downright despised him.

Danny took a slightly roundabout way to his building. He tried to use the less crowded streets. And it would give him a bit more time driving the car. Finally, they passed the main entrance and he pulled into the entrance to the underground parking. He parked the car in the space marked with his last name and pushed the button to make the top go up. He opened the door for Marguerite, clicked the key button to lock the doors and offered his arm to walk to the entrance to the building.

The entrance door had a key code which he entered and then they stood in the lower lobby. He pushed the call button for the lift and when it came, he pushed the button for the 25th storey. He took off his sunglasses and put them in his breast pocket. "I hope you like the dinner Bunny prepared for us. She'll serve us and then she can leave. She worked very hard at this meal. I know it will be quite splendid, as are all of her cooking feats."

They arrived at the 25th storey, the penthouse, where Danny's condominium occupied the entire storey. Danny unlocked the door to the condo and the lovely aroma of a fine meal could be perceived. Danny put his hat in the closet and said, "This is my humble home. I hope you like it."

The condominium was round, with wedges forming the rooms. A large living room made up the centre of the apartment. Large floor to ceiling windows were in most of the rooms and showed the fantastic New York skyline. The view was amazing and quite breathtaking. To the east of course the Atlantic spread out into the horizon, the Statue of Liberty welcoming all those who came to New York's harbour by ship. New York's newest and tallest building could be seen...1 World Trade Center, along with the famous Empire State Building and many others.

Danny's discrete breakfast nook had a lovely view, as did the larger dining room. Bunny was waiting for them, sitting at the table, hotpads in hand. The table was set and she stood to greet them as Danny entered with the lovely lady.

"Bunny, this is Madamoiselle Marguerite Saint-Just. She's a wonderful actress and a lovely person. Marguerite, this is Mrs. Bernice Jones, whom I call Bunny. She is my housekeeper and the finest cook in the western hemisphere." He grinned widely as Bunny smiled and held out her hand to Marguerite.

[MARGUERITE SAINT-JUST]

In the car, she glanced about and tried to be impressed but could not. Her behavior was so restrained and the smile almost strained but... she was an Actress and pushed herself to be rather interested in what Danny liked.
"Oui, Merci, Danny," it would be a good idea to not mess up her hair, which took a while to perfect.
Again, she did her best to be impressed with his knowledge and adoration of the car. But more and more, as they spent time in the car, she was seeing this as a bad idea. Definitely strike one against Danny. Pity. Thus far, despite his minor oddities, he seemed like a rather nice fellow.

Finally! she thought! So glad that he pulled into a parking garage. The sooner she got out of this obnoxious car, the better! She was not really a sport car sort of girl. Well, not any more. An Aston Martin might be the only sports car she could be impressed with.
Helped out of the car by Danny and ascended to his penthouse. "Bunny?" Turned her head to look at him with raised brows and bewilderment. Now she was curious, who was he talking about? Ahhh... meals. His housekeeper? An interesting nickname for a person. Again, she was curious.

Her senses were bombarded it seemed all at once when she entered his penthouse with him. The smell of a wonderful dinner awaiting them, some light sounds? Music perhaps? But most importantly was what she saw... not only the splendor of his home but the view! One could see almost all of New York City from every angle! She couldn't help but to gasp breathlessly and stride towards those large windows to gaze out absolutely mesmerized. For a man to like horrible sports cars, the view from his home was just breathtaking! "Daniel!" she breathed his name with absolute fascination that she sounded sultry like Marilyn Monroe, all while her mismatched eyes were glued to the breathtaking panoramic scenery.

After a while, she turned and moved into the dining room with Danny. He introduced one another and naturally, Marguerite extended her hand to 'Bunny' with a smile, "Ahhh ... maintenant je reçois il..."* and snickered, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Madame Jones," with her French accent smoothing out the words and the Housekeeper's name sounding something exotic and erotic rather than common and simple. Another snicker and a grin as no doubt Danny was exaggerating about Bunny's abilities but she didn't doubt that this dark skinned woman would conjure up something so delicious for it enticed her sense of smell to make her mouth water!




*Translation:
Ahhh... now I get it..

[ERIK DANIEL LENOIR]

Marguerite was a bit restrained tonight as far as talking, but it was fine. Danny was rather happy with himself that he felt so good tonight and he expected they would have a grand time. Bunny was sure to come up with a scrumptious meal. Danny was also in a rather elated, manic mood.

However, as soon as they entered his apartment, Marguerite was rather entranced with the view. It was quite spectacular as he well knew. After Marguerite was introduced to Bunny, Danny invited Marguerite to have an aperitif before dinner and then to sit down at the table, which had hors d'oeuvres, fois gras and escargots. This was accompanied by a lobster bisque and baguettes. The main meal consisted of coq au viin and was accompanied by a white French wine. Dessert consisted of mousse and tarts. After the dessert was served a cheese plate and more bread and crackers. Coffee and cognac came last.

"I had hoped the French food would make you feel at home, Marguerite," Danny said. He may have overdone it, but he could always blame that on Bunny. During the dinner, Danny had arranged to have music playing in the background. It was his compositions of light classical style music.

Bunny had the knack of bringing out the food at just the correct time. Everything was perfect and as it should be. Danny never ate much of each course. There were always leftovers. Danny had told Bunny to take whatever leftovers she wanted home to her grandkids. They would indeed be introduced early to fancy cuisine.

"I would be glad to sing for you later and play more of my music, if you are in the mood for that. " Danny smiled at her with his prize winning smile, hoping she would say yes.

[MARGUERITE SAINT-JUST]

So far, the car made the least impression upon her. She was a grown woman now, sports cars did nothing for her in the slightest. Not any more. But once they reached his penthouse, she was surprised. He seemed well accomplished and successful, the view offered delighted her and to meet his housekeeper which she seemed quite nice.
Followed now by a wonderful dinner which she has to admit, Danny did very well with the choices of dishes! It could not be helped as a smile was nearly a constant upon her lips while she enjoyed dinner with Danny and some wine and conversation. She was liking him. He was a good man thus far.

"C'est magnifique, Danny," and if she could, she'd kiss him to let him know she was very touched by the thought. Not that it wasn't thought of before, but she did enjoy it when people went out of their way for her. It showed that they really understood her. "Merci." And gave him her most charming smile. "I especially enjoyed the Coq au Vin. I've not had a good Coq au Vin an a while. Again, Merci." And Danny just won some kudos from Marguerite.

All the while she did listen to the music and was enjoying the pieces but she didn't recognize them at all. Following dessert, as she took a bite of cheese then nodded to his offer to sing for her. Which she was looking forward to. "Of course," and smiled back at him.
"I like the music that is playing, Danny. But I don't recognize it. It's quite... soothing and inspiring."

[ERIK DANIEL LENOIR]

Danny enjoyed the dinner too, but the dinner company was much more exquisite. Marguerite seemed not so fond of the Lamborghini that he had rented for some odd reason. But she definitely had a change of mood when the French food was brought out. She seemed to think that he had gone to a lot of trouble just to please her. Yes, he had with the menu. However, Bunny was the one who actually made the meal and she had many fine suggestions about it also. All of that had helped to set a mood.

And speaking of setting a mood, Danny had put on some of his own compositions for background music. He was delighted when she noticed the music. The background music? No I am sure you would not readily recognize it. Although I've had the pieces copy written, and they have been played a bit on some of the classical stations, they haven't gotten a lot of air time." He smiled. "And yes, they're my pieces. I wrote them. "

He waited until they had finished the food and Bunny had put everything away and taken some leftovers with her. She had said how much she enjoyed meeting Marguerite, hugged Danny in a motherly fashion and took her leave for the night. Danny grinned after she left. "If you'd like to hear more of my music, I have my recording studio set up...I'll put something on and pipe it in and then you can come into the theatre room and hear me. "

Danny led her to a room which was actually a small theatre. There were no windows so that films could be shown without problems. There was also a small stage for live performances. He went to the room next door, set up the music and came back. He took out a microphone and once the music started, he started to sing in his sweet tenor voice. He sang several songs, one after the other. Most of them were popular songs, but there were some classical pieces included. They were the ones which really showed off his voice, which could go from the angelic tenor to a low and sombre, full sounding baritone.

"Would you care to dance, Marguerite?" he asked. The next songs in the queue were compositions especially written for dancing. He came off the stage and took her by the hand.