Kat was walking across the theater lobby with Magdalene after seeing the Shakespearean play, As You Like It. They were talking animatedly about the stellar performance they had both enjoyed when she asked her friend to wait while she stopped at the front counter to get a souvenir program. After picking it up, Kat accidentally bumped into the back of a man in the queue. She was getting ready to apologize when he turned to look at her. The surprised girl recognized him immediately.
"Oh, my god!"
"No, but you're close."
Kat let out an embarrassed giggle as she awkwardly tried to find an appropriate greeting for this man she had met only once.
"Michael, uhh, yes,... Michael. We met on the plane a while back."
"Yes, I recall it well. How are you, little girl?"
It was the same term of endearment he had used during their introduction a year before. The words hit a soft spot in her heart, and as she looked into the deep blue eyes of this captivating older man, Kat was again awestruck, and it showed.
"I'm... I'm doing well, sir. Did you see the play?"
"Yes, I did. I thought it was fantastic! I especially enjoyed the actors who... " his reply was cut short when the well-dressed younger woman beside him interrupted him by pulling his left arm to grab his attention. They became engrossed in a conversation of some import. Kat felt out of place, so she slinked away to return to her friend. A minute later, he chased her down, calling out to her.
"Young lady! Young lady! I apologize for the interruption. You know, I'm sorry, but I don't know your name."
"Kat."
"Ahh, okay, Kat." He slipped an object into her hand while speaking close to her ear in a voice slightly above a whisper: "Tomorrow night, 8 o'clock. Wear black."
He walked away before the stunned girl could reply. She stood still for a moment, alone in a crowd, staring at the room key in her hand, which had a wooden tag attached that read: Ritz Carleton Hotel, Room 204.
===========
For the next 24 hours, Kat thought about nothing but Michael. Fortunately, she was staying with Magdalene at her flat in London for a few days. They had been close friends since childhood, so Kat knew she could confide in her. Magdalene was the only person she had told about the flight from Rome and the incredible interlude between her and Michael. It had a faraway dreamlike quality in her memory, and this random meeting at the theater brought up hopes of an even better encore. But still, doubts were creeping into her calculations, so she turned to her friend to help diminish them.
"Magda, what should I do? Tell me, truthfully: Am I crazy to go forward with this?"
"Do you want to go?"
"Yes."
"Then go, silly girl!"
"Okay, but I am very scared. I know he won't hurt me, but I just feel overwhelmed. He gives off very powerful vibes, that... that, I don't know how to put it. It's like he takes over my soul."
"Kitty, most women would die for such an experience. Go! I think you will regret it for the rest of your life if you let this chance go by. I can see how pumped up you are over this guy. Ride the wave. Go!"
"He told me to wear black."
"Do you have anything with you?"
"Just underwear and heels."
"Let's go shopping."
The two girls walked to a high-end thrift store only a few blocks away. Kat found a black top and skirt, plus a bright red leather belt that she thought would provide a stimulating contrast. She tried the items on in the dressing room. The top was tight, perhaps a size too small, but looking in the mirror, the well-built woman was pleased as it definitely showed off her assets. On the walk back to Magdalene's flat, the two friends stopped in a department store where Kat picked up a pair of black nylons.
Back at the apartment, Kat put the outfit together, modeling it for Magdalene in the living room.
"How do I look?"
"Gourmet edible."