A Job in the Theatre Chapter 13

Thirty minutes later the curtain went up. Paula was beguiling as ever. Gary was like a deer in headlights.


"Did you notice anything strange about Gary this evening?" Sarah asked later that evening sipping her wine on the couch across from Paula.

"Well, he did seem a little preoccupied" Paula said with a straight face. It was one of Gary's worse performances and everyone knew it. They just didn't know why. Of course Paula did but was not about to admit it. "I'm sure it's nothing. Everyone has an off night" Paula said smiling into her wine glass.

The phone rang and Paula answered it. Of course it was Ted.

"Great show tonight" he said, "although Gary seemed a little lost."

"Yes, we were just talking about that. Poor guy had an off night. And how are you doing Mister?"

"Well to tell the truth I have a slight problem. But I think you can help me with it."

"Oh really? That sounds interesting."

"I have a guy in town and we just finished up a deal we have been working on all week. Now it is time to celebrate. And I was thinking to myself, who could help us celebrate better than Sarah and Paula."

"Mm...is that right?"

"To tell the truth I have been bragging about you and now he is dying to meet you."

"Is he now?" Paula said. This was it. Sarah said it would be coming.

"I have known him for years. But here's the problem. He is very quiet. Hardly says a word. You are just who I need to entertain him."

"Entertain him? Tell me...how much entertainment are we talking about? I don't want the poor thing to be too exhausted if you know what I mean. For instance...I don't want to take him to the academy awards if all I am allowed is a movie and popcorn."

Ted laughed into the phone. It was never a dull moment with Paula. "You may take him to the academy awards...if you so desire. I'm sure he would love that. But save the Oscar for me."