A Wonderful Time

     Mr. D'Antoni went out on the balcony with his champagne.

     "Frederico!" he heard a voice. Anita Caldwell was waiting for him. "It's so nice to see you," she said. "What a wonderful season we are having this year!" 

     This year, Mr. D'Antoni was on the board of the Opera, and his taking the board had just so happened to coincide with a wonderful season, so perhaps their praise was unfounded, but, nonetheless, Fred was happy to take the praise. It was so nice to be wanted. Of course, for fifty thousand dollars, he supposed it was only fair.

     "It is, isn't it?"
     "Won't you join us at the vineyard this weekend?"
     "I suppose I could, Anita! I'll be in Napa starting tomorrow."
     "Oh, give me a ring, please, please, and don't be afraid to bring a guest!"
     "Guest? Who ever would I bring?"

     She smiled.
     Just then, the house lights flickered. Intermission was over.

     Mr. D'Antoni put his glass on the tray of a waiter and threw out his arm to escort Anita back to her seat.

     She smiled and squeezed his arm tightly.

     "Would you rather join me in the box?" he said.

     "That would be wonderful!" she said.

     And they walked down the short flight of stairs to the secured landing that lead to the board's box.

     Why, Anita Caldwell wouldn't be a bad friend to have, he thought to himself. Had to be practically a billionaire, and, wouldn't you know it, not a single soul in the world to share it all with now that her late husband had passed.

     He felt a burst of excitement looking at everyone introducing themselves and finding their seat. It really, felt, for it really was, that the height of San Francisco high society were gathering, and he was firmly among them!

     Oh, if this night could never end!