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you?”
         Skyler’s chin jutted a bit unpleasantly; and he gave his manager a look that could not have been mistaken for anything but a clear warning.  “Absolutely.  Make sure the lady is comfortable and taken care of, then.”
         “Of course.”  Roland agreed smoothly.
        The two watched Skyler walk away, and then Roland began yelling to crew members to get the chair.  Caitlin walked to the curtain and looked out at the auditorium as it filled with people.  Activity was picking up backstage, as well. 
         She stood there, out of the way until the chair was placed for her.  She felt ridiculous, sitting down in the center of the wings like some kind of princess.
     “May I get you something to drink?”  Roland asked politely.
         “No.  No, thank you.  I’m fine.”
        “It would be no trouble.  Please don’t allow Skyler to think I’ve not seen to your needs.  He doesn’t perform well when he’s upset.”
         Caitlin smiled uncomfortably.  “Just some ice water, then.”  She agreed.
        Roland nodded and returned with a pitcher of ice water and a glass.  He smiled and put them beside her, on a standing tray.  “There you are.  You and Skyler went to dinner, did you?”  he asked curiously.  His interest didn’t sound as benign as he hoped, to Caitlin.
         “Yes.”  She admitted warily.
         “I hope that you had an enjoyable time.” He said lightly.
         “We did.  Thank you.” She answered shortly.
        Roland smiled, nodding and watching her intently.  Though he looked as though he’d like to say much more, he kept his lips tightly pressed together.
         Skyler reappeared and put a hand on her shoulder.  She looked up to find him dressed all in a white suit with a silver shirt.  He sat on the arm of her chair and peered out at the stage.  He seemed slightly distracted and displayed none of the lover-like tendencies that he’d showered on her when they’d been alone.
        Soon he was being introduced.  With a smile, he squeezed her hand, touched her cheek, and went out to join a roaring audience.  The sound was massive and overpowering, where Caitlin sat.  Rather like an ocean magnified to terrifying volume, or a thousand hungry lions!   She was shaking as he began to play.      
      Roland stood nearby throughout the performance.  He chatted with her nonchalantly at times.  As he was standing beside her, a woman came to Roland with a message. 
       “Connie called for Skyler, hoping to catch him before he went on.  It seems that Jamie is quite ill and they may have to take him to hospital.”
        “Well, it will have to wait now.”  Roland snapped.  “Thanks.”
       Caitlin wondered what it was all about, but Roland gave no explanation. Caitlin turned her attention back to the concert and found herself even more fascinated with Skyler’s talent than she had been on the previous occasion.  He was truly incredible.
         “He’s better tonight.”  Roland commented.  “He had jitters, opening night.”
        Caitlin shook her head.  “I can’t believe that he could be any better, but it’s true.” She agreed. 
        Roland nodded in satisfied agreement.  “I believe that he is going to be an absolute sensation before it’s over.”
         Caitlin got very involved with the music.  Once, Skyler looked up and gave her an intimate stare.  She smiled at him and he grinned at her.  Then he turned his attention back to his work.
        Just as he had on the previous occasion when Caitlin had seen him, Skyler was soaking wet with sweat and breathing hard when he came backstage.  The crowd was nearly rioting behind him.  He took the hand towel that Roland handed him and mopped his face and neck. 
         “I’m going to have to have a fresh shirt now.  I am not doing another encore without it.”  He insisted.  He was unbuttoning his