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with his performance. In reality, he had no
    reasons for concern; she was thriled and told him so.
    She also said she had someone she wanted him to
    meet.
    “Now Bily, I didn’t want to make you nervous,
    but I invited a very good friend of mine who just
    happens to be a talent scout for a Nashvile record
    label, and he wants to meet you.”
    “What? No way!” Bily couldn’t believe his ears.
    “Are you serious? Where is he?”
    “He’s sitting over in the corner at my table, and
    he’s waiting for you. Take a minute, calm down, and
    don’t be too anxious. He’s a great guy, and I think you
    two wil hit it off perfectly. I’l be over shortly.”
    Bily went to the men’s room, freshened up a bit,
    took a deep breath, and headed into the crowd. He
    was stopped at least ten times by wel wishers with
    words of encouragement. When he finaly made it to
    Jean’s table, he instantly recognized the guy Jean had
    been hugging at the door earlier.
    Ian stood and said, “You’re a pretty popular guy
    right about now.”
    “Oh, man, I can’t believe it,” Bily replied with a
    smile.
    Ian stuck out his hand and said, “Ian Dilon.”
    Bily returned the handshake and said, “Bily
    Eagan. Nice to meet you.” They looked into each
    other’s eyes, and al at once Bily saw nothing else. The
    place was empty except for Ian.
    Bily couldn’t let go of Ian’s hand, and Ian didn’t
    seem to want to let go either. For a brief moment, Bily
    felt like time stood stil. He couldn’t believe the warmth
    he felt simply by shaking this man’s hand, something he
    had never experienced with a simple handshake before.
    Suddenly Bily was aware of Jean speaking.
    “I see you two boys have met. Can I get you
    something to drink?”
    Ian said, “No, ma’am, thanks. I’ve already had
    two beers and I’m driving, so I’l pass.”
    Bily said, “Nothing for me, Jean, I’m stil high
    from the crowd.”
    “Then I’l let you chat and I’l see you in a little
    while.”
    “I’l walk you back to the bar. Wil you please
    excuse me for a minute, Ian?” Bily asked as he took
    Jean’s hand.
    Just as they were leaving, Ian kissed Jean’s cheek
    and said, “I’l see you in a bit.”
    As Bily walked Jean back to the bar, he was
    grinning from ear to ear.
    “What’s with this guy? I shook his hand and al of
    a sudden I’m seeing stars.”
    “Honey, he’s the one seeing a star, and you’re it!”
    Jean said.
    “Is he realy a talent scout? How did you meet
    him? What label is he with? Does he like boys?”
    Jean laughed and said, “Yes, he likes boys, but
    the rest of your questions wil have to wait; you better
    get back over there and charm him before someone
    else moves in on him.”
    “I’m on my way, but I want answers to my
    questions and soon!” Bily said as he headed back to
    the table.
    Ian watched Bily walk away with Jean and
    couldn’t believe what had just happened. The guy
    seemed to be as genuine as he was good-looking and
    talented, and that was a hard combination to find. He
    took another glance in Bily’s direction. He couldn’t
    remember the last time he’d had this type of reaction to
    anyone and was stunned by his admission. Stop it , he
    told himself. This is a business meeting . Jean hadn’t
    realy told him anything about Bily except how talented
    she thought he was. Could he be gay? Surely not, but
    then he remembered Jean saying that she thought the
    two of them would hit it off nicely. What did she mean
    by that? Ian told himself it didn’t matter. He was long
    past the point of ever thinking he could be happy in a
    relationship. His time for that had passed, and he was
    happy being alone.
    Just as Ian was contemplating how he should
    handle the situation, Bily walked back and took a seat.
    “Sorry about that. I’ve only known Jean for a short
    while, but I feel so damn protective of her, I hate to see
    her walk across the bar unescorted.”
    “Chivalry is not dead,” Ian said with a