Susan Alegrato was enchanting. She played for over an hour to a captive audience. She was a very attractive redhead in her early forties. Her litheness was hidden behind the massive instrument that she played with such ease. When she stood to take a bow her toned athletic body was very visible in the form fitting dress. Throughout the evening she kept looking towards Bette’s table. Every now and then she caught her eye and smiled. When she finished her set she put the cello on the stand and left the stage as the lights came. Marina greeted the musician as she alighted the last step.

“Susan you were absolutely amazing.”

“Thank you Marina and thank you for having me. I love playing these intimate venues.”

“Well everyone loved it. Will you stay for a few minutes to sign autographs?”

“Of course but first you must tell me. Who is that beautiful woman sitting at the VIP table. I thought she must be a celebrity with all the attention she was getting earlier.”

“That’s Bette Porter. She is renowned in the art world but I don’t think it’s her celebrity that is attracting all those women. I heard someone say that she’d been ‘meat-tagged’”

“Well I can see why. Maybe I should put in my request before she fills up her dance card.”

“I’m happy to introduce you but you probably want to wait for about six months before you ask her out.”

“Really is that how long the waiting list is to get a date with her?”

“No she’s not dating. She’s adopting a newborn. I think he’s going to have all her attention for the next few months.”

“Well I can’t compete with that. Still I’d like to meet her.”

***

Marina and Susan walk over to Bette’s table and they are introduced. Susan politely acknowledges Tina, Leigh, Valerie, Alice and Dana as Bette introduces her friends. They all tell Susan how much they enjoyed her music.

“Bette I couldn’t help noticing all the attention you were getting earlier from all the single and maybe not so single women in here. I was afraid I would have to compete with you for their attention when I got on stage.”

“Susan you flatter me. You had everyone in the audience mesmerized myself included.”