Welcome to Gaia! ::

*Maureen smiles kindly* "I'm glad you're having a wonderful time."

*she turns back to Bard* "K, dear. I've got a Christmas present for you. It's upstairs, and I'll be happy to run and get it, but I don't think it's a good--"

*Bard presses the elevator button*

Mo, I told you you didn't have to do anything like that! *he smiles* I'm sure I'll love it.

Maggie, did I ever tell you about how I met Mo?

*The elevator door slides open with a ding. Bard leads Maggie into the elevator, and presses the button for the 70th floor. Maureen follows looking a little nervous. The door to the elevator slides shut, and the elevator begins to rise with a soft jolt*

It was actually at an NCF fundraiser. There was a silent auction, and we kept trying to outbid each other on a rare book lot. Every time I bid, she'd come by and add 20% to it. Absolutely infuriating.

*Maureen smiles in spite of herself*

I was with Harvey Steinberg at the time, and still something of a fledgling writer. So finally, at a sum that cost more than that coat you're wearing, I jotted down my final bid and a note that said, "If you can do this for my novels, I think I've found a new agent."

Two months later, I was signing contracts for twice what Harvey was getting me. I like to think I lost a few books, but gained an agent.

*Maureen interjects* "K, I know you had your heart set on this party, but it's not--"

*Bard laughs* Even if it's a bad party, I want to show Maggie what it's like. How often do I get to do that? She's come quite a ways. I'd hate to disappoint her.

*The elevator stops at the 70th floor, opening out into the circular restaurant at the top of Lakepoint Tower. Bard steps out of the elevator. Well-dressed socialites mingle in small groups. A four piece band plays a soft jazzy version of "What Child is This?" Nearby is an enormous table laden with silver trays of hors d'oevres and an ice sculpture of a swan taking flight. Bard wanders over to it and selects a small quiche from a heated tray. He pops it into his mouth*

Maggie, you ought to try this *he lifts a tiny spoon from a dish* I bet you've never had caviar before.

It's um... *he ponders. He scoops some onto a cracker* It's tasty. Try it.

*he holds the cracker out for her*

It's a delicacy here. *Bard scoops a bit on a cracker for himself and nibbles at it* Just don't ask what it is.

*Maureen looks around cautiously* "K, there's something you really need to know--"

*Bard's eyes light up* The view!

*he grasps Maggie by the hand and draws her over to the huge glass window of the circular restaurant. The skyline of Chicago stretches before them. The lake front on oneside and downtown on the other. *

This is my world. What do you think?

*Bard presses his hand up against the glass looking out for a long pensive moment at the glittering city lights, and those far below tracing the paths of automobiles along Lake Shore Drive*

*almost under hist breath* I must admit... for all its problems.... there are some moments when my time is exquisitely beautiful...

*he turns toward Maggie looking deep into her eyes, a curious expression on his face*

I'm so glad I could share this view with you, Maggie....

Maggie, I...

*Bard cups Maggie's face in his hand, he leans down drawing near her...*