"So howās Mike working out?" I asked Hugo as I ordered a cup of coffee. I was just on my way to a second interview with TIGre Designs, and desperately needed a pick-me-up.

He glanced over at Mike, who was bussing a table and simultaneously flirting with the woman sitting there. Hugo raised his eyebrows.

"You know, he ain't the best waiter in the world, but the customers like him. We've got a regular order going to the secretaries at the office building down the street now. He has to deliver, though."

I took a huge gulp of coffee and scalded my mouth. When I could talk again, I said, "He's a charmer all right. As long as heās clean."

"Yeah. I sure as hell donāt want any unwanted visitors here at the shop."

Mike waved over to us. "Hey, Hugo. I gotta go. I'll be back in a couple of hours."

"That's fine. Break a leg, er, DON'T break a leg! Good luck." I watched Mike leave.

"Where's he going?" I asked.

"Audition." Oh, yeah, I completely forgot! He was auditioning for a new company.

I can't figure Mike out. I have decided that he's not a bad guy. I mean, he's not malicious; but he's way screwed up. He's a womanizer, an alcoholic; he's a drug addict in trouble with his dealer. He's selfish and conceited.

Yet, there's something really vulnerable about him. Like a lost little boy yearning for some kind of love. I imagined how he might have been hurt or betrayed.....

And then there was Jane.

Damn.

*****"Hello," I said when I answered the phone. Mike was in his bedroom.

"I've been waiting for your call, Fran."

"Why, Jane? There's no reason for me to call you." I said through clenched jaw.

Mike called out from the hallway. "Is that for me?"

"Come on," Jane breathed into the phone. It was so nice to spend time with you. I'd forgotten how wonderful you are."

By now, Mike had made it into the living room -- I had no more time.

"Uh, hold on," I stammered, acting stupid. "Mike's out of the bathroom. Here he is..." I said and thrust the phone into his hand and mouthed "Lucretia Borgia."

He gave me a cocky grin and talked into the phone. "Hi, Jane. How are ya', baby? Am I gonna see you later?"

I wanted to shout, "NO, YOU ASSHOLE! DON'T SEE HER LATER. SHE'S GONNA EAT YOU UP AND HAVE YOU FOR DINNER!"

But instead, I went out for a walk.