Opportunity KnocksBy Luckymama

Uno

The club went dark one more time as the last, youngest comedian finally took the stage, just after midnight. He was tall for his age, his build that of an occasional football player and dancer, with skin a light bronze hue which spoke of his mixed heritage. His perfectly-groomed hair was full and dark, and he ran his right hand over the back of it as he grabbed the mic with his left. Huge black eyes scanned the packed house, shining in the spotlight with a mixture of nerves and anticipation. Above the upper of his femininely full lips there was the hint of a mustache that curved as his smile lit up the room. "Good evening everyone! Loooking Gooood!," he began his routine in a markedly Hispanic accent, as he had done on dozens of nights before. After a ten minute set of several old jokes and a few new ones--his laughter at his own cleverness infectious--he left the stage to the applause of the patrons of the comedy club. It had been a good night--he felt it in his gut and smiled with self-satisfaction.

As he made his way back to the tiny dressing room he shared with a handful of would-be comedians, his friend Nat called to him from the darkness. "Fred, my man, shes here again tonight."

"Really? You arent putting me on?" Freddie looked at his friend as he went past him into the dressing room, wondering if Nat was pulling his leg as he so often did.

"For real, man. Would I lie to you? You need to go out and see what she wants. She has been here every night for the past month. She always arrives just before midnight, then gets up and leaves as soon as you have done your set--so I know she is coming here to see you in action. I bet she has it bad for you! She is a fine fox." Nat winked and gave a low wolf whistle.

Freddie shook his head at Nat. "Is all you think about?"

"Like you dont? Are you forgetting who you are talking to? Man, I have seen your moves too many times-I know what is on your mind. I can read you like a book, my man."

"Whatever you say." Freddie thought for a minute and then added, "I would like to know why she is here every night, though. I wonder if she has left yet?"

"Well you arent going to find out hanging around back here." Nat gave Freddie a push toward the door. "Go on and see what she wants."

"Ok, ok, no need to be pushy!" Freddie gave his friend a friendly punch in the arm and headed back into the club. Looking through the curtain that separated the backstage hallway from the club, he peered through the still-glaring spotlights to see if she was sitting in her usual seat, a table near the back of the room. Yes, Im in luckat least maybe, he thought.

Freddie screwed up his courage and strutted with mock confidence out toward her table. Even though he was outgoing when onstage, meeting a new person--especially a girl--wasnt as easy for him as he let on to others. He thought of a thousand opening lines as he strode in her direction, but by the time he got to the table, all he could say was, "Hi."

The woman looked slowly up at him. She was an average sort, with medium length straight honey blond hair parted neatly in the middle. Her complexion was fair with her facial features in proportion to the rest of her face. Except for her eyes, Freddie noted with the first glimmer of interest. They were enormous, brown like his, and with a lot of expression in them. Right now they looked somewhat puzzled and even a bit embarrassed at his stare. "Hello yourself."

Freddie stuck his hand out to her. "My name is Freddie Pruetzel."

"I know, I have heard you introduced on stage." She wasnt making this easy for him.

"Oh, yeah...um, right," Freddie stuttered with an embarrassed laugh. "I guess you are wondering why I came to your table."

"Not really," she answered with a voice obviously struggling to sound nonchalant. "I suppose you have seen me here before."

"Well yes, I have been wondering about you. I see you here every night, coming in around midnight and leaving after my set. Why?"

It looked to Freddie as if her confidence was starting to fade. Fumbling for the right words, she finally said, "You have a lot of talent. You make me laugh and forget my problems."

Freddie felt comfortable enough now to sit down across from her at the small table. "What problems could a pretty lady like you have?" Charm had always been his crutch in awkward situations, and he fell naturally into it now.

"Well before you analyze me, dont you think I should introduce myself?"

Freddie nervously laughed again. "She sure has a way of disarming me," he thought to himself. "Uh, sure, that would be good."

"My name is Anna dAngelo, and I am looking for my place in this world."

Freddie extended his hand to her once again. "Nice to meet you, Anna. And arent we all."

"This is very true, but I have a problem. I guess listening to you joke every night about the tough times in your life makes me think there might be a solution to my situation."

"I am glad I am able to make you laugh, but you arent making much sense." To fill the awkward silence that followed as his new friend seemed to be searching for words once again, Freddie glanced at the clock over the bar. "Oh, shit. I have to go. I didnt realize it was this late. I have school in the morning. My teachers are always getting on my case for being late, and I have a long way to go to get home."

When he turned back to Anna, Freddie saw she was looking at him intensely. Finally finding her voice, she asked, "Where do you live?"

"Washington Heights.... remember? The slums with trees," he replied with a chuckle, recalling one of his longest-standing jokes.

Anna laughed. "Thats right."

Freddie smiled at her. "Where do you live?"

"Actually right around the corner from here." Anna got up and gathered her purse and jacket. Freddie could see he had at least 9 inches on her as far as height. That was fine by him. He liked his women a bit on the short side-he especially loved the way they would lay their heads on his chest while slow dancing. Anna looked to be about the right height for that.

"Can I walk you home before I have to go?" The thought of dancing with her made Freddie realize he was hoping to get to know this lady better. Something about her made him think she might be too old for him--but many of the women he dated were a bit older. He liked them that way, too. Continuing to make his pitch, he admitted a bit shyly, "I would like to get to know you a bit more. I have a zillion questions to ask you."

Anna smiled just as shyly. "Sure. I would like to get to know you too."

"Alriiiiiight," Freddie exclaimed to himself. Outwardly, he just gave Anna one of his sexiest smiles and extended his arm to her.

Anna paid her check and the two exited the small club. "Which direction?" Freddie asked her.

Anna pointed. "This way." The two headed up the block, talking as they walked.

"So," Freddie ventured, "will you please satisfy my burning curiosity and tell me why you have been coming to catch my act? I know you said I make you laugh, but you must know all of my jokes by now. Yet you still come back. Why?" He was walking backwards in front of Anna, almost pleading with her.

"Well, I do have another reason. I have been trying to get up the courage to introduce myself and ask YOU a question."

Freddie smiled. "Well the first part is over. Whaddaya wanna know?"

"Do you have someone managing your career yet?" Anna blurted.

Freddie stopped dead in his tracks. She certainly didnt look like an agent. Maybe she knew one. He had been hoping an agent would come into the club and discover him for months now. "No, as a matter of fact, no one has asked me before this."

She looked at him incredulously. "I find that hard to believe, with all of your talent." Freddie looked down in embarrassment for a moment and she continued, "I would like the opportunity to manage your career, if you will have me."

"Youre an agent?" Freddie asked, trying not to act surprised but failing.

Now it was Annas turn to look down in embarrassment. After a long pause they resumed their walk, side by side once again as she continued, "I know it is hard to believe. That is the trouble I was alluding to in the clubI am not given much of a chance, since I am a woman. People in this business tend not to take me very seriously. You would be taking a big risk with me, but I know with your talent, I could get you better gigs and your face more recognition. What do you say?" They had stopped by the front steps of a brownstone building.

"Well I would have to give it some thought, but the offer does intrigue me," Freddie answered as he looked up at the building. "This your place?"

"Such as it is."

Freddie looked around at the street sign. "This isnt far from my school," he remarked.

Anna looked at him. "Where do you go to school?"

"The school for the performing arts."

"I should have known," Anna smiled. "You have the talent to be accepted there."

Freddie looked at his watch, mostly to cover the blush he could feel rising in his face. "Well, if I dont get home so I can get back here in time tomorrow, I wont be enrolled there much longer."

As if the discussion of her becoming Freddies agent were not enough, now Anna really surprised him. "It would be real convenient for you, if you stayed in my spare bedroom. You would be so close to school and the club."

"Are you asking me to stay with you?" asked Freddie.

"If you like. It would sure make it easier for me to contact you if I get gigs lined up." Anna looked up at him with eyes pleading even as she giggled at her own small joke.

"Well I havent said yes to your being my agent yet."

Anna answered calmly, "But I have a feeling you will."

Freddie shrugged his shoulders, "I might. But since it is late, maybe I will take you up on your offer of the room for tonight at least. Can I call my ma and let her know, so she doesnt worry about me?"

"Sure." Anna suddenly remembered something. "By the way, how old are you?"

"Seventeen.... but I will be eighteen at the end of this school year. Why?"

Anna smiled, "Just wanted to know before I took it into my head to seduce you." She winked at him when he looked at her in shock. "Im joking. It is just that I have seen how you operate with the ladies. I have observed quite a bit about you over the past month, not just your talent." She giggled again.

Freddie chuckled in reply and shook his head at her. "I see Im not the only one with a sense of humor."

"Nope." Anna made her way up the steps to her second floor apartment. After fumbling with her keys, she opened the door and pointed to the right. "The phone is on the wall in the kitchen. Help yourself. When you are done, Ill show you to your room."

Freddie nodded and made his way over to the telephone. Dialing the number of his familys apartment, he got his mother on the line. She wasnt too happy about Freddie not coming home, but he managed to sweet talk her into seeing it his way. When he hung up he went in search of Anna. She was waiting for him in the living room.

"This isnt a big place, but it is adequate for me," she told him as she showed him around. She led him down the hall and opened a door. "This is the spare room. You can sleep here. The bathroom is across the hall, there." She pointed and went on, "I put out an extra toothbrush on the sink, and feel free to use any of the soap and shampoo." Turning back to the bedroom, she said, "Help yourself to any of the clothes in the closet and drawers. They were my brothers, and you look to be about his height and build." With a smile, Anna concluded, "I hope you find the bed comfortable."

"I am sure it will be fine." Freddie smiled back at her. She turned and headed toward a door at the far end of the hall. "What time do you need to get up?"

Freddie thought a moment. "I should be up around 6 if I am going to be ready for my eight o clock class."

"OK, Ill give you a six oclock wake up call." She turned and opened the door to her room. "By the way, I will lock my door at night, just in case you get any ideas." She giggled one more time and wished him a good night before closing her door.

"Wow," thought Freddie to himself. "She sure is hard to figurequite awhats the word? Oh yeah, quite an enigma." He was chuckling again as he started getting ready for bed, yet by the time he closed his eyes he felt apprehensive, wondering where all of this could lead him.

The next morning Freddie awoke to soft knocking. Forgetting where he was for the moment, he looked around in puzzlement at his surroundings. Finally, as his head cleared and he became more awake, he remembered the events of last night. "Freddie, its six," he heard a female voice call to him softly from the other side of the door.

"Thanks. Im up," he called back to Anna. He heard her footsteps retreat back down the hall and heard a door close. Swinging his feet over the side of the bed, he sat up, yawning. The bed had been comfortable and he wished he could spend a few more hours in it. Turning on the light on the stand next to the bed, he stood and stretched his full length of six feet two inches. Then he grabbed the towel and face cloth that was placed over the back of a desk chair and headed toward the bathroom.

When Freddie was finished showering and dressed in clothes he found in the room, he came out to the kitchen to find Anna fixing breakfast. Smelling coffee, he grabbed a cup from the counter and squeezed past her over to the pot to pour himself a cup. "Good morning," he said to the top of her head.

"Good morning, yourself. How did you sleep?" she asked him as she turned and looked at his attire with a critical eye.

"Like a baby. The bed is very comfortable." Freddie saw she was looking at the clothes he had chosen out of the closet. "Your brother and I must wear the same size. These fit like a glove. I hope he wont mind me borrowing them."

Anna looked quickly away to the eggs frying in the pan on the stove, but not before Freddie saw the sadness that fell over her face. "He wont mind. He was killed six months ago," she explained him in barely a whisper.

"Oh, mami, I am sorry. I didnt know." Freddie looked down at her, shifting his feet awkwardly.

Anna braved a small smile as she turned back to face him. She took the frying pan and spooned the eggs out on to two waiting plates on the table. "Its ok. How could you know? He used to share this apartment with me. Its been very lonely here since.... well..." her voice trailed off as she invited Freddie to sit down with a wave of her hand. They both sat in silence as they began to eat. After a few minutes, she said, "You remind me of him, you know?"

Freddie looked at her puzzled. Seeing his expression, she went on to explain. "It isnt your looks so much as your sense of humor. You see, Arthur, my brother, was a comedian too."

Freddie thought for a moment. He remembered something in the papers about six months ago regarding a comedian by the name of Artie Harris being murdered. He knew Artie from the clubs--never personally, but Artie was becoming a legend in the clubs for being a white comic doing ethnic humor. In fact, some of Freddies newer material was patterned after Arties style. "Youre Artie Harris sister?"

Anna smiled. "Yes, Artie Harris was my brother. The best brother a sister could ever have. He was the one who encouraged me to go into the talent agency business. He wanted me to manage his career. He... " She choked up and Freddie went over to her, knelt down, and put his arm around her. She accepted it, but only for a moment before shaking him off. "Im sorry for that. I should be over this by now."

"Only if you have ice water flowing in those veins of yours. Its ok to still be grieving, you know."

"Well my tears arent going to bring him back. I only hope I can honor his memory by helping other young comedians get the break that was snatched from him." Anna got up, got a tissue and wiped her eyes. She started to clear the breakfast dishes. Freddie gulped down one last bite in a rush to help her.

"Is that why you wanted to manage me?" He asked as he stacked the plates in the sink.

"Partly, if you will have me."

Freddie smiled. Now he knew he wanted her to be his agent. "You got it. Just draw up the contract and I will sign it."

"Great," Anna answered as she filled the sink with water and a squirt of dish soap. She glanced at the clock over the stove. "You had better get going, young man, or you will be late for school. That would defeat the whole purpose of you staying here last night." She hesitated and then added, "You know you are welcome to that room on a permanent basis if you like."

"It is a tempting offer, if I decide to finish school. Right now I am thinking of ditching it and going into show business full time. What do you think, manager?"

"I think you should stay in school and finish. You are almost done, and that diploma will take you further in this life than if you dont have it. That is my expert advice as your manager." She rolled up the dish towel she had draped over her left shoulder and snapped it at his bottom. Freddie thought how good it was to see her smile again, and returned a grin as she admonished, "Now scoot! Let me know after school what you decide about the room. Ill have the contract drawn up by then so you and your parents can look it over."

"Sounds good," Freddie said as he headed for the door. "Have a good day, Anna, and thanks for last night." He saw her turn back to the sink, chuckle and shake her head as he closed the door, so he knew she had understood the innuendo in his remark. More than understanding his humor, he thought, she was the one person who seemed to really understand what drove him. This might turn out to be a great relationship, he said to himself, as he walked outside and started the four blocks to his school.

Bounding up the stairs to the second floor two at a time, Freddie ran into Nat at the top. He slapped his friend on the back and the two of them headed for their first class of the day.

"You are sure smokin this morning, bro," Nat said to Freddie with a wink "What did you do last night after you left the club, as if I didnt know?"

"Hey man, it wasnt like that at all! Anna is a really nice lady. Didja know that her brother was Artie Harris?" asked Freddie.

"No jive?" Nat exclaimed. "Wow, that musta been tough on her. He was a cool dude. Shame how he was wasted. He had it goin on."

Freddie looked contemplative. "I know. She wants to manage me and get me the breaks her brother was denied. That is why she has been coming to the club every night. She was getting up the nerve to ask me if I had an agent."

"So what did you tell her?"

Freddie shrugged, "What could I tell her? I know having a woman agent is a big risk, but hell, I believe in her. She told me I reminded her of her brother--his sense of humor, that is. Seems I am the same size he was too. These threads are his." Freddie pulled at the shirt he was wearing."

"Whered ya get his clothes?" Nat asked.

"Anna let me borrow them. She asked me to spend the night at her place because it was so late. She only lives a few blocks from here."

"So thats how it is," Nat joked. "Alright, my man!"

Freddie shook his head. "No, Nat-I told you, it isnt like that at all. Her brother used to share the apartment with her, and I slept in his room last night." He shuddered a moment at the thought of sleeping in a dead mans bed and added, "I didnt know that at the time last night. I only found out she was Arties sister this morning over breakfast. She asked if I wanted to stay with her regularly, cause it would be closer to school and the club."

"Sounds like a sweet set up. I hope you took her up on it," Nat said.

"Well, I havent given her an answer. I dont know....." Freddies voice trailed off as they got to the classroom and sat down.

"Well," Nat mimicked Freddies slow way of saying the word, "I think you would be a fool to turn down shackin up with a fine lady like that." He winked again and Freddie decided it wasnt worth the breath trying to make Nat see that Anna wasnt the kind of woman you bed and forget. Anyway, it seemed to Freddie that Nat was finished with that topic, because he leaned over and asked, "You still gonna be able to make band practice after school?" Nat and Freddie were in a band they had formed the year before. They played in small clubs and some of the local high schools. Freddie knew the band was small potatoes compared to his comedy gigs, but he enjoyed playing the drums with the guys. "Sure, I can be there for about an hour, but then I need to go by Annas and pick up that contract and have my parents look at it. I think Anna could actually get me more work. But she wants me to stick school out to the end. I hope she is right. School isnt giving me one thing these days. But if she says its important, I guess Ill finish." Freddie got a far away look in his eyes. "But I cant wait till I get out to Hollywood and Vegas. That is where the big money is."

"Well big man, doncha be forgettin us little folks back home when you become a STAR." Nat giggled and hit Freddie in the arm. Freddie laughed with Nat until the teacher came in to start class.

After school and band practice, Freddie took a cab to his home in Washington Heights. His mom was still at work, but he found his father, who had retired recently, in front of the TV watching the local news. "Hi, pop," he called out as he slammed the door and headed for the kitchen to fix himself a snack.

"How was school?" asked his father from the living room.

"Boring, as usual," answered Freddie as he sat down on the couch in the living room with a sandwich in one hand and a bottle of soda in another. "I still dont understand what I am going to do with all that crap they teach me there. If only I could just take the classes I am interested in."

"Well, your mother and I know what value is placed on a good education, son, so you are staying in school."

"I know, I know..." Freddie trailed off as he got up to leave. He had heard enough of this lecture in the past and wasnt in the mood to listen to it now. His dad, having been over forty when Freddie was born, would never understand where he was coming from-especially not about comedy. His mom, who was much younger than his dad, worked too hard in Freddies opinion, and he couldnt wait to make it big so he could get both of his parents out of this "slum with trees." Being immigrants, they had come from a whole different world--and because Freddie realized that, he wondered if they would ever grasp what his dreams were.

Freddie went into his room and turned on the radio. He laid on the bed finishing his snack and thought about Annas offer of her brothers room. It really wasnt much bigger than his own, but his moving out would give his parents more space and it would be more convenient for him, not having to travel uptown every night after the show. He was a big guy, but the streets of New York City were no place for anyone but the muggers at 3 in the morning. Breaking the news to his mother was his only stumbling block. He was very close to her, due to the fact that he was her only child. She tended to dote on him, even though she could come off tough as nails. He rehearsed his little "Im a man now" speech in front of his mirror many times, until it was time for her to be home from work.

Freddie heard his mother close the door to their apartment. Looking in the mirror one last time, he said to himself, "Well brother, this is it." Exiting his room and bounding up to his obviously tired mother, he planted a kiss on her cheek and said, "Hi ma, how was work?"

"Hola, mijo," Mrs. Pruetzel replied, sitting down at the kitchen table, "It was work. I am glad to be home. How was your stay last night? I missed you."

"It was ok. It was nice not to have to go very far to get to school this morning. I think I shocked the hell out of my English teacher, showing up on time."

"Freddie, watch your language!"

"Sorry ma," he hung his head and give her his best sad-puppy-dog look. "Let me make dinner for us tonight. You look exhausted."

His mother smiled. "It means tacos and beans then, because I know how you cook. But I am too tired to argue with you. I think I could stand tacos and beans for one night."

"Good, just sit and relax." He began to bang around the tiny kitchen, finding the things he needed to make dinner. Mr. Pruetzel came back from the bathroom, kissed his wife on the cheek and sat down across from her. Freddie saw that now both of his parents were his audience, so he figured it was as good a time as any to break his news to them. While the beans were heating in the pot, he brought the lettuce and tomatoes over to the table with the cutting board and knife and started chopping. He stopped long enough to take an envelope from his jeans pocket and placed it on the table in front of his mother.

"I have some good news for you," he said rapidly, "There is this lady, her name is Anna dAngelo. It was her house that I stayed at last night. She wants to sign me up and be my agent and manage my career."

Mrs. Pruetzel extracted a long, legal-looking document from the envelope and flipped through its many pages. Waiting for her to finish reading it, Freddie glanced at his father, who shook his head. "What career?" Mr. Pruetzel asked in a stern voice. "You know you are just chasing rainbows with this dream of making it big in those clubs you stay out till all hours in! I keep telling you that you need to finish school."

Freddie tried to control himself by concentrating harder on chopping. This was too big an opportunity to lose because of a fight with his dad. He needed both his parents signatures on that contract. He silently wished he was 18 now and could bypass this part of the deal. Thinking of the conversation with Anna this morning, he turned on the charm and answered, "Funny you should say that, Pop. That is exactly what Anna was telling me this morning over breakfast."

"Well," his father grumbled, "at least we agree on that."

"Freddie, mijo," his mother cut in, "what does all of this mean?"

Freddie stopped chopping and put the knife down. He had not had the chance to actually look at the contract that closely, spending most of his time trying to figure out what he would tell his parents about the whole deal. He took it from his mother and said, "Ma, this is just a standard contract giving Anna permission to legally sign deals for me. I will pay her a percentage of what I make and that is how we will both get rich. Then I can buy you and pop a house in the country and get you out of this muggerland."

Mrs. Pruetzel got up and kissed him on the cheek. "You are so sweet to think about us, but your father is right. No plan of a career should have you quitting school in it. I am willing to sign this for you only if you promise me you will finish school."

Freddie stood up, kissed his mothers cheek and gave her a hug. "I promise, ma. Like I said, Anna has already insisted that I do that too. She knows that I will go further with a diploma, but for the life of me, I cant see how. I am hot now, and I need to be making my moves before I am a has-been."

"Let me go wash up for dinner and then after dinner you can read this to me and help me to understand it." His mother started to leave the kitchen. Freddie blocked her way. "Ok, but there is one more thing. It isnt in the contract, and I know Anna will still want to manage me if I say no, but she has asked me to move into her apartment."

Freddie winced as he saw the shocked looks forming on both of his parents faces. He knew what was going through their minds. "Let me explain this," he went on, trying to head off the line of questioning he knew was coming. "She has a spare room that used to belong to her brother. He was a comedian too, but was killed about 6 months ago. She told me that she hoped I would live there to be closer to work and school, and so that she could get a hold of me sooner if a gig came up. It is a nice place and it is strictly above board. She wants to meet you, in fact, before you agree to this."

"Well talk about it after dinner," his mom answered him as she pushed past him and headed to the bathroom. Mr. Pruetzel picked up the evening paper from the table--his wife had brought for him as she did every evening--and hid behind it. Freddie knew he was in for a long night. Looking up at the clock above the sink, he hoped he would be able to convince them that this was a good thing before Anna came over at 8. When he had stopped by her place on his way home from school to retrieve his own clothes and pick up the contract, she had asked to come and meet his parents tonight, and Freddie had agreed eagerly. Now he wondered if this was too soon.

After dinner, Freddie went silently about cleaning up. He never did much in the kitchen, but he felt it would put him on the good side of his parents, showing them he could be responsible. He had everything looking perfect when Anna knocked on their door at 8. "I got it," he yelled to his parents, who were in the living room watching TV. Freddie opened the door and saw Anna standing there, looking very different from the last time he had seen her. She had pulled her long straight hair back in a bun and wore small wire framed glasses that just covered her beautiful dark eyes. "Buenas noches, Freddie," she said to him.

"I didnt know you knew Spanish," Freddie remarked, surprised.

Anna smiled, "I dont really, but I have picked up a few common phrases. I know your mother is Spanish, so I had hoped if I used them, I would make her feel more comfortable."

"You seem to know a bit about me and my family."

"Well I make it my business to get to know the person I want to manage. I think it is good for our working relationship."

"You look different tonight, with your hair up and wearing glasses. It makes you look older, if you dont mind me telling you that."

"Not at all," Anna smiled. "I was hoping to look a bit more mature to impress your parents. I want them to feel comfortable about putting their sons career in the hands of a capable, responsible manager."

Freddie suddenly felt awkward standing in the doorway of his parents apartment. "Come on in. My parents are in the living room."

He waved Anna in with his arm and closed the door behind them, then showed her the way to the living room. "Our apartment isnt much bigger than yours, Im afraid," said Freddie as they entered. His father started to get up, but Anna stopped him as she walked over and extended her hand. "Buenas noches, Señor Pruetzel. My name is Anna dAngelo."

"Hola," responded Freddies father. He was Hungarian, but used to being addressed in and speaking Spanish thanks to his wifes influence.

Anna then went over to his mother and did the same. "Buenas noches, Señora Pruetzel. Your son has a lot of talent. I would like the opportunity to nourish that talent and see to it that he gets the opportunities to take his talent to new places. I think he has it in him to go very far in the entertainment business. I hope you both will allow me to do that on his behalf."

Freddie just stood there in amazement. He had been all prepared to introduce Anna to his parents, but when she did it herself--and in such a commanding way--he was left speechless. Mrs. Pruetzel must have seen his mouth hanging open, because she directed her first comment not to the engaging young woman shaking her hand, but to her son. "Freddie, manners! Show this nice young lady to a seat."

"Oh, sorry. Here, Anna." He took her over to the sofa and indicated where she should sit, then sat down next to her.

"Señorita dAngelo, I did bring my son up with better manners, you understand."

Anna smiled. "I am sure you did. He does have very good manners, really. He has been a perfect gentleman with me, I can assure you." Freddies mother smiled and for the first time it seemed to him that she was starting to warm up to Anna. His father, Freddie wasnt so sure about-he seemed to be staring at Anna, sizing her up.

"And by the way, señora, it is Señora dAngelo."

Both Freddie and his parents looked at her puzzled. "You are married, señora?" asked Mrs. Pruetzel.

"Yes and no, separated really. It is a very sad story and I hope that it will be over soon. I dont know if Freddie told you about my brother."

"Only that he was un cómico like mjio and that he was killed. I am so sorry," answered Freddies mom.

"It is ok, señora," Anna fell instantly into Mrs. Pruetzels habit of mixing English and Spanish as she explained, "It has been six months and el asesino is behind bars now, paying for his crime. You see, el asesino de mi hermano was mi esposo. I am trying to get a divorce from him, but he isnt making it easy..." Anna broke off and looked at her feet. Freddie could see she was feeling very awkward talking about her own situation, so he took her hand and squeezed it. "Ma, now can you see why I want her as my manager? She told me she wanted to honor her brothers memory by giving other young comedians a chance to make it big."

Freddie felt Anna squeeze his hand in return as she straightened up. "Si, señora, my own worries I can put aside. I want to help su hijo become a big star. I know he can do it too. He is a very talented cómico. Maybe I can help you to understand the contract better. I dont want you or Señor Pruetzel to sign anything you do not fully understand." Freddie had not even thought about his father sitting there in the corner, quietly staying out of the conversation. At the sound of his name, Mr. Pruetzel seemed to come to life and said, "Thank you, Mrs. dAngelo. May I ask one personal question first."

"Sure."

Freddies father sat up straight in his chair. "How old are you?"

Anna smiled with what, to Freddie, seemed a look of relief. "I am 22."

"And how many stars have you managed?" his father asked. Freddie could hear the sarcastic emphasis his father put on the word stars. He cringed, knowing that Anna told him that he would be her first client.

"Actually, Freddie is the second person I will have under contract. The first was my brother. I was able to get quite a few jobs for Arthur. He was just about to make it big, when... when..." Her voice trailed off for a moment. Freddie watched Anna take a big breath, and as he squeezed the hand he still found he had in his, she seemed to draw courage from him and continued. "I actually had lined up a guest spot on the Jack Paar show right before he was ... taken from me. I know he would have been a hit on it too. His talent and my contacts had gotten him that far. I know I can take your son as far--and further as well."

Mr. Pruetzel shook his head, "Twenty-two and only one contract. I hope you know, Freddies mother and I expect him to graduate from high school before he goes running off to chase some dream. Then when he is through chasing it, he will have a diploma so he can get a real job and support himself."

Freddie cringed again, but Anna seemed to be up to the challenge his father placed before her. "Mr. Pruetzel, I have told Freddie that is his number one priority to finish high school. I know this isnt just a dream he is chasing, but a chance to make it big with his talent. A diploma will carry him further even in this business. True, he might want to pursue something else one day, and he will need it then too. I am with you 100% on this, I assure you."

"Good, just so long as that is perfectly clear," his father replied.

Anna turned to Freddie, "Do you have the contract I gave you?"

Freddie finally let go of her hand and got up. "I left it in the kitchen. Ill get it." He bounded off, found it on the counter where he had left it, and returned to the living room. Anna and his mother were engaged in a conversation about his living at Annas apartment when he again entered the living room.

"Señora Pruetzel, my place isnt fancy," Anna was saying, "but it is close to Freddies school and I will make sure he goes every day. My brothers room is rather small, but I am sure Freddie will find it comfortable. I will insist that he come to see you frequently. It is not my intention to take him away from his family, but to make it more convenient for him to both perform and attend school."

"Well, if he will come home to see us often enough, I guess it will be ok," Mrs. Pruetzel answered reluctantly. Freddie could see what a struggle it was for his mother to give up the only joy in her life. He handed the contract to Anna and went over to kiss his mother on the cheek. "Ma, I would never leave you, you know that. And when I make it big, I am going to buy you and Pa a house in the country where you dont have to live with the muggers and you wont have to work anymore. Thats a promise!"

"I know, mijo. You are un chico bueno. Just remember to stay good! ¿Entiende?

"¡Entendió!" Freddie knew he could charm his mother into anything, so he flashed one of his biggest smiles, and could see in her answering smile and nod that she was willing to accept this arrangement. The rest of the evening was spent going over the contract. Freddie was impressed with how patient Anna seemed to be with his parents, making sure they understood every part of the contract before they signed. When Freddie signed it, he knew that he was finally on his way to the top.

Anna left shortly after the contract was signed. Freddie told her that he would move into her place the next evening. Tomorrow was Friday, so he could sleep late the following morning, after settling in and doing his stint at the club. Thinking of that reminded Freddie-now that Anna was gone, he needed to get going himself, if he were to make it to the comedy club in time to be on the list for a shot at the mike. During the cab ride to the club, his head was full of dreams--of stardom and the things he would do when he made it big. Freddie knew his routine would be great tonight, because now he had more confidence in his talent. Anna had already given him that much, making him feel even better about having her manage his career. He thought of how she had tried to get her brother a gig on the Jack Paar show, and wondered when he would get his turn at a television spot. So many possibilities swam in his pool of imagination that he totally forgot what Anna had told him and his parents that night about her own problems. He would soon regret that his fantasies blinded him to her reality.

Dos

Nat came bounding into class and practically knocked the sleeping Freddie out of his seat. "My man, I know its Monday morning, but wake up! The teach will be here and hed better not catch you nappin."

Freddie yawned and stretched, "Thanks, bro. I gotta stay focused so I can get outta here with that piece of paper my parents and Anna think is sooo damn important." He practically snarled the words.

"You had a gig this weekend? I tried to call you, but there was no answer at your pad," said Nat in his easygoing fashion.

"Yea, and this time it was up in the Catskills for some rich Jews. I didnt think they would like a kid from the slums of New York City--and a Puerto Rican at that--but they laughed at all of my material. I guess Anna was right that my humor knows no ethnic boundaries, but sometimes I wonder about some of the gigs she lines up for me. I keep asking her when I am going to get my shot on TV, but all she keeps telling me is that I have to pay my dues first." Freddie slammed his book on the desk. "I am so tired of doing the circuit! I love the clubs, but I want a taste of the apple. Its so close, I can smell it."

"Well she must know what shes doin, man. Give it time. You always want everything yesterday. Your impatience is gonna get you into trouble one day, you know."

Yawning again, Freddie sheepishly replied, "Yeah, youre right. I just wish I didnt have to keep two sets of hours. Staying up late on the weekends and then having all these early classes is gonna be the death of me. Maybe next semester I can arrange not to have an 8 oclock class. Wouldnt that be great?"

"Good luck with that." Nat saw the teacher walk through the door to the classroom, so he lowered his head and whispered to Freddie, "Hey, you feel like another band practice after school today?" Freddie shook his head almost imperceptibly and whispered back, "Cant...gotta catch up on some sleep. Maybe tomorrow."

Nat shrugged. Freddie could tell his friend was thinking that he would be giving up the band now that his comedy career was getting so busy. Maybe Nat was right, but only half--he wouldnt stay in the band forever, but it was hard giving it up as well. He hoped Nat would understand that he had bigger plans for his life now.

Christmas was fast approaching, and Anna had lined up some holiday gigs in the Pocanos. She did promise Mrs. Pruetzel that he would spend Christmas day with his parents. Freddie was enjoying all the attention that the better clubs were giving him, yet he knew he was not getting the rest he needed. One night, after Freddie finally landed an earlier spot at his favorite comedy club downtown, another comedian commented on how tired he already looked, even after finishing his set by ten. Freddie shrugged off the remark, saying it was the price of fame. The other comedian then held out his hand--in his palm were four yellow and green pills. "Uppers", he called them. Freddie shook his head. He had friends who did drugs and a few had died from them. When he talked to Anna about those friends-commiserating over her loss as best he could, since he had only half-siblings he barely knew--she had told him that her brother had also had his brush with drugs. Never elaborating, just telling Freddie that she hoped he wouldnt get started. He tried to refuse, but the guy said, "Look, man, these wont hurt you. They are just to keep you awake when you have to be. Take two and you will have the energy you need." Freddie, too tired to argue, took the pills and put them in his pocket. He then went back to change and meet Anna outside the club. It was a Thursday night and since his set was early, Anna had promised to take Freddie shopping for presents for his parents.

Freddie took Annas hand as he hailed a taxi. Anna tried to object, saying the bus would be cheaper, but Freddie insisted. "Look, I am making it now, we need to go in style." Anna was also tired that night-- really too tired to handle a crowded bus, she realized--so she accepted his help as a cab stopped and he opened the door for her to get in. Once inside, Freddie told the cabby to go to Macys.

"I always wanted to shop there," Freddie told Anna. "My ma would take me past their windows at Christmas time to look at all the toys. It was just like the North Pole."

"Well, it is a nice store, but it is kind of expensive," Anna commented as nonchalantly as she could, not wanting to spoil Freddies fun. She knew he would find this out later and didnt want him to be embarrassed.

"Thats ok, Ive been savin up. I know exactly what I want to get my Ma. She needs a really nice, warm pair of fuzzy slippers to put her tired feet in at night when she gets home from work. And I want to get Pop a nice cushion for his easy chair." The upholstery on it was wearing very thin and Freddie knew he couldnt afford a whole new chair, so he figured this would be the next best thing. "Someday," he mused to himself, "Ill be able to afford a whole house full of new furniture."

The cab stopped at the front entrance of Macys. Freddie paid the cabby, giving him a generous tip. He escorted Anna past the crowds that were lined up in front of the windows. Inside, people bustled to and fro. Anna helped Freddie find the shoe department. It didnt take long for him to find a nice pair of blue fake fur slippers for his mother. Then they made their way to the furniture department and Freddie found the perfect cushion for his fathers chair. After he had paid for his purchases, Anna told Freddie that she had some shopping of her own to do. Freddie didnt let on, but he wanted to get Anna something too. They agreed to meet at the stores front entrance in an hour.

Once all the gifts had been bought, Freddie hailed another taxi and he and Anna made their way home. Snow was starting to fall as they stepped out of the cab in front of the apartment building. Rushing in out of the weather, Freddie and Anna ran breathlessly up the chilly stairway to her apartment. Inside they hung up their coats--slowly, since the radiator was old and cranky. After they had secreted their packages away in their rooms, Anna went about making the two of them a late supper. Freddie always felt a bit uneasy about meals at Annas because she wouldnt allow him to chip in for groceries or rent. "You pay me out of your gig money," she would tell him, but he knew what she took wasnt nearly enough. Still, his background taught him that he couldnt insult her by offering more. "One day," he thought, "Ill find a way to pay you back for everything."

When dinner was over, Freddie offered to do up the dishes. Anna watched the graceful work of his large hands for a while, then went to the living room window and looked out. "I didnt think the weatherman was calling for much, but it is really putting it down out there." She reached over to turn a local news station on the television as Freddie came in and sat on the sofa. Anna settled next to him, and they watched as the meteorologist told viewers that the city was under a winter storm warning for the rest of the evening. "Looks like I might not have school tomorrow," remarked Freddie. "ALLLRIGHT! A three day weekend."

"I just hope it wont keep you from your gig tomorrow night," said Anna.

"Where am I playing this weekend?" asked Freddie.

"Well I have you booked into the Improv uptown. That should get you a lot of recognition. Lots of producers hang out there."

Freddie let out a whoop, grabbed Anna in a big hug and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Youre the best, you know that. The Improv. That is where its happenin alright. Gracias!"

Anna blushed, partly at his sudden outburst--for she was a quiet sort who was always embarrassed by rowdiness, even in private--but more so at the display of affection. Over the past few months since Freddie had come to live with her, their relationship had been one of an older sister and younger brother. She had thought he could only look at her in that light, because that was what she portrayed to him all the time, when she wasnt being professional.

Freddie saw Anna blush and wondered if there wasnt something more to her feelings toward him. In turn, the very fact of his curiosity about this made him think that maybe his gratitude might be changing into a deeper emotion, too. He looked into her large brown eyes with his own dark, expressive ones and then slowly tilted his head down so that his full lips would make contact with hers. She seemed to respond to his advances at first, kissing him as engagingly as he was her--then suddenly she broke it off.

"Freddie, I cant get involved with you this way. It isnt right and it wont work." Anna disentangled herself from his arms, and Freddie looked at her with hurt in his eyes. He wanted to object, to tell her that he knew she felt for him the same way he did for her. But she never let him get the words out. "I know what you are going to say," Anna continued, "but it wouldnt work out. Im still married, for one, and I am trying to manage your career for another. There would be a major conflict of interest going on here with that. Besides, youre young--too young to be tying yourself to someone like me."

"But you do care for me, dont you? Please at least be honest with me about that," said Freddie finally when Anna gave him an opening in the conversation.

Now it was Annas turn to look hurt. "I have always been honest with you, you know that. But what would it accomplish to tell you that I care for you, Freddie? It would only make things difficult for the two of us, sharing feelings we can never act upon. Maybe it would be better if I just came out and told you that I could never love you like you want me to. I know that hurts now, but it will be better in the long run, believe me."

Freddie got up from the sofa and started back toward his bedroom. Turning for one last time, he said, "Forgive me if I dont believe you. I promise I wont say any more about my feelings for you" he paused and gave her a searching look, "if that is what you really want. But know that I love you and I would do anything to win your love."

Turning away so Anna wouldnt see the tears forming in his eyes, Freddie went into his room and shut the door. Even though eventually he could hear her moving around the apartment after he had left her, he willed himself not to go back out there. He could hear something that sounded like crying, but told himself he was too busy dealing with his own hurt to comfort her. Laying full length across the bed, he contemplated what had just happened. Still trying not to cry and not succeeding, his tears finally flowed. "Anna, you are wrong," Freddie told her silently, "and I will prove it to you somehow. I love you, and you know in your heart that you love me. Youre just confused, thats all. Youll see, itll work out, and then we can be together forever." In a haze of despair and fatigue, he began thinking that maybe he was carrying on this one-sided conversation in order to convince himself-that perhaps Anna was right after all.

Freddie woke up the next morning realizing that he had slept in his clothes on top of the bedspread. After a moment he also remembered he had cried himself to sleep the night before, and an instant later the reason for that. Getting up stiffly, he looked out the window of his room to see that approximately 6 inches of snow had fallen the night before. He quickly sat back down and turned on the radio, soon finding out-to his delight--that the schools were closed. Settling against the pillows, he thought it was time to decide what he should do about Anna and their arrangement. It would be awkward after what happened last night. Would she still want him to live with her and--more importantly--did she still want to manage his career, knowing how he felt toward her? He didnt think so. Not knowing either the answer or how to broach the subject was agonizing, so he moved on in his thoughts. Should he apologize for what had happened last night? After all, he couldnt help how he felt. Maybe he should just offer to move back home

All of this chaos swirling around his head almost made him miss the small knock on his door. "Freddie, its six o clock," Annas familiar soft voice was saying, just like she had every morning since he had moved in with her. "Its ok, Anna, theres no school today. I just heard it on the radio. You can go back to bed," he called out to her. Instead of hearing her footsteps retreat down the hall back to her room, Freddie saw the doorknob turn and the door opening. "May I come in?" he heard her ask before he could see her.

"Sure, Im decent. Come on in," Freddie answered. Anna came in and he offered her the chair with a wave of his hand, which he hoped was nonchalant. "Look, Freddie, we need to talk," Anna started. "I know," was all he could think to answer her.

She seemed to sense his awkwardness and took control of the conversation. The whole time Freddie had known Anna, he had slowly discovered that this was her way, to take charge when the situation was uncomfortable. Sometimes he would be just as strong in expressing himself-in fact he enjoyed being around a woman who was his equal in willingness to argue--but this morning he decided to let her do the talking. He wasnt too sure what to say anyway. Let me hear what she has to say first, he thought.

"I know you have deep feelings for me, and quite frankly I am very flattered." Nothing new there, Freddie thought with a forced disdain that he often used to cover his real feelings, Ive heard that before. Everything she said next surprised him, however. "I might even have them for you, if I let myself feel like that again. But you have to understand something--I have been through a lot of pain lately. I dont think I am ready for another relationship. I have too much past to have to deal with"

Anna stopped abruptly, looking as if she were going to cry, but straightened her shoulders and went on, "I hope you understand that. I wish I could share with you all that I went through and am still going through, but that is not your worry. You have enough on your plate right now. I hope we can still be friends, and that you will still allow me to manage your career. I can tell you that I believe in you, Freddie. You make me laugh, when all I want to do is cry" She broke off again, then added almost as an afterthought, "I hope it wont be too awkward for you to continue to live here. That, too, has been a blessing for me. Sometimes it is as if I have Prince Charming himself staying here!"

She tried to smile, and Freddie smiled back, reaching for her hand. "You have been a good influence on my life as well, Anna. I will stay, and I will respect your feelings. I hope one day to prove to you that I can help you get over your pain, if you would only open your heart to me, but I will not force you to do that." He released her hand and said, "It is funny you call me Prince Charming. Some of the girls at school call me that too, but sometimes I think they do it to make fun of me. I come off as the Latin charmer sometimes, but underneath that is a scared little boy afraid of getting hurt."

Anna smiled more easily now. "I know, I saw that in your face the night you so boldly came up to me to introduce yourself. I could tell right away that you are not always as sure of yourself as you try to seem."

Freddie laughed, "Well my secret is out then!"

Anna grew thoughtful for a minute. "You know something, that gives me an idea. Remember that conversation we had, back about a week ago, about changing your last name for the stage?"

"Yeah, I dont want to disrespect my parents, but Pruetzel is a bit of a mouthful for the MCs to pronounce. Why, do you have a name in mind?"

"Well, since you are always coming off as charming, why not Freddie Prince?"

Freddie laughed again, but then it was his turn to be thoughtful. "Humm, maybe... it has potential," he said with a thick Puerto Rican accent. "But it needs to be more Hispanic sounding, for my ma.... Hummmm... Prince.... Prinze... Thats it. How about Freddie Prinze--with a "z" instead of a "c"?"

Anna thought for a moment and then answered, "Yeah, thats good. Very Hispanic sounding and catchy besides. You are always joking about wanting to be the King of comedy, but you are more like the clown prince of comedy!" They both laughed, and Anna tried out the new name, "Freddie PrinzeI love it! I will have the papers drawn up to have it changed on your contracts with the clubs."

Anna got up to leave the room, but Freddie quickly placed himself between her and the door. Taking her in his arms, he said, "Look, I know you know how I feel about you, but that isnt all there is to my feelings. You must know that I have a lot of admiration and gratitude toward you as well. Thank you for helping this poor kid from the streets get a break. No matter what happens between us, I will always be grateful for that." He bent down and kissed her gently on the lips. "That is from your number one fan," he told her after the brief kiss was over.

"IIm glad you still want me to help you out," she answered, obviously flustered, "We are a team, you and I."

"You got it!" Freddie exclaimed, returning to his Puerto Rican accent. Anna left his room, giggling. Freddie thought about what had just happened and said to himself, "Im glad I could still make her laugh. I dont know whats going to happen between us, but I know she will make me a success. Then maybe I can take her away from all of her pain." He laid back down and decided to get some more sleep since there was no school. He needed his rest if he were going to have the energy to do the Improv that night. He fell asleep hoping the weather would improve by then, and dreamed of the MC introducing him on the stage of the infamous Improv Comedy Club, "Ladies and gentleman, the Improv is proud to welcome New Yorks newest and brightest comedian, Freddie PRINZE!!!!!"

That evening the snow had tapered off, and Freddie was able to keep the club date Anna had set up for him. Though he knew this was his biggest gig so far and he should stay focused, Freddie couldnt help himself-wallowing in the excitement and nervousness of it all, he paced while he waited to be called on stage and wished he had Anna or Nat to help him calm down. Gazing around slack-jawed, he thought how this was among the most prestigious venues for comics in New York, yet backstage the Improv was just like the other clubs he had played in New York--there was one dark, dingy dressing room for the male performers.

Another guy was sitting smoking, seeming very relaxed to Freddie. He decided to go over and introduce himself. Sticking out his large hand and forcing himself to smile, he said, "Hi, Im Freddie Prinze."

The other comedian looked up with a glazed expression as they shook hands. "Nice to meet you. Im Buster Lennox. You must be new here."

Freddie looked down at him, surprised. "How can you tell?"

"Youre pacing like a new father in a maternity ward." They both laughed at Busters joke. "Yeah" Freddie looked at the floor, embarrassed, but quickly recovered himself the way he usually could when a joke fell flat. "Well, I noticed youre pretty calm for a guy waiting to go on at the Improv. You must be an old pro."

"Ive been here performing for about 6 months, and if that makes me a pro, then wheres all the bread, huh?" He gave a sarcastic chuckle, but Freddie just stared at him, not knowing what to say. Buster continued. "As for being calm, I cant afford to be nervous--it throws off my whole shtick. Its isnt experience thats making me calm, thoughI have help."

"Oh?" Freddie said.

Buster held out to Freddie the cigarette that he was smoking. On closer inspection, it was obvious that it was homemade. Then Freddie realized what was enclosed in the twisted brown paper. "Weed?" he inquired.

"Yup," Buster answered with a slur, "Want a hit? Itll calm you right down."

Freddie thought about it. He had tried marijuana a few times, mostly because the other guys in his high school were doing it. He liked the way it made him feel, but he was afraid of getting hooked on harder stuff, so he had decided not to make a habit of it. That was why he switched to regular cigarettes. He smoked those when he was out and about, but never at home or at school--out of respect for his parents and so he wouldnt get in trouble at school. He didnt smoke at Annas either, because he saw she was a nonsmoker and didnt want to offend her. Cigarettes did help to calm him sometimes, but he hadnt had the money for them in the last couple of days.

Before taking the plunge on such an important night, however, Freddie patted his pockets for effect and asked Buster, "Got any regular ones, man? Im fresh out." Buster shook his head slowly and said he just had joints. With a shrug of his shoulders, Freddie decided to take Buster up on a drag. After all, he said to himself, I do need something to take the edge off the nervousness. He didnt want to get too high, but he knew nerves would wreck his act, too, as Buster had said. As Freddie took a long drag on the joint, he could feel his muscles begin to relax. Remembering to inhale the smoke slowly so as to get the full effect of the drug, he closed his eyes and tried to get in closer touch with the feeling of euphoria that was taking over his whole system. Exhaling, he thanked Buster. The other comic just nodded and finished the joint.

Just then the stage manager knocked on the door and called for Buster to take the stage. Buster handed Freddie another joint and said, "It could be a while yet--if you need it, its yours." Freddie wanted to refuse, but he was enjoying the moment too much to be rude to his new friend. "Knock em dead, Buster," he answered as he put the joint in his pocket. He recalled the night when that other comedian had given him some pills. Having found a hiding place for them in the cigar box on the dresser, now he figured he would put the joint in the same place when he got home. Laughing to himself he said, "Freddie, my man, youre getting so good you wont have to buy your drugs. Theyre just handing them to you!"

Freddie shivered at the thought. He didnt want to become a junkie, like a few of his friends, but he knew that people in the entertainment business did drugs all the time. These guys who had supplied him didnt seem like junkies to Freddie, so he figured they just did it to cope with the stress and demands of the business. "I wont use them unless I really need them--this way I wont get hooked. I cant let Anna know, though--she wouldnt understand. I think her brother was mixed up with drugs." Remembering again the pills in the box on the dresser, he decided that after he put the joint with them, he needed to set it on the shelf in the closet just to be really sure Anna wouldnt find them. After all, she was too short to reach that shelf, even standing on a chair, Freddie thought with a chuckle. The pleasant mental picture this conjured up, thanks to the marijuana-of Annas backside at his eye-level-was interrupted by the stage manager standing in the doorway, indicating to Freddie that it was his turn to go on. Standing up slowly and taking a deep breath, he felt more than ready. The nervousness had left him, but his head was still clear enough for him to be alert and coherent. Freddie went out, confident he would slay em in the aisles.

When his set was over, Freddie came down off the stage and found the table at which Anna and Nat were sitting. As soon as he joined them, Nat was slapping Freddie on the back, telling him how great his act had been tonight. Anna beamed at Freddie, assuring him that he would make it big one day soon--she could just feel it. "You didnt look a bit nervous up there, Freddie," she gushed. Turning to Nat, she continued, "Remember how he was in the cab? I knew once he got on that stage, those nerves would go away. " Turning back to Freddie, she went on, "I knew you were a natural! You are so at home up there, it is uncanny. I guess you were just born to perform."

Freddie just laughed at her excitement and nodded in agreement. Reminding himself that he didnt want Anna to know he had had help in the courage department that night, he was trying to think of a response when a man approached the table. He looked to be about 35, with thinning hair and a small paunch barely concealed by a double-breasted gray business suit. He put his hand out to Freddie and said, "Great act you have there, young man. I think you have real talent." He reached into the breast pocket of his jacket, withdrew a card, and handed it to Freddie. "I have a show on channel 9 every Saturday evening called, "The New York Comedy Hour." I would love for you to be on sometime. I think you would be a hit."

"Ive seen that show--good stuff," Freddie remarked as casually as he could manage before handing the card to Anna. The name on the card was Jacob Menz, under which was the title "Television Producer - The New York Comedy Hour". "You really think I have the talent to be on it?"

"Absolutely, my boy!" Mr. Menz was grinning, "I think you are going to make it big in this business. I would like to talk to your manager sometime and set up a date."

Freddie pointed to Anna and said, "Well, that is easily arranged, shes right here."

Jacob Menz looked at Anna with surprise. Freddie thought that Anna seemed to be used to this reaction, the way she dived right in. He had only watched her from afar, negotiating with the managers of the clubs--this was his first real business meeting. He looked on silently, more fascinated than ever, while his manager took charge of the situation.

Anna stuck out her hand to Jacob Menz. "Anna dAngelo. I am Freddie Prinzes manager. We would be very interested in having Freddie perform on your show. My brother was on it once. He enjoyed the experience very much."

"Your brother?" Jacob asked.

"Arthur Harris."

"Oh, the comedian that was killed a while ago. He was your brother? I am so sorry. Artie had a lot of talent. It was such a shame, what happened to him."

"Thanks," Anna looked down briefly, clearly gathering her composure, then continued briskly, "I always thought he had the talent too. In fact, it was after his appearance on your show that he asked me to manage him and get his career going."

Jacob looked thoughtful. "I remember now. He told me he didnt have a manager and I told him he would need one if he wanted to go any further in the entertainment business. I even offered to manage him myself, but he thanked me and said he had someone else in mind for the job."

A small smile played at the corners of Annas mouth when she heard this. "That would have been me. I lost more than a brother when he was killed. That is why I am managing Freddie now--he reminds me a lot of Arthur, and I would like to see him get the breaks my brother was denied." She paused once more to collect herself. "Why dont you stop by my office sometime and we will draw up the necessary paperwork."

"Sounds good. You have my card."

"Yes, but you dont have mine. Sorry--I guess I am not too much on the ball tonight." Freddie knew that this was only because Anna had been obliged to speak of her brother, so in spite of it he was sure now that he had been right when he chose her to be his manager. Seeing her in action tonight made him realize she was very good at what she did. And maybe, he mused, in this business there was an advantage to having a pretty face. He saw the way Jacob looked at her. It actually made him a little jealous, but he knew Anna wasnt going to be interested in a middle-aged producer. Anna reached in her purse and handed Mr. Menz her business card. He then took leave of the party, and Anna told Freddie that they should be getting home too. He had other gigs that weekend, so he needed his rest. Nat made a crack about Anna being just like his mother, and Freddie glared at him. Nat took the hint and the rest of the ride home was unusually quiet. After dropping Nat off at his house, Freddie snuggled up to Anna on the seat. "I hope you dont mind me doing this, but you are nothing less than an angel in my eyes right now, and all I want to do is be as close to you as possible."

"Ooo, new material!" Anna giggled. "You never quit trying, do you?"

"Never!" Freddie grinned. "I promise to be good, though."

Anna reached behind him. "OK, if you promise," she giggled again, letting him put his head on her shoulder as she put her arm around his neck. To her amusement, she soon heard Freddie give a little snore. "He must be more worn out than I thought," Anna said to herself as she laid her cheek on the top of his head. Asleep the way he was, snuggled up against her, he looked less the man and more the little boy that she figured was still inside that good-looking face and well-built body. "If only I could find it in my heart to love you the way you want me to, bebe," she whispered to Freddies sleeping form. "I could really fall for a guy like you, if things were different..." Anna gently kissed his forehead, brushing her lips against his full head of dark hair as she straightened back up. The next thing she knew, the cab had stopped in front of her building.