"Now," Matt noted, "theres a couple of back alleys...if you don't mind taking them."

"Not at all...Can I ask you a question?"

"Of course, " Matt grinned. As Catherine headed for the door, he opened the window and put a foot outside. "Fire escape first, Cathy."

"Hey, how did you manage leaving the rose and note on my pillow that one time?"

"Ah," Matt said, helping her out the window, "now, I needed a bit of help from Josh with that one. He's friends with the landlord."

"So he what? Made you a spare key?" Catherine laughed.

"No, the landlord has the key. I had Josh come and put everything in. He was complaining about your decor for days. He's a bit OCD," Matt laughed.

"Mari and I are planning to redecorate this weekend. You could help if you'd like," Catherine said hopefully.

"I'd love to," Matt said meekly, "Just- I don't think it be wise to....to reveal my existence to another person. I can trust Josh, he never says a word more than he should. And I'm sure Mari is equally trustworthy but-" He tried frantically for any reason to stop the gathering. He knew full well Mari would recognize him, and he didn't want Cath to know anything more than his first name at this point.

"She knows you're alive. She told me about the accident and I told her that you're still alive. I wasn't going to tell you, because I didn't want to upset you."

Matt's face turned pale. "And did she...tell or...report...that information to anyone?"

"No. I made sure that she wouldn't. She did say that I have good taste in men ,though," Catherine smiled.

Matt gave a tense glance out over the city. He was going to have to have a serious discussion with Mariah later. He tried his best to appear happy. "Right then, so we follow these next four alleys via fire escape and then it's just a stroll to the back door."

"Okay...Mariah's really happy that we're together. She was telling me what a great guy you are."

"Watch your step," Matt mumbled. "You know...I was in the original French run with her about seven years ago...before stuff happened. She's always been a remarkably talented artist."

"Yeah I know. Puts me to shame," Catherine laughed.

"Well, she's had a few more years of experience and training," Matt noted. "But give me a month. You'll beat them all."

"You know, I've never had any voice lessons before. Aside from everything my sister taught me, that is."

Matt nodded and gave a little laugh. "Well, in a world of streamlined data processing, who needs em? The only advantage of personal lessons is falling in love with your teacher."

"I wouldn't know," Catherine teased.

Matt gave her a playful nudge and jumped off the end of the ladder. "This way, Cath."

"Coming...Hey, you could bring Josh to come redecorate with us. I'm sure he has a few opinions of his own...Mari is so headstrong that they would likely end up in an argument. It promises some great entertainment. Plus, while they bite each other's heads off, we could go hide somewhere and make out."

Matthew blushed beet red. "Cath," he scolded in embarrassment, playing with his hoodie strings and pulling the hood lower over his face as someone walked by.

Catherine couldn't help but giggle at Matt. "Why so silent, good Monsieur?"

Matthew mumbled something inaudibly and grabbed Cath's hand, moving them along faster toward the theater.

"Is something the matter?" Catherine asked in confusion.

"People are looking at us," Matt mumbled. "That man on the corner. Don't look."

"Probably because you look like a mugger with that hoodie," Catherine laughed. "Or maybe I'm just too gorgeous for them to handle."

Matt gave a scoff and looked at her teasingly. "I hate an overconfident women, Cath."

"Oh, please. I'm anything but. You will understand in time," Catherine smiled.

Matt nudged her playfully. "Come on, in through the door, please."

"As you wish." Catherine entered the building and ran immediately over to Mariah. "Sorry I'm late," she sighed.

"It's fine," Mari smiled. "You just wanted to go over the choreography for the dance, right?"

"Yeah. Oh hey, um...Matt is joining us for redecorating my apartment. I think he might be bringing Nerd Boy with him," Catherine giggled.

"Great. I have to put up with him again?" Mari moaned.

"Well, I figured that if I was going to have my boyfriend, I'd invite yours too," Catherine teased.

"Great," Mari sneered, "I'll pick up Jeremy at nine then."

"No way," Catherine interjected. "I cannot put up with him, and you know that. He annoys the heck out of me."

"You're starting to sound like Matt," Mari chuckled, pushing Cath to her spot on stage.

"Cath!" Ben yelled from the mezzanine. He had been their main Erik for two seasons now. "Looking good!"

"Thanks!" Catherine beamed. "How are Isabella and the girls?"

Ben made a face and pretended to hang himself, causing Cath to snort with laughter. "Nah," he laughed, "I love them all."

Catherine laughed. "How old are Tori and Eliza now?"

"Eight and two. One won't talk the other won't stop," Ben moaned.

"Yeah. I understand that," Catherine replied, thinking about her and her sister, but not wanting to mention it aloud.

"Cath, count!" Mari scolded, pushing her along.

"Sorry," Catherine replied, her eyes searching for Matt.

"Cath!" Josh called from stage left. "Cath, have you seen...our mutual friend anywhere?"

Catherine thought for a moment. "I think he's either home packing his things or..." she pointed up, telling Josh that Matt was watching them rehearse.

Josh shook his head nervously. "I looked everywhere...packing his things?"

Mari looked at her skeptically. "Yeah, packing what things?"

"Um...clothes and such," Catherine replied with a smile.

"Well, yeah, he's not taking the grand piano," Josh said with slight annoyance. "What's he packing for?"

"My place."

Josh made a hurt little face and gave a shrug. "Well, who was I to compete with Catherine Daei? He could have said goodbye at least."

"I'm sure he's still at his place. Go see him," Catherine urged. She added to herself, "And stop bugging me."

"But I was just there," Josh whined, still out of breath from the first trek up the stairs.

Catherine once again pointed to the mezzanine.

"Fine," Josh grumbled, "I'll check again."

"If you find him, tell him I love him," Catherine yelled after Josh, laughing slightly.

"Cath!" Mari laughed. "Focus."

"Sorry," Catherine giggled.