From our talk the audience could tell we were falling in love. There was no comedy yet. Then as we stood up the awful difference in our sizes became clear. There was a chuckle all over the auditorium. Carlos wanted to kiss me good-bye, but he couldn't reach my face. I bent over and he stood on tiptoe to give me a peck on the chin. A shout of laughter burst from hundreds of throats. I walked off the stage with an exaggerated model's walk. More laughs.
From then on I let loose and acted for all I was worth. Carlos was better than ever, and so was the rest of the cast. Again and again we had to hold up our lines while the people laughed.
As the curtains closed, Carlos threw his arms around my waist. "You were terrific!" he said. "Bend over and I'll give you a kiss."
The house lights went up and people began pouring backstage to congratulate US.
Mother and Dad were flushed and happy looking. "I'm proud of you, dear," Mother said.
Mobs of my friends crowded around, but I was looking for one person who would tower above the others. At last he came.
"You're a real comedian," he said, taking my hand and looking me straight in the eyes. Then he cleared his throat. "I was wondering—that is, if you don't have something else planned, would you go out with me for something to eat?"
Here it was at last—my chance. But somehow, now that I had the chance, I knew there was something more important than going out with Reed.
"Thank you," I said, smiling at him. "Some other time I'd love to, but tonight I have a date with Carlos."