The Secret

Ellie adored the Theatre and felt a buzz of excitement as she sat to take her seat. Poppy had been called backstage but came hurrying up to her.

'I'm sorry!' She smiled 'It could be like this all night, I'm afraid. Will you be OK?'

'I'm a big girl, Poppy, do what you need to do, I will just sit here and enjoy the ambiance!' She grinned.

'Great!' Poppy settled herself into the seat next to Ellie and squeezed her hand lightly.

The show was fantastic, singing, poetry and some people making speeches on behalf of the Leukaemia Foundation. Ellie was surprised how quickly it went and was a little disappointed when the finale came.

As they stood up, Poppy turned to Ellie. 'Wait right here, I don't want to lose you. I will be quick.'

Ellie stood waiting for Poppy, her eyes scanning the auditorium, taking in the intricate plasterwork, the brightly painted decoration. Her heart skipped a beat as her eyes landed on someone familiar across the room.
She turned away quickly. In the back of her mind she acknowledged that she had hoped to bump into him again sometime but she hadn't expected it to be tonight. Her mouth was dry; she could kill for a glass of wine. She looked back. Whoever it was had gone through the exit doors and she chastised herself for being a hopeless romantic, it was just a trick of the light, someone who looked similar, that’s all.

Ellie pushed the thought away as Poppy came back.

'Great show!' She was panting a little; she had just run around backstage to congratulate everyone and was out of breath.

'It was, I loved it!' Ellie smiled.

'Now for the fun part! Free Wine and Spot the Star!'

Poppy grabbed Ellie's arm and lead her into the bar, stopping now and then to say Hi to some of the guests. Not everyone had tickets to the after-show reception and it didn't take long to find the table that was laden down with glasses of Champagne, wine and Bucks Fizz. Poppy grabbed some Champagne, Ellie a red wine and they turned and surveyed the room.

As Ellie went to take a sip of her wine, she saw him and this time she knew she hadn't made a mistake. She choked in shock, spitting wine back into her glass and sputtering.

'Oh shit!' She muttered, turning away from the crowd as Poppy laughed and rubbed her back.

'You OK, honey? Oh my goodness, don't get it on your gown!' She was still laughing.

'I'm fine, I'm OK' Ellie laughed along with Poppy but her mind was racing a little. 'It's cool, Ellie. Just be cool, he probably hasn't seen you' she thought to herself.

Ellie was wrong. He might not have seen her if she hadn't choked on her wine, but the lady he was standing with had noticed and looked in Ellie's direction and his eyes had followed.

Ellie turned and engaged Poppy in conversation. 'So, who's famous then? And be discreet for fucks' sake! No pointing!' she hissed at her grinning.

Ellie's heart skipped a beat, she saw him as he moved around the room. Her eyes flicked in his direction and met his as he glanced back at her. He smiled a little until he was brought into a conversation with a thin, grey haired lady.

'Well, that’s Andrew Lloyd Webber... Lord Webber now, I think' Poppy waved her champagne at the other end of the bar.
Ellie dutifully looked. 'Oh yes, so it is!' Her heart was beating faster, she couldn't concentrate on Poppy's voice.

'And that's Jason Isaacs, he's in...'

'Harry Potter...I know, Ben is into it.' Ellie appraised the handsome dark-haired man in the centre of the room.

'Oh and Alan Rickman is here, somewhere...' Poppy's eyes darted about the room until she saw him standing with a crowd of people. 'Come on, I'll introduce you. He's in Harry Potter too. You will love him, he's a real hottie!'

Poppy linked Ellie's arm and made to pull her towards the group of guests but Ellie resisted.

'No, Poppy! It's fine, really. I prefer looking at a distance.' She was starting to panic. How could she get out of this?

'Don't be silly! I know Alan, he's charming and I'm sure he will give you an autograph for Ben.' Poppy looked incredulously at Ellie. What was she so shy for suddenly; she had met famous people before?

Ellie couldn't think of a decent argument and reluctantly allowed herself to be propelled to where he was standing. She took a long, slow breath. 'Be cool, remember you look amazing'.

She pulled herself up to her full height and remembered Billy from the night before to give her ego a boost.

'Can I interrupt you guys?' Poppy was so comfortable she breezed in to the group as if they had been waiting for her.

'Hello Poppy' It was him. He smiled at her but was looking at Ellie.

'Hello darling' She kissed him on the cheek gently then laughed; rubbing away the lipstick she had left behind. 'I want to introduce you to my best friend in the whole world.....'

Poppy turned towards Ellie when a male voice screamed across the room.

'Poppy!! Coo...Eeee... Darling!'

Poppy turned to see Christopher Biggins waving at her. She turned to Ellie with a big grin on her face.

'Sorry...again! I'll be right back' and she floated off to say more hello's.

Ellie tried to look away but she felt him step closer. She looked up into his intent hazel eyes. He was smiling broadly at her and her heart skipped a few beats.

Ellie smiled back at him, slowly and very sexily, although she wasn't aware of it.

'Hi Alan.' She was still smiling. 'Wow, he looks gorgeous'

Alan bent down a little and kissed her on her cheek, paused slightly and said very quietly into her ear.

'Hello Ellie.'