Charlie watched silently as Aurora put on rouge for the first time in weeks and smudged it on her cheeks.  He'd asked a question, but his boss had not answered.  "I was thinking about taking Neil."  She admitted.

"The man who helped to raise you... you really want to take him as your body man on a date?"  he asked in disbelief.  "Why?"

She sighed.  

"Do you really think I can't understand, that I can't be professional?"

Aurora's shoulders sunk and she turned on the stool to look at him.  "No.  I know you can be it's just..."

He pushed himself off the frame of her bedroom door where he'd been leaning.

"You make me think about him."  She admitted and then the silence hung in the air between them for a long while before Charlie crossed the distance to her.

"You're not ready, Boss."  He said reaching a hand out to touch her cheek affectionately, the way he supposed he never would have if Billy was there - and yet it was a human instinct, one he found himself unable and unwilling to ignore.  He wasn't on the clock now and so, he'd be a friend, though he'd never let Oscar see it or he'd never get him to shut up about it.

"I'll never be ready to stop loving him."  She admitted pulling away to turn back to the mirror.  "But I need to stop hurting, and I need to think about the baby.  I can't raise it alone."

"And you think this Italian playboy is going to settle down?"  Charlie asked, already knowing the answer.

"He's ... a distraction.  To help me... just breathe."  Her shoulders sunk.  "Maybe if I can have something with no meaning, I'll find the strength to chase something more - something worthy of the baby, the sort of thing Billy would want for us both."

Charlie nodded.  He didn't like it, but he understood.

"So... asking purely for security reasons... is the plan to stay out all night?"  It was the nicest way he could force himself to ask if she meant to sleep with this man so he could make plans.

Aurora put on her lipstick and smashed her lips together before saying simply, "Yes."  And then looking up to his reflection in her mirror she said, "I want to be safe, and I want privacy.  If you can do both, Charlie, then you can come with me.  If you make this odd, it will be Neil on all future dates.  Am I clear?"

Charlie didn't like it but he sure as hell wasn't going to leave her in the hands of Neil who was too quick to trust her on her own and so, he nodded.  "Yeah, Boss.  I'll take care of everything."

Neil was waiting when Charlie came out of the room, he glared silent at Charlie and though the man did not speak, Charlie knew what he meant.

"It's not personal, friend."  He said to Neil.

Neil put a hand out, it landed squarely in the center of Charlie's chest and before Charlie could say a word Neil had shoved a note at him.

'I watched Bella and Gavin.  You got the stomach to watch this and NOT fuck it up?'

"I wasn't the one who left her alone with him."  Charlie said softly.  "The job is to protect her.  How the fuck were you going to do that while she's alone with a stranger?"

Neil shook his head and Charlie waited as Neil scribbled quickly on the other side of the first note.  'The job is to trust her.  She writes the checks.'

Charlie shook his head and even as he started to speak Neil scribbled fast, "Billy wouldn't want us to leave her and the baby alone."

Neil held up his note, 'Billy isn't the Boss.'

Charlie tried not to get pissed off.  "No." He admitted reluctantly.  "But it doesn't mean I don't follow his orders still - for my own reasons.  So... talk her out of it, if you think you can but for the moment this is my detail and I'll do it my way."

With that, Charlie walked off to get ready leaving Neil shaking his head at the younger guard who didn't yet have the same experience he did watching over a Byrne.  Silently Neil considered how hard learning this lesson was going to be for the young man, but he would have to learn it sooner or later if he was going to work for Aurora.  All Neil could do was watch and wait to pick up the pieces.

As promised.  Your rain check.  Black tie affair.  Time for you to see the best the city has to offer, my treat.  Bring this ticket with you and meet me at the track at 7pm.  Bring pocket money to gamble, or let me take care of you. Either way is fine.  I figure I owe you for the first date anyway so... let me make it up to you tonight.  Can't wait to see you again.  

-AB

Aurora's hair was done simply, hanging mostly long. Her dress appeared to be black leather and spaghetti straps, but it flowed long and classy, giving her an edge of danger and mischief, but also a reminder that she was easily one of the most wealthy women to be present tonight.  

The tickets were easy to acquire.  Her name, despite her mother's fall, still opened the most difficult of doors.  She was a force in this world and no one dared to anger someone who was so deeply entrenched with the highest levels of organized crime.  And so it was that she and Silvio would have their second date at a black tie affair, the highest rollers in all Vegas watching powerful thoroughbred horses racing for the roses and a title that would take them on to race in the country's most well-known races.

The party on the top floor of the track's main building, a place for true VIPs, was to be catered by a five-star chef.  There would be tables to play blackjack and roulette between races.  Plenty of distractions to be had and best of all, Aurora would have a chance to try and get to know Silvio a little more before giving over to his charms so it didn't appear that the whole point of this exercise was the ending.  The fact that it was true, that the lead up mattered so little to her, left Aurora feeling a little disgust with herself, but she buried it.  This, she presumed, was her heart making whatever play it could to stop her from saying goodbye to Billy - something that the world had decided for her and she was merely coming to accept.

Fun.  She had to focus on that.  She'd have fun and eventually, maybe she'd feel less dead inside.  Maybe by the time the baby came she could, she'd feel normal again.  She wouldn't win any awards for mother of the year, but if she felt like she did now when that day finally came, Aurora was sure the baby would be getting the worst of her.  She couldn't allow that to happen and so... Silvio was medicine to what ailed her.  Or at least she hoped.

Giving her ticket to the doorman, she and Charlie we welcomed into the room full of glittering people - the elite of Las Vegas, and all eyes fell on the young heiress.  This wasn't her first time going to a special event like this, with people like this, but it was the first time she'd come alone and not for a job.  Normally she would be here as Bella' daughter... or here to be hired for a job.  Never was she the center of attention in this way, men and women whispering about who she was ... who her family was... and one hundred other rumors that made for good party gossip.

Aurora lifted her chin and ignored them all.  Let the sheep talk.  What did lions care for the concerns of prey.

"Champagne?"  The waiter offered.

Aurora took the glass but did not drink it.  Charlie tipped the man without missing a beat and Aurora strode down among the little people who could only stare at her in awe and envy.  She'd mingle while she waited for 7pm to come.

As promised.  Your rain check.  Black tie affair.  Time for you to see the best the city has to offer, my treat.  Bring this ticket with you and meet me at the track at 7pm.  Bring pocket money to gamble, or let me take care of you. Either way is fine.  I figure I owe you for the first date anyway so... let me make it up to you tonight.  Can't wait to see you again.  

-AB

Silvio read the note with a raised eyebrow, then left it on the desk as he headed to shower and break out his tuxedo. Aurora Byrne was a fascinating young woman, and he supposed he had to admit to being a very willing fish on her line. Exiting the shower in a bathrobe, he called the dancer he'd originally had plans with for the evening and explained that he had a family emergency come up. Returning the phone to it's cradle, he began to dress. The hair was arrayed, the stubble was trimmed, and the tuxedo went on like armor. His silver plated Beretta, gleaming but never fired, went into his holster. Winking at himself in the mirror, he whisked himself out of the room with his hands in his pockets.

Half an hour later, he arrived at the track and made his way up to the top floor. He winked at the security guard as he strolled by, and was immediately stopped by two other guards with their hands on their guns. Silvio raised his hands like he was the victim of a stick up as he glanced around the room, finally making eye contact with Aurora.

"Signorina Bruciare! What excellent timing. These gentlemen believe I do not have a ticket. A ha."

He spoke under his breath.

"Ah, please do not shoot me. No pew pew, no?"

Aurora wanted to shrink away and hide instead, she pushed herself forward, "Gentlemen."  She said with a smile.  "Thank you for finding my date.  I was beginning to worry."

She kissed both of Silvio's cheeks, one hand resting on his chest the other on his hip.

"Come on Silvio, let's take a walk around the room and decide on which horse we're going to bet a ridiculous amount of my money."  She looped her arm into his and as they walked she spoke in a lower voice.

"You certainly know how to make an entrance.  I'm sorry I didn't give you more warning about this second date... but the idea struck and I figured why to wait?"  She ignored Charlie who kept a respectable distance from them but was obviously following their movements closely.

"Besides, considering how we met, I assumed you might enjoy a night of gambling."

Silvio grinned at the security guards. He'd already seen four possible ways of sneaking into the place... but why work when you didn't have to?

"I could have snuck in, of course, since I can sneak in anywhere. But I figured that since the eyes of every person in this place would be on you for the evening, there was no point in me trying to remain anonymous. Do you know much about thoroughbreds? Or will you be relying on your natural luck, as I am?"

They walked arm in arm through the gala.

"Gambling would be magnifico. I will do my best to avoid getting put into handcuffs, unless you are the one with the key."

He smirked. 

"Can I assume the gentleman following us is someone working for you? Otherwise, he is in love with you. Or me."

"Charlie."  She said his name and the bodyguard perked up.  "He used to work for my Billy.  He works for me now, very loyal and dedicated and discreet.  He won't be dismissed like my dear Neil was the other night."

She gave Charlie the barest hint of a nod and looked back to Silvio, "But he's well aware of his place.  I assure you.  He's here for my protection from those who want to do me harm,"  She leaned in closed to whisper, "Not those who want to give me pleasure."

She gave Silvio a wink.

"And no... I don't know shit about horses.  I pick them by the best names.  Shall we look over the roster of who is in the race first or hit up the tables?"

Silvio raised an eyebrow. This bodyguard liked to watch, eh? And "he won't be dismissed". We will see.

"Ah, you are lucky to have so many men interested in guarding your body and keeping their eyes on you, no?"

He swiped a glass of red wine from a waiter walking briskly by and took a few sips before leaving it on a table.

"Let us look at the horses first. That seems quicker."

Silvio looked thoughtful as they moved through the crowd.

"The last time... I must have said something or you must have thought something to decide to leave so quickly, no? Keep your secrets if you'd like, of course, but may I ask what happened? If only out of my own self interest so you don't go running away from me again?"

Silvio smirked, teasing her but genuinely curious.

"You pointed out that I was being an ass for not being with my family while they are grieving.  Keeping myself from them and my pain a secret... it wasn't the right thing to do.  I'd ditched a phone call from them to take our drive.  I knew they'd worry, but I did it anyway and I felt bad."

She looked into Silvio's eyes, "You're not the only one with rules you live by.  I have some too and one of the most important has to do with my family.  I couldn't break it.  I had to fix things.  Immediately."

She looked over the roster of horses running and the odds on each.

1. Gallant Knight
2. Pharaoh's Son
3. Jimminy Cricket
4. Leap of Faith
5. Serendipity
6. Autumn Gem
7. White Ginger
8. Silver Blade
9. Last Tango
10. Calvary Charge

Aurora looked over the names and the information on each horse and rider, but it meant little to her really.  It was always the names.  Her eyes lingered on one name.

"Last Tango."  She said.  "I'll bet on that one I think."

She swallowed.  

"It feels lucky to me.  What do you think?  Anyone standing out for you?"

Silvio smirked.

"I suppose I should have saved that analysis for the next morning, no? But... I am glad I could help, even a little. Unfortunately, that is an area I have some experience in. My father died- my mother did not deal with it particularly well."

He shrugged, swiping another glass of wine and deciding to keep this one.

"But that is not a story for a woman wearing a dress like yours. Besides, I am afraid to speak. Any comment could send you sprinting off as quickly as these horses."

Squinting, he studied the names and picked immediately.

"Leap of Faith."

He paused, not questioning his choice.

"Perhaps we could have a private head to head wager as to who finishes first? Some sort of game or reward, if you have any ideas?"

The bet called up memories of her games with Billy.  His handkerchiefs.  Truth or Dare.  Her eyes became sad as she realized that never again would she see that goofy grin on his face as he flaunted his trophy beneath the gaze of an unknowing public.  

She tried not to look at Charlie, but she couldn't help it.  She expected him to be looking at her, but he wasn't, he was watching the room just as he should have been.  

Perhaps it's me who will have more problems for Charlie's presence than Charlie will have over Silvio's.

And then Aurora did something she seldom ever did, a second time in a week and a second time with the same man.  She lied.  "I don't care for games of that sort between lovers.  If you want something Silvio, I'm more than happy to have you just ask for it."

She knew it sounded worse than she meant it.  She sighed.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound so harsh.  My mind wandered, that's all."  She wet her lips.  "Tell you what, if my horse beats yours, I want a chance to play with your gun.  Hold it, look it over, fire it.  She's lovely and I'd definitely would enjoy hearing the sound of her voice at least once or twice.

Silvio, when playing poker or courting a woman, always tried to watch the eyes as much as possible. A wise man had once said that the eyes were the window to the soul, and Silvio agreed with this. Pursuing Aurora Byrne was like chasing a nymph through a minefield; there were seemingly many things that could remind her of the fresh loss of her love.

"Of course. No games."

And no dancing. And no breakfast. 

"A wandering mind is not a crime. I must confess that your dress has made my mind wander several times in the last... seven seconds or so. You can play with Silvio's gun as much as you want. I have been told that it is a singular piece; most people, even experts, have never seen one quite like it before."

"You have a passion for guns, then? And you easily dispatched my former associates at my poker game. Your are suspiciously excellent, Signorina Bruciare. Who taught you how to fight?"

And where were they when Silvio was growing up?

"Who didn't?"  She said with a smile and so began the first real outpouring of information and freely expressed dialog which had come from Aurora.  She hadn't talked about anything so much as she liked talking about this: Race Street.

At first it was just a few people, her parents and Uncle Will Bowden, the legendary boxer , but talk of Will lead to talk of Purgatory and the men and women who trained there like Aunt Eleonora, led to talk of Aunt Tara and that lead to talk of Grandpa Jack.  That, of course, was when information exploded from her. 

She spoke about the magical places of her childhood, where she learned to fight, Race Street Pier and the hidden forest gem inside Philly - Hollowood, which she laughed as she explained, "No one calls it that but Mom, my Dad and I call it Hollowpoint."

For a short while, Aurora was lost in the stories her idyllic, if unusual, childhood full of hardened mobsters who had been nothing more than loving Aunts and Uncles to her.   Funny anecdotes about learning things which no reasonable child should be learning really... and yet, to hear her tell the tale it was the happiest and most normal thing in the world. 

After placing sizable bets on Last Tango and Leap of Faith, Aurora took them to find a seat.  Reaching under her dress to pull out her knife and show it off, explaining how she'd got her first one for Christmas at seven and learned to fight as well as any man by nine!  She bragged about long hours with her father on the end of a gun perfecting her skills with weapons because as she put it, "I'm the daughter of the man they call the Wolf of Race Street... I couldn't be a disappointment with weapons."

She talked about coming to respect the tool as an extension of herself when working... but always remembering that it went in a box when the work was done.  "My father's most valuable lesson to me." 

At the end of the day, she knew the price of a life with a gun, the conversation was slowly moving that way - her eyes became less sparkling as it did and her voice a little sad.  It was then her hand rested protectively above her womb as she said,  "I hope I'm as good a parent one day as mine were to me.  It never mattered to them that I didn't come from their flesh and blood, that I had been someone else's at first; they loved me and made me theirs.  And I hope I can love my children as fiercely."

Her voice trailed off and only the barest hints of the happiness that Silvio had mined out of her seemed to remain in her amber eyes, guttering like a dying candle flame.

Speaking with Aurora Byrne was like picking a lock- fortunately, Silvio was a master lockpick. The stakes were high; say the wrong thing and a shadow of grief and pain crossed her face... or perhaps he'd even run the risk of sending her scurrying off again. But, say the right thing? And it was like opening a bank vault.

As he asked her about fighting, Silvio felt some of her walls come down and he decided to simply enjoy her company, her story, and his wine as he listened. He occasionally asked a clarifying question or made a wry comment, but he largely let Aurora simply share her story. 

He sighed on hearing about this "Wolf of Race Street". Why was he destined to romance the daughters of deadly men? Or was it rather simply that he romanced many women, and some girls had deadly fathers? He shunted the question aside- a debate for another day.

"You had a strange and wonderful childhood, Rora. Essentially the opposite of my own with regard to the level of excitement. My father was a merchant; he ran a small shop a few blocks away from the Piazza San Marco where he sold luxurious imports to the locals and well crafted local goods to the tourists. My mother worked as an tutor of English for the children of the wealthy, and she of course imparted this knowledge to me as well. I had a peaceful, boring childhood until, well, that sort of thing can't last forever can it? It ended, as all things must, and I found myself thieving and gambling to survive. I had built a new life for myself, and I was content, and then I lost that as well- although at least I can say I lost that in the pursuit of beauty. Losing something for a higher cause, you at least have some solace, but you cannot say that about quel cazzo di drago, cancro. But what else is there to say? We make ourselves a new life, and do what we can to enjoy ourselves and find meaning in the new world. You will do this; I know it."

This beautiful young woman had suffered, was suffering. She grappled with titans and what could a mere mortal do against them? Silvio knew this all too well. He watched her hand move to her torso as she spoke of parenthood, and he reached out and squeezed her hand; it was the only non-sexual contact Silvio had initiated with her. Well, at least for a moment, until his thumb started caressing the back of her hand. As they watched the horses line up, Silvio held her hand with a soft touch, the way a person strokes a cat.

"You will be a wonderful mother, I'm sure. If you never give up on them, then you will never fail. And Rora, it seems to me that you do everything fiercely."

He smirked.

"Well, at least I can imagine. Ah, the horses are ready."

The race was thrilling; both Silvio and Aurora found themselves standing and cheering as they were lost in the excitement of the moment. Silver Blade and Gallant Knight started out strong, but Last Tango and Leap of Faith were both moving up on the outside during the middle of the race. Silver Blade faded and down the homestretch it was Gallant Knight, Last Tango, and Leap of Faith. It was a close finish, but Gallant Knight crossed the line first, followed by Leap of Faith, then Last Tango.

As the crowd exploded in cheers, Silvio took advantage of his moment of anonymity to lean forward and kiss Rora. It was unplanned, but he was seized with the urge to do it, and he was not in the habit of denying his urges. It was not a quick peck nor a hungry act, but the sort of savoring kiss that one gives to a lover after having thoroughly ravished them as they lie tangled in their sheets and sweat, panting with satisfaction. It seemed like it lasted for ten minutes, but when Silvio and Rora finally opened their eyes everyone was still cheering, so it must not have been that long. There are many things that one can control when kissing a woman: the placement of the lips, the strong but un-boorish use of the tongue, the placement of the hands, one's breathing, the rhythm... but the truly great kisses were the ones that transcended those factors and contained a moment of pure exhilaration. The stars simply align. As the stars aligned, at least for this particular moment, above Aurora and Silvio, he found himself silent in appreciation. 

He also found himself energized, as he hoped Rora had as well. There was something to be said for the symbolism of that moment, surrounded by the cheers and excitement of hundreds of strangers: it was Life that had surrounded them and permeated them. Life with all of its chaos and competition and winning and losing- they'd fed on the energy of the crowd like vampires.

Silvio took Rora's hand and raised her knuckles to his soft lips.

"Fuck poker. We can play poker any time. Today is our day. Let's eat this fancy food- then come with me? I have an idea. It is... a little strange. But it is something I would like to share with you."

Aurora looked at her hand as he took hold of it, and as he stroke her skin something in her softened for just an instant.  It wasn't the same happiness that she'd shown talking about Race Street, but it was something warmer than her usual demeanor with him.  Her eyes, held onto his for a moment as his words echo'd Bella's final words to her and for a moment she was left to wonder if Bella had brought Silvio to her.  Before she could say anything, however, he changed the topic to the horses and she turned to the track - only occasionally looking at him out of the side of her eyes with a new gaze... silently considering.

When the race ended and he came for her lips, Aurora let the tides of passion pull her out into the moment completely and she returned his kiss with equal sincerity.  In part in gratitude for him not being the obvious and two-dimensional lover she had cast him as in her life, an in part because there was something there that hadn't been there a moment ago.  The hint of something, something more than lust and a desire to not think about her pain and Aurora was hungry for anything that felt like life again.  Heedless of what it might lead to, Aurora imagined her arms spread wide and throwing herself from a cliff towards whatever this thing with Silvio might be and it felt good.  She was nervous and lusty, eager and hopeful all at once.

As he kissed her hand she stared into his eyes and found the air again.  Her smile came so much easier now as her heartbeat quickened to a runner's pace.  Colors that seemed muted a moment ago when she closed her eyes to kiss him seemed a bit brighter now and as she considered what they'd do for a third date, Aurora realized she was thinking more than a day ahead.  She was planning.  Life hadn't paused or ended...

There's hope.

Silvio spoke, "Fuck poker. We can play poker any time. Today is our day. Let's eat this fancy food- then come with me? I have an idea. It is... a little strange. But it is something I would like to share with you."  

Aurora nodded, happy to let someone else lead, happy to follow instead of being the one who carry the burdens of decision even ones this small.  Right now, in this moment, for the first time in her whole life she felt as small and everyone saw her.  She wanted to be carried away and as Silvio lead her to a table to eat she found herself feeling flush - her eyes locked on him.  Charlie, forgotten in the small trickle of white light that had pierced her darkness so keenly.

Dinner was put before them, sliced London broil with a mushroom merlot jus, herb marinated chicken breast with mushrooms in bourbon sauce; but even as men and women in black ties made conversation with and around her, Aurora could only focus on one thing: Silvio.  She pondered his eyes, the feel of his hand occasionally covering hers on the table, the ease with which he conversed with people he did not know - so much like William.  How she envied them both.  Every man laughed with Silvio and wished to be him and it was clear that more than a few women wanted to be with him even as he continued to give her small shows of affection for all the world to see.

It was nice not to have to say anything.  It was a comfort to listen to happy people be happy, and she didn't find herself feeling half so alone as she expected.  Instead, she laughed at a few jokes and managed to not say anything that pissed anyone off too much which was great progress from previous attempts at being a socialite.  Maybe all those stupid diplomacy errands her mother sent her on, maybe they weren't a waste of time and maybe she wasn't lying... perhaps they had helped her.  No.  They had.  Rora was sure of it.

Her mom would have been proud.

As dinner concluded and dancing began Aurora was glad that Silvio had other plans for them and so she quickly tried to push for a polite exit from their new companions.  While it might be in her best interest to start making inroads with low-level city officials, Aurora had no mind for it tonight.  No energy either.  There was only one thing she intended to put effort into tonight and as she looped her arm in his and gave him a gentle indication that she wanted to go - he made the most smooth exit she'd ever seen anyone do.  It would have left William's head swimming.

Out the door they went, shadowed only by Charlie who had watched it all and had done just as he promised - he'd remained invisible. 

"So... what's this plan of yours?"  She asked.

Silvio enjoyed dinner, and he did his best to savor the meal and keep the conversation moving, but it was hard not to stay focused on Rora. He used his skills as a conversationalist to include her without forcing her participation, as it seemed she was content to simply relax. Still, she snuck in several comments that had obviously charmed the man sitting next to her. 

With a flourish of conversation, punctuated with the punchline of his second best joke, he spun Aurora away from the laughing crowd. 

As they made their way out to the crowd, he found himself smiling at Aurora as his new default.

"Tell me- and promise not to groan if the answer is no. Have you ever seen an opera?"

Aurora nodded.  "My Aunt Tara took me to a few when I was young.  I was a poor audience really.  I think I might have fallen asleep during one or two, but in my defense so did my father."  

She actually laughed at the memory.

"But I'm not stranger to culture... why have you secreted away an entire opera troop to perform for me?"  She arched an eyebrow.  "Perhaps they are hiding under that jacket of yours?  Or behind my ear and like a magician you'll pull them out and command a performance?"

Her voice was lighter, she was genuinely attempting to be playful and it didn't feel *as* strange as it had.  She was a timid skater going out onto the ice for the first time, praying it wasn't too thin and all going to fall in under her.

Silvio smirked.

"Ah, you forget. With a couple fairly large exceptions, Destiny is always kind to me. My good man, take us to the opera house downtown."

Charlie looked back at Aurora with a question in his eyes: Should I tell him? Or will you? Silvio realized this as he sighed.

"I forgot. I am living in a city built by uncultured pig dogs. We must go to Los Angeles then. The airport, si?"

Aurora nodded, and Silvio grinned at Charlie as the car pulled away. As they rode together Silvio and Aurora had the dawning realization, as some new acquaintances do, that there was no pressure on each other to fill silences with inane prattle. They spoke when they had something to say, answering questions or commenting, but the silences between them were comfortable. After getting caught once again glancing at her in the flash of a passing streetlight, Silvio realized he'd forgotten something

"Signore della sicurezza- I am taking out my gun to show the lady! Please do not redecorate the interior of this lovely car with my blood."

Popping his eyebrows twice, Silvio removed his gun. It was a Beretta M1934 with gleaming silver plating. Aurora held it up and it reflected every streetlight they passed. It was a smaller gun than her M1911, and it had less stopping power... but it was a nice little gun. Although this one seemed in mint condition.

"It is beautiful, no?"

LA.  Well, she had wanted to go see Katherine.  Maybe this would be her chance.  Poor Neil and Oscar wouldn't be happy about this... but, they could fly back tonight... right?  She would?  Wouldn't she?  If she stayed over with him then there would be a morning together.  Aurora wasn't ready for that, she knew she wasn't.  She'd have to find an excuse to leave or sneak out and leave him a note.  Though... after tonight, she felt like that might be a terrible thing to do.  She wasn't sure she had it in her to sneak out for a walk of shame.

Aurora took the gun from Silvio with a small smirk.  "Better be careful with that sort of talk or we'll have two guys with me next time... one to drive and one to watch for you whipping your piece out."

She ran her fingers along the barrel and opened it up to verify it was as pristine as it appeared.

"You haven't fired this?  Not even once?"

Silvio smirked.

"I have not had to. I prefer to avoid confrontation. And if someone challenges me, I remove my very shiny gun... and they assume a man who owns such a gun must be a threat. Well, either that or they simply respect guns in general. Either way, Silvio wins."

Silvio had never thought he would live in a city that lacked an opera house, but that was just one more painful reminder of his exile from Venezia. He was beaming as he, Rora, and Charlie boarded the small plane. Rora's connections got them in the air almost immediately. As Las Vegas grew smaller beneath them, Silvio scowled out the window.

"Addio, buca di sabbia!"

Still, his eyes lingered on the lights of The Strip... it did have it's own unique charms. Although not nearly as much as the woman sitting across from him. Charlie had retreated to sit up with the pilot, leaving Aurora and Silvio alone. They continued to talk. Silvio, ignorant of all qualities except aesthetics, had asked about guns and he found Aurora to be a veritable treasure trove of information. The plane began to descend just a few minutes after it stopped climbing, and soon Silvio was at the window again. After all, it was only the second time he was on a plane, and the first time that he wasn't fleeing from the city he'd spent his entire life. As the plane taxied onto the runway, Aurora and Silvio soon found themselves descending and climbing into a cab. 

In retrospect, it was fortunate that the event at the track had been an early one; Silvio and Aurora arrived just a few moments before the curtain came up. If Silvio had considered how rarely the San Francisco Opera visited Los Angeles, he would have felt even more fortunate- or perhaps just chalked that up to destiny as well. Due to their tardiness, the only seats remaining were those in the back of the theater or a private box. Silvio was in the process of counting the money in his wallet when he realized Aurora had already paid. 

The private box could sit up to eight, but the ushers had removed the excess chairs; Charlie took his outside the door, knowing that there was only one way in. The box was high up and close to the stage; when Silvio or Aurora leaned back, it seemed as if the entire performance was just for them. They settled into their seats and Silvio shrugged off his jacket, loosened his tie, and rolled up his sleeves. The lights flickered and finally went out as Silvio rested his arm around Aurora.

The opera was... actually funny. It told the story of Nemerino, a peasant in love with the cultured and beautiful Adina, who seems to enjoy torturing him.

During an early moment in the show, the lovestruck Nemerino gazes upon Adina.

How beautiful she is, how elegant she is!/
The more I see of her, the more I like/
But in that heart I am not capable/
of inspiring mild affection./
It reads, studies, learns .../
I have nothing to do with it.../
I am always a fool.../
I do not know what to sigh./
Who is the mind on my mind?/
Who teaches me to make me love?

Competing for Adina's affections with the braggadocios Sergeant Belcore, Nemerino decides to visit Dr. Dulcamara, a fraud selling miracle cures. Spending a fortune on a "love potion", which is really just a bottle of cheap wine, Nemerino goes to meet with Adina. Nemerino's newfound confidence (and level of intoxication) force Adina to question whether she has feelings for him; by the end of the evening, Nemerino seems so confident that Adina will love him that she takes a drastic step to prove him wrong: by planning to marry Belcore. 

Nemerino tracks down Dulcamara again on the day of Adina's wedding; the young man is so desperate for a more powerful love potion that he has joined with the army for his 'signing bonus'. Having signed his military contract, Nemerino rushes off to purchase his new love potion.

Meanwhile, the women of the village have heard rumors that Nemerino's uncle died and left him a fortune. Nemerino, now freshly intoxicated by his even stronger love potion/wine, makes his way toward Adina- but all the young women of the village throw themselves at him. Not knowing about his inheritance, Nemerino simply assumes the potion is working. Adina, meanwhile, learns from Dulcamara the truth about Nemerino spending every cent he has on potions to win her love and realizes she loves him back. Dulcamara tries to sell her a potion as well, but Adina is quite confident in her own powers of attraction.

In the end, Adina arrives having purchased back Nemerino's military contract and they learn of the depth of their love for each other- and then they learn of his inheritance. Belcore shrugs and moves on, while Dulcamara sees this as proof of his elixir and tries to sell it to the rest of the village. As the villagers hail Dulcamara a most excellent doctor, the curtain falls.