“Why do you think what you have to say is not important?” He leaned toward her and placed his palm over her tightly clasped hands.  Her desperate glance around the table made her palms sweat and her heart race.  No, this was not what she wanted. It was evident the conversation had stopped mid-sentence while all eyes rested on her.  “I-I’m just listening”, her voice quivered.  It was her boyfriend’s cast party and he was suppose to be the center of attention. Isn’t that why he left her alone among strangers to mingle with his peers in the gourmet kitchen?  Ultimately, the company of actors in the adjoining room gathered in obscurity around the butcher-block island sipping micro brews and California wine. Muffled laughter and relentless teasing could be heard between leading characters as murmurs of infatuations filled the air.  Apparently they were swapping inside stories that confirmed the longer-than-necessary kisses exchanged onstage.  “More than a peck!”, someone grumbled.  “And wet”, another snickered.  “Admittedly it was French!”, a female voice confessed. Suddenly a slap on the back was heard in good fellowship and the troupe dispersed.