In the presence of strangers
Little, warm bulbs line the floor downstage of the performers and parcans shine on their prize. Beneath them, Elijah ambles into view. Until now Neesha has been wooing the crowd alone. She, with her dark eyes and her naked honesty, her hot gaze flitting around the room. Whether or not she has been able to make out their faces is anyone’s guess, the lights are bright. Her practiced expression is frank, faintly smug and unquestionably engaging. In joining her, Elijah comes to rest behind her....