Who: Broadway and Apollo When: Late night Where: A Cabaret near the Theatre District
The Eleven O'Clock Number was probably Rose's favorite part of any show. It was always a showstopper, and yet more reserved than the boisterous Act One finale. When doing single-night gigs like these, she chose her final song of the evening well, because it would always leave the audience wanting more, and that's what kept them coming back. Thus, after the penultimate "Don't Rain On My Parade" was over and done with, her fans clapping and whistling at her, a much slower tune rang out from the band behind her.
There wasn't much instrumental prologue to "What I Did For Love," so it was just a few moments before Rose began singing softly, "Kiss the day goodbye, the sweetness and the sorrow. Wish me luck, same to you. But I won't forget, what I did for love..."
She held the microphone in both hands, her glistening eyes sweeping the audience, the look in them conveying the emotions that the song required. Her hair was styled in cascading golden curls around her face, her midnight blue dress sporting the style that made a girl's neckline the most elegant and cut off just above the knee, showing off just enough of her legs before they disappeared into sparkling white heels that matched the pendant she wore around her neck. Rose was certainly lovely to look at, and she prided herself at being the belle of the ball.
The song's last few fading notes led into a wave of applause. Rose played the coy performer, smiling sweetly while pretending to be just slightly overwhelmed by the positive response. With a final, "Thank you, you all have been wonderful tonight!" She moved down the steps and off the stage, receiving scattered "Fantastic job!" remarks as she made her way to the bar counter, slipping onto a stool. After the band began playing another number and people were back in their own little worlds, she let some of her pretense drop and let out a sigh, looking at the bartender, "Apple martini, if you would." She propped one elbow up onto the counter, resting her chin on an open palm.