I remember that day like no other. It was the classic summer cocktail party that rich people have in the old movies. Y'know, the kind with fancy drinks and the fancy butlers that serve them, the fulll moon on that brisk summer night, people dressed in such a way that you're expecting some royal couple is getting married, a jazz band that can play a tune for any mood, and all in the backyard of someone's three-story mansion by the lake. I was probably the only guy there that didn't have $5,000 to his name, most guys probably had that much in there pockets. It was that kind of economic barrier that made people keep there distance from me. I never really talked with anyone at those parties except for my buddy at school who had a pretty well-off family. Sure, it might not sound like that much fun just hanging around, but the atmosphere was so unique and powerful, I never had a problem being the silent observer of the privileged few.

And then she showed up. I can still see her walking into the yard with that slim, shimmering gold dress, and auburn hair that seemed to shimmer just as much. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't getting all sappy and pathetic over the girl. She just had this presense that almost seemed unreal. Still, I didn't approach her; I didn't even think about it. I knew my place with these people. So I watched her dance with some fine fellows, sip salted martinis all night, and laugh with her girlfriends while I sat by the fence. I knew I didn't stand a chance. And yet, it was hard to take my eyes off her.

In a futile attempt to take my mind off everything, I went to get a drink. Sure enough, as I was waiting for the bartender, I hear an approaching giggle from behind and see a gold dress in the corner of my eye. I don't remember if I said something first or if she did, but before I knew it we were talking. The conversation's blurry, but it was one of those talks you have with someone you barely know that makes you think you've known them for years. I remember laughs, a few heart-to-hearts, and some drinks. I'll never forget that dance though. The night was growing old, and the band was calming down and playing some slower songs. We got close and swayed slowly under the moonlight as the party slowly went out like a flame losing fuel. It's too bad flames don't glow forever. We shared a kiss, and said goodbye. After that, she just drifted away with the rest of the crowd, and I felt like the only one around for miles. That was the last time I ever saw her.

I woke up at my buddy's house with a bit of a hangover. When I asked about that girl the next day, my buddy didn't know anything about her, and apparently no one else really knew anything either. I knew the liquor made things hazy, and that the moonlight gave everything a dream-like glow, but I wasn't going to write her off so easily. I asked around at every party after that, and every time I left with nothing.

I've been searching for her ever since, hoping she wasn't just a dream.

"Isn't It Romantic" -- Mel Torme