Lionel has been looking for a chance to talk to Val all afternoon, but the opportunity just hasn't presented itself. There were the pesky wasps, some dramatic freshman, her boat ride with Armani, etc. Val has been busy, naturally. She still is in fact -- engaged in a conversation with Cedar of all people, the walking, talking bad luck charm -- but Lionel approaches her nevertheless. The event is winding down. There might not be another chance.

"Hello," he interrupts. "Can I talk to you about something?" Then to Cedar, not unkind, "Alone."