Sophia simply hummed into her drink, not denying his point, but making no effort to share more, either. Instead, she took this chance to subtly assess Demspey while he spoke. Where did this man come from? she wondered. Most dress to impress at the ballet, though a few eccentric stylistic choices certainly evoked son of not-starving artists. The hand that would bear a wedding band tucked in his pocket, was that on purpose? Though presently unaccompanied, it's doubtful he attended the ballet alone. Did he approach her on a whim after all, or did her reputation precede her? He was much more genteel than her average strange encounter - was it that he didn't know, or didn't care?

An urgent need to correct him broke her thoughts, however. Sophia's half-suppressed laugh cut into his sentence just as he finished. "Oh Mister Dempsey, I don't have a manager. I cannot be managed." Did the glitter of amusement in her eyes convey a hint of warning? Maybe. Of course, there's no way he would know the nature of her business partnership with the dance company owner, and she wouldn't fault him for it.

"Though you have a point, unexpected spontaneous combustions tend to be bad for business," the brunette smirked. She had taken a coy step closer to his right side, her move affording a quick glance around the room. Engaging conversation as it was, she couldn't skirt her duties for very much longer.

"I'm afraid that I should really make my rounds," Sophia began, allowing a suggestion of disappointment to seep into her voice. Moving a hair closer to speak more covertly, "Sadly, not all gentlemen here are as polite as you, and not all my dancers are in a position to refuse. I'm very protective of them, and so I should keep my eye on things." She lingered a fraction of a second longer than she should have, sensing something she could simply not place about this man, something that stood up hairs on the back of her neck. He... reminded her of something. Sophia's breath warmed his cheek as she tried to understand, but as quickly as the sensation came, it was gone. The woman stepped back, looking at Mister Dempsey rather curiously.  

"I won't presume that you have the time to linger," she offered thoughtfully, "Though I would welcome your company, if you'd like?" At best, perhaps he might let her in on who she ought to be worried about. At worst, they might depart, though she had the sneaking suspicion she might see him around again.

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