Chapter 44 - A Real Comedian

As my stylist was getting me ready for the opening of the event I looked at myself in the mirror. The girl looking back at me was straight-faced. She looked calm and unwavering. Her face smooth like nothing bothered her.

I wish I could say it was the same for the girl internally. I was very nervous. Even more than I was for my jewelry's latest collection drop. The tickets for the first day was sold out so we were expecting a full house. I was not nervous for meeting people or the event not going well.

Rather I was partly nervous for the installation itself. Prior to even submitting anything I research how other pieces of this nature were secured to ensure nothing would be stolen as well as damage and maintenance. I incorporated as much as possible but I was worried for things I may not have thought about.

Personally if the dress or suit got stolen that would not be a major issue as I insured it. I also placed tracking inside so we could find it easily. I was worried if it fell on someone due to either cleaning it or trying to take it.

The stones individually did not weigh much but together were incredibly heavy.

Another small part of me worried if my submission would be ok against the other artists Dean selected. Logically I am only in this to uphold a lie, but I did not want to make that fact obvious. If my work was not up to par, people may suspect my inclusion in the first place.

"Are your parents coming as well?" Gina asked. I was always very thankful growing up having parents who made every effort to be there for every event or milestone I had in life. It was not uncommon amongst my colleagues to have the secretary or nanny be there in place for the parents. When you wanted to work your way up the social ladder even family can take the backseat.

Though this was the other part of my nervous sentiments. Not necessarily because I did not want my parents to join in on the fun but rather because I was not sure how they would be hanging around Deans family.

The best analogy I could think of for their relationship is that Deans family is like the mighty eagle ruling the skies while my family are like prideful lions ruling the land. Each has their own domain that live side by side and seldom interact.

I was aware my mom and Deans mom had some type of friendship when they were younger but it has long since turned into a frenemies situation.

"Yeah." I hummed in response. Right now my parents own stylist team were working on them. Soon enough we were all dressed and about to head out.

"One second Celeste let me respray your bangs." To keep my bangs from moving we sprayed hairspray on them to make them more stiff.

"Ok all set! Meet you guys there just gonna clean up a bit and pickup my partner." I ensured she had her tickets before leaving with my parents. My mother was dressed beautifully in a white pantsuit. Her dark hair was pinned away from her face while the rest cascaded down her back. My dad was wearing a crisp formal white button up with black slacks. His fiery hair sleeked back with a few unruly strands framing his face.

We headed over to the venue and a sense of nostalgia hit me. I was reminded of those times when I was little attending everything with my parents.

The exhibition venue was very different from last night. Before the parking lot was filled with large trucks moving in equipment as well as staff personal vehicles. Now it was filled with vehicles of the guests as well as the outside of the venue having all the signage and decorations put up.

"You ready honey?" My parents smiled at me and a small twinge of guilt nipped my heart. 'Hopefully this is the only lie I tell them from now on.' I adjusted my own outfit and smooth my hair a bit. "Yes lets go."

The event had yet to start and I left my parents to go open the exhibition with Dean. He had us meet at the back entrance of the hall. He was dressed in a black long sleeve button up and matching pants. Though he wore some Nike dunks for his shoes. Though the event was not meant to be formal we kept the dress code semi-formal. I tended to lean more formal anyways.

"Ok doll face you ready?"

Ah. I forgot he was retiring princess. "What made you land on doll face?" I asked ensuring he heard the irritation in my voice despite my face not showing it. He laughed and clapped his hands. "I happened to be watching a movie last night which inspired it. It was the movie Grease. The way they spoke in the movie was funny and you always remind me of a doll. That face of yours is like a doll. Small and dainty and makes only one expression."

He laughed again, his eyes twinkling in mirth over the cleverness of his reasoning. "Funny. We've got a real comedian on our hands."

I rolled my eyes before closing them for a bit and pinching my nose bridge. "Lets get this over with so I have one less thing to think about today."

He stopped though his smile remained on his face. "Lets go." We walked over to the entrance and welcomed everyone in.

I thought the day would drag but miraculously it started and ended quickly. I kept a close watch on my family but they never crossed paths with Deans which was lucky. With the hustle and bustle we were nearing the time where we would close for the day.

"Miss D'Angelo? Hello!" I turned abruptly to a older man who wore a Hawaiian shirt and tan slacks. "The name is Thomas Rudd, I am the head editor in Charter Magazine. I stopped by to congratulate you on the success of the first day."

Charter Magazine. My interview with them was not for another week but I guess he really wanted to ensure I did not back out. "Pleasure to be acquainted, I look forward to the interview in the next few days."

"Glad to hear it!" His boisterous voice boomed out. "I would stay longer to chat but I have to head back. I am not too sure if you saw our email about the potential questions? Let us know if we should exclude anything. Looking forward to your interview." He waved off and walked towards the exit.

"So old guys do wear Hawaiian shirts huh?" Dean pulled up from behind and looked at Mr. Rudd quizzically while he sucked on a lollipop. "Don't be rude, his company is interviewing me soon but I hope it goes well. Did I tell you who is my interviewer?"

He nodded no. His brows furrowing as he mentally tried to guess what I will say.

"Sol Banks."