Chapter 8: show time

I take my place next to Erika near the center of the main lobby.

The clock strikes 7pm. Erika gives the signal to open the doors and people

Of all variety come pouring in.

Once the majority of the crowed has entered gathering near the center of the room Erika taps her little cordless microphone.

Erika: ladies and gents, we would like to thank you for joining us this evening and welcome you...

Erika clicks a button on the remote in her hand which sends an intricately mobile Phoenix sculpture down from the ceiling.

Erika: to The Phoenix.

The crowd aws watching as the giant metal and crystal bird floats down with motion like a real bird coming to a stop several feet off the ground.

Erika: like the Phoenix, art is always being reborn. Representing life, death, re. birth. All While Capturing moments in time. We hope you enjoy.

Many of the crowd still Stand in aw of the flying mobile sculpture. While others start to slowly disperse into other directions.

Paul and Annabelle come up to say hello and congratulate me.

Willow: Paul, Annabelle it's so good to see you.

Annabelle: The sculpture turned out so beautifully Willow.

Willow: Thank you Annabelle. How are you feeling.

Annabelle: Much better dear. The new heart medications are working well.

Paul: A little too well. This woman doesn't no the meaning of rest.

Annabelle playfully slaps Paul's chest

Annabelle: What can I say I am an Italian woman.

Paul: Yeah you are.

Paul kisses Annabelle like a newly wed and it warms my heart to see such love for a couple that have been together as long as they have. Annabelle breaks the kiss noticing Liam's hand gripping my hip possessively.

Annabelle: Willow?

She gives a raised brow while looking from his hand to his face and back to mine.

Willow: This is Liam my bodyguard.

Liam reaches around with his free hand to shake hands with Annabelle and Paul.

Paul: Is everything ok Willow you know I know people who know people.

I let out a giggle.

Willow: Everything is fine Paul. Thank you.

Annabelle eyes Liam. Then her smile widens.

Annabelle: Come dear.

As the night moves along many people mostly strangers come to meet and congratulate me, and each time they do Liam leans in assuring me he is still there.

Willow: Want to take a break from your bodyguard duties and come with me?

Liam: Id go anywhere with you.

I take Liam on a personal tour. Leading him up stairs to my favorite painting hidden away in a small hall.

I stand by his side watching him as he takes in the painting.

It's of a lake at night with the image of a full pale blue moon and a light blue Phoenix casting a darker fiery red reflection in the water.

Liam: Beautiful

Liam whispers as he interlocks his fingers through mine.

I glance over to find him looking at me and immediately I blush. He holds his stare piercing my very soul warming my heart and other regions of my body.