“I sent a press release with your photo. They knew to look for you when you pulled up! Gage wanted you on the news. I’ll have to tell him so he can arrange something else. Did you go through the reception in the lobby? Gage has a full bar and hors d'oeuvres,” she said, pushing the door back open as she hooked a thumb over her shoulder toward the hundreds of people milling out front.
“What?” he asked, stepping farther inside the gallery. Seeing the large gathering of people out there made him too nervous. “I didn’t know. Why would he want me on the news?”
“I can’t believe you don’t know. I sent all the details to you two days ago,” she said, her face contorting into confusion as she followed him deeper into the gallery, letting the door shut behind her. He was so much more comfortable once he heard the front door locks click automatically in place.
“I never saw anything with that information,” he responded lamely, knowing he hadn’t kept up with email as thoroughly as he should since getting his new cell phone. His gaze drifted out the glass windows to all the people gathered in the front lobby. His shoulders slumped. Waiters with trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres moved through the crowd, everyone looked so dressed up and glitzy, like they were going to a Hollywood awards show.
Kellus looked down at his clothes, and suddenly felt very underdressed. He hadn’t thought to rent a tuxedo. He smoothed his hands down the front of his shirt, feeling a little self-conscious even though he’d paid a small fortune for tonight’s outfit.
“I’m not dressed right,” he mumbled, more to himself than her, trying to find the courage to move his lame ass out to the lobby.
“You look perfect, Kellus. Stop being so nervous. We’re doing the final touches in here, then I’m going out there to reel in the crowd with Gage. His family came, did he tell you?” she said, cocking her head to look out at the lobby.
His gaze followed hers, and he stepped closer to the glass. That looked very much like a Kardashian. And wait, was that President Bush and his wife? Shit, all the local celebrities were in attendance. Kellus thought he might even recognize Kellie Rasberry and Big Al. “Is that Dish Nation talking to Gage?”
“I think so. They’re all here. Wilder announced Gage’s commitment to them today. He’s been doing the press junket upstairs for the last few hours. They wanted to incorporate it all together. The hotel, the gallery grand opening, and the announcement all at once,” she explained, turning her excited face back to his as she moved around him. “This is the biggest night I’ve ever been a part of. I need to finish so I can get out there.”
Great. He’d misjudged this night on every level. His big plan had been to livestream the gallery when they opened the doors. God. He rolled his eyes and stared out at the crowd. He was so far outside of his league.
“Can I stay in here until the opening?” he asked, looking over his shoulder.
“Sure, but don’t you want to meet the others?” she asked, her concerned face popping around one of the moveable walls as he implored himself to think quickly.
“No. I’ve planned to livestream in here. I posted all about it. A sneak peek kind of thing.” He was rambling and forced himself to stop talking, gather his emotions, and start again as she came for him, the worry becoming more pronounced. “I’ll scout a place where I can stand for introductions. Do you think they’ll all come inside here?”
“More than likely, but Gage says it’ll thin out quickly. This shouldn’t last more than a couple of hours. Arik has the hotel’s nightclub open for a private party afterward. I wish you would have gotten my email; you’d be better prepared.” Her hand went to his arm, giving him a comforting caress. “It’s all right, Kellus. You got this. I have a feeling this is going to be a great night for us all.”
He looked down to see her apprehensive gaze focused on him. He must be throwing off some serious panic vibes. Kellus schooled his features and gave her a tentative smile. She was right. He had this. He had just become a recluse over the last year. The old Kellus would have loved having his business highlighted so completely. And if he ducked away in a corner and stayed there most of the night, he’d be fine—semi-business as usual. He reached inside his coat pocket and pulled out his cell phone to pull up Facebook.
“Smile for me. We’re live.”
Sara did just that, giving him a giant grin when he lifted his phone. After walking around the gallery, videoing everything there, he finally manned up and opened the front doors to capture the crowd.