“Okay. I’ve ordered a car for you and your family. Actually, two cars because there are eight of you. I didn’t want to go all out and get a limo that would be too obvious.” Gypsy grinned. “Trish still thinks you’re like I told you, she described you, and we both know that her description of you is a dead ringer for Magnolia.” She looked at Angie and gave the description from months ago. They all shared a laugh.
“You have your tickets?”
“Yes.”
“No one gets in tonight or tomorrow night without a ticket. Gabby, the gallery owner, invited the crème de la crème for these two nights. Both nights are from seven to midnight. After tomorrow, it will be open to the general public, so anyone can attend. Around nine tonight, Gabby’s going to give a speech welcoming everyone. Introducing Trish and then Trish is going to introduce each artist in front of their displays. There are fifteen of you. Trish knows them all because she represents them. If you would, I’d like you not to tell anyone that you’re Willow until she calls you up.”
“I can do that. You know I don’t like to mix Wanda and Willow. Mom and Dad are the only ones in my family that know I’m Willow Raintree. So, you want me to arrive with my family like anyone else and just be myself, Wanda Perkins?”
“Yes. If that’s okay with you. I can’t wait to see Trish’s expression when you walk forward when she calls your name.” She giggled. “Now, there’s going to be champagne, and hors d’oeuvres being served. This is some very impressive high-end deal. I know you don’t drink, other than lime water is there anything you’re going to need?”
“No. Are there only champagne or other things, I don’t think my niece and nephew can drink that.”
Gypsy laughed. “There’s an open bar, and there’s going to be soda available. I’m going to go change and head back over. I should be there by the time you arrive. And just a small word of advice?”
“Yes?”
When Gypsy didn’t say anything, Wanda looked up with raised brows for her to answer.
“Be fashionably late. It’s a fifteen-minute drive from here. Your car is ordered to arrive downstairs at seven ten, if you’re all down there, that would get you there at seven thirty.”
“Okay.” Gypsy hugged her, and as Gypsy left, Fern entered. In no time her hair and makeup were done, and her mother and sister helped her with her dress.
“Damn, sis. You’re beautiful,” Fern said as she stepped back and looked at the whole picture of Wanda. “You know I never said anything, but I’m kind of jealous of that blonde hair.”
“Sorry. Just know that I would never, not in a million years, wish what I had to go through to get this blonde hair on anyone.” Wanda stuck her tongue out and stood back and looked at herself. “Damn, sis, I do look good.” She grinned at her sister, and they laughed as they made their way from the hotel room, meeting the rest of the family down in the lobby.
Chapter 21
At eight that night, Christopher stood talking to some people he knew from work when his father approached. He introduced them, and Chris looked over his shoulder and whispered to his son, “Look at your ten o’clock. Is that her?”
Christopher frowned at his father and looked forward. He saw several people and didn’t recognize any of them. He was about ready to ask his father what he was talking about when the crowd parted, and he sucked in his breath. “Damn.”
“Thought so.” Chris grinned and walked away. His father had just pointed out Wanda to him. He had been nervous seeing her again, but nothing prepared him for his first sight of her all dressed up as she was. He had to grin. He had gone out and bought a new suit when he’d received the ‘engraved’ invitation in the mail. He’d gone black on black on black. A black suit, black shirt, and black tie. He grinned when he saw Wanda across the room in a black dress, black stockings, and black shoes. Kind of like when they’d gone to court with them both dressed in blue.
The people they were talking to move along and Christopher slowly made his way around the room to where Wanda was standing.
“Thank you for the engraved invitation,” he said when he arrived at her side.
“You’re welcome,” Wanda said, and looked at Christopher and grinned. “Was it a surprise?”
“It was. And thank you for the extra tickets. I sent two to my parents and gave my extra one to a client.Sean, my business partner, used his extra for his girlfriend.”
“You’re not here with anyone?”
“No one except for the people I just mentioned. You?”
“Only my family,” she said, then unable to resist, reached up and hugged him. “It’s great seeing you. What do you think of this?” She pointed to the picture she’d been admiring.
Christopher hugged her back and looked at the photo. “Not as good as the view from your window, but it’s good.” He nodded and together they made their way around the room and looked at all the displays.
They stopped before one display and Wanda put her hand on Christopher’s arm and squeezed when he looked at her, she gave a subtle shake of her head. They were watching a woman explain to customers about filling out a small form with their name and number on it. There were several people asking questions about the display entitled ‘Willow’. They were discussing a new item she’d been playing with and decided to ship to the gallery at the last minute.
“Later tonight you’ll be able to talk to the artist directly.” She heard a woman say. “I’m Trish Bower, and I represent all the artists who have work on display here. Around nine tonight we’ll be introducing them all, and you can talk directly to the artist. She’ll be able to tell you the lead time, and if they’re available in many different colors.” The patrons thanked her and Trish stepped beside Wanda to turn and look back at the display she’d just been discussing. She only gave Wanda a token glance.
“Hope you caught that. It seemed like I’ve been saying that all night and it’s only been an hour and a half.” She sighed and rubbed her forehead. “Forgive me. I’m just on edge.”
“Problem?” Wanda asked in concern as she studied the woman she talked to at least once a week for the last three years.
