Page 38 of The Top of Admiration
Me: Thank you so much for Friday night Leticia. I really appreciate it.
Leticia: I’m an artist. And I know quality when I see it ??
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Me: Mom, is Dad up with the plan?
Mom: Yes, but he’s glad Juliet will be there with a first aid kit.
Me: Chill. This is risk-free.
Mom: Okay, dear.
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Me: Make sure you make the food. Keep Damon out of the kitchen.
Cordy: Okay, but I’m going to make him do the cleaning up.
Me: Fair call. Thanks x
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Me: All set for Friday?
Lucy: Yes. I’m dying! Just dying! This is like a rom com!
Me: Let’s hope my final thank-you works.
Lucy: Works in what way? Girl, he was yours before you even knew his last name. Believe me, this is the safest bet in the world. And best thing is there’s no megaphones or songs about your tits.
Chapter 32: Cam W — The best surprise
Hear my soul speak: The very instant that I saw you, did my heart fly to your service, there resides to make me slave to it
The Tempest, William Shakespeare
I had all the plans set in place for Saturday night, so my Friday night was supposed to be spent chilling out and trying to relax. In the very optimistic hope that I could get Miranda back to my place for … coffee, I’d cleaned the place to the point where it could have been used as a surgical unit. Lucy had told me it was too bare, so we’d gone shopping and she’d chosen a bunch of cushions and blankets. I didn’t see the point in cushions. People seemed to just move them when they sat on a sofa, but whatever. I’d settled in with a beer when my annoying little sister rang, begging for me to come and “sort something out.” I didn’t know what kind of trouble she’d got herself into this time, but apparently I had to wear a suit. I was not going to play a lawyer for her. Not again. But I dutifully suited up and drove to pick her up. She’d offered to pick me up, but I’d had enough injuries lately and my broken foot wasn’t my driving foot.
She bounced into the car, way too joyful to be in any real trouble, so my body instinctively relaxed. She gave vague directions, but wouldn’t name a final location, so I was stunned when we ended up outside the gallery Miranda worked at. It looked closed. The lights were off, and the strip was empty of people. Things were finally going to plan with Miranda. I didn’t need Lucy messing it up with good intentions.
“Come on,” she urged, a huge smile plastered on her face. I followed her out of the car, struggling to keep up with her break-neck pace on my crutches. This was fishy.
“Luce, please don’t do anything that—”
Suddenly, the internal and external gallery lights turned on, giving me a clear view of Seamus dressed up as security, complete with a headset and a clipboard.
“Cameron Whittaker, you’re on the list.” He nodded solemnly and Lucy shrieked in delight, then covered her mouth as though she’d ruined the moment. Lucy hung back as I wandered into the gallery. I was met by Miranda’s boss, who was as dressed up and elegant as she had been the night of the exhibition.
“Mr. Whittaker, welcome to ourGratitudeexhibition. We are proud to have you all here tonight and if you need any assistance, we have many of our guides present.” She flung her arm gracefully to the side, motioning me further into the building.
Theo appeared, dressed in a waiter’s tux and holding a tray of beer. Bewildered, I took one and thanked him. He smiled at my confused look. Why were Miranda’s relatives here? Why was I here? Leah appeared in a black dress and white apron, sweeping a tray of hors d’oeuvres under my nose. I recognized some of my favorites. This was Cordelia’s work for sure. My smile growing, I took a blini with smoked salmon and was ushered further in by Leticia.
At the side of the entrance to the main gallery sat Juliet, in a full paramedic outfit. She grinned. “Just in case, but I’ve swept the scene and I think you’re safe this time.” I laughed, finally beginning to realize that this had Miranda written all over it. Perhaps I was in danger after all!
Behind me, I heard a soft voice. “Hey, thanks for coming. This is my final thank-you for your help. And I promise, this one won’t hurt. I have security, first aid, and caterers. Like a responsible event manager.” Laughing again, I stepped forward. Fuck it. Whatever she was about to show me was definitely worthy of a hug. I’d hold back on the kiss given Theo and Leah were looming with their trays. She hugged me back tightly, pulling back only to smile up at me. This was amazing. Well worth fifteen thousand dollars. Well worth every cent I currently had or would ever earn.
Miranda looked beautiful, as always. She was wearing the same outfit she’d worn the night of her opening, but this time, her face wasn’t filled with nerves and she wasn’t searching for a boyfriend who would never arrive. He was already here. Hopefully.
