Hers in Distress [GXG]

08 Hey Daddy

I had Eric pick her up because I was busy. I wanted to pick her up but with so much to do, I have no time.

While this is all pretence to myself and my customers, it is not for the reporters that will be in attendance so everything has to be perfect.

The Gallery is decorated in gold as the theme suggested but with hints of black and silver. The carpet leading inside is gold, which was rather hard to find, Pule had to travel all the way to Ghana to find someone who makes them.

The catering company arrived mid-morning, they had an hour delay but assured me that everything would be served on time.

My other artists are here, they know not to drink any alcohol or partake in any drugs while here, I run a tight ship and the artists I choose to represent my gallery are an extension of me and they need to portray me in a positive light.

The event begins and she is still not here. My phone is in my office and I can not leave to fetch it so I have to trust that Eric will not be fired.

"Girl, this is a beautiful event, you have put together." she raises her glass and I follow her lead.

"Thank you, I have been unable to sleep wanting it to be perfect."

"It truly is beyond perfection. I love the new paintings you have and I can not believe you did not give me a sneak peak."

"Lindi, just because we are besties does not mean, you will know everything first."

"That is the literal definition of the word, bestie." I roll my eyes and smile before taking another sip "Why are you so nervous today?"

"Nandi." with the one word she understood.

"She will show up."

"She is the only artist not here, I asked Eric to make sure she is on time."

"She will be here, take a deep breath and entertain some of your sponsors and clients, I will call Eric."

"Thanks, Mmata." she places a kiss on my cheek before I go towards one of my least favourite clients.

"So tell me, where did you find them?" Mr Lombardi asks

"It was fate, Mr Lombardi. They were defacing a wall nearby and I happened to pass as they were finishing and I suggested that instead of defacing city property, they should rather channel that into canvases or some other art form and they listened and we are here." he nods as he continues talking to Alex.

In a yellow dress, she walks in with her hair in a bun and Eric following behind her. She looks lost, for a moment, a fish out of water but she is still beautiful, even more that she is draped in my favourite colour.

"Excuse me," I ask of Mr Lombardi and Alex before heading to where she stands looking at the floor "You look amazing." it brightens her face as she gravitates towards me, her guard down and her shoulders lowered.

"Thank you, your dress set is cute."

"Thank you, come on, let's go meet a few people." we first speak to Prudence, who promises to buy three of her paintings tonight. With only five on view, I know it is going to be a hassle. We move around the gallery, talking to all my clients and the reporters here.

"When were you going to come to me?"

"We were getting to that, you can be so dramatic at times. Lindi this is Nandi, Nandi this is my best friend, Lindiwe."

"Hi," Nandi says stretching out her hand to shake Lindi's

"Hey, I have been dying to meet you." she pulls her in for a hug, "I have heard so many great things about you."