Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 86422 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 346(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86422 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 346(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
“Oh! Oh, holy shit!” One of the other artists rushes over, eyes wide. “It’s you! You’re Ouvre Obsession! This is incredible!”
Suddenly I’m surrounded by my peers, accepting hugs, signing the posters and stickers they’ve collected this year.
“What is happening right now?” Lexi’s eyes are wide with wonder, while my friends stand by, wearing wide, proud smiles.
Yeah, there’s a really great chance I’ll cry at some point tonight.
“Fee has a secret online artist profile and she’s kind of a legend around here,” Cammie explains.
Lexi’s expression is a combination of surprise and pride. I don’t have to explain to her why I kept it a secret, she understands the challenges I’ve faced the past few years. “I’m so proud of you, we all are.” Her gaze lifts to the ceiling.
After a few minutes, the other artists disperse, returning to their own installments to finish setting up.
“We told you people were going to freak out tonight, didn’t we?” Cammie’s proud smile hits me right in my artist heart.
“This is so much different than comments on a post.”
Cammie bumps my shoulder. “You’re stepping into the light, and now we all get to see you shine.”
“Just a heads-up, there’s already a line of people waiting to get in.” Tally tips her chin toward the windows where a crowd of students are gathered, phones out, taking photos through the glass.
“Oh crap, tonight is going to be a little wild, isn’t it?” Reality is starting to sink in.
“Wild and awesome. We all have your back,” Enid assures me.
I’m hit with a wave of anxiety and I gather my hair, twisting it around my hand, so it isn't touching my neck.
“Arms down.” Cammie touches my elbow.
I glance down and suck in a gasp. “Double crap! I should have known better than to wear anything other than black tonight.”
“I can drive back to your apartment and grab you a different dress,” Lexi offers.
I glance at the clock. “There isn’t enough time.” The showcase starts in half an hour.
“We’ll trade.” Tally steps forward. “We’re basically the same size. You’re just a little taller.”
“But then you’ll have pit stains.”
“It’s not my art show. And you're the one who will be doing all the talking.” She takes my hand. “Come on.”
I follow her down the hall and we slip into the gender-neutral bathroom. We trade dresses and she uses the hand drier on mine while I pull hers over my head.
I smooth the navy fabric over my hips. My legs are longer, so it only reaches mid-thigh. “How do I look?”
“You’re smoking.” She gives me two thumbs-up—Cammie style—then reaches for my hand. “It's time for you to meet your fans.”
CHAPTER 38
MAC
Brody, Chase, and I scour the parking lots near the gallery for a spot, but they’re all full. We finally find one, but then we have to walk halfway across campus. “If I’d known parking was going to be such an issue, I would have just suggested we walk from your apartment.”
“Right. Maybe there’s more than one on-campus thing happening tonight,” Chase replies.
“I'll message Gage and let him know we’re running a little behind.” I’m a bag of nerves. I'm desperate to see Fee, but I’m nervous about what our talk will look like later. I miss her. I love her. I shouldn’t have hidden the truth and I really hope she can forgive me.
“Don’t worry, I’m already on it.” Brody frowns at his phone. “He’s running late, anyway. He said he’ll explain later, but to go in without him.”
“Sister stuff?” I ask.
“I think so?” Brody shrugs.
We round the corner of the fine arts building and come to an abrupt halt. A line snakes along the front of the gallery.
“Holy shit,” Chase mutters.
“They’re here for Fee.” I grin as I take in the groups holding her posters.
“She’s legit.” Brody tucks a hand in his pocket as he surveys the gallery with the very cool window sign proclaiming the Tilton University Art Show.
“Too legit to quit,” I agree.
“Oh my God, you didn’t,” Chase snorts, then elbows me. “Look at her in there. Way to make a splash.”
We can see Fee through the window, her installation taking up the space behind her, partly obscured by the growing group of students, all waiting to get their posters signed. Cammie, Enid and Tally flank her. Roman and Lexi, along with a few other Terror players who came to support Fee, Connor and Tristan, assist with crowd control. We join the line and wait our turn, my hands growing damp as we get closer to the door. The entire time I watch Fee through the window, greeting her fans, posing for photos, a wide, awe-filled smile on her gorgeous face.
Finally, they let us into the gallery. I grip the bouquet of flowers and try not to sweat through my suit.
“You got this.” Chase pats me on the back.