Find Me Alastar

“Hello.” I smile nervously as I shake both their hands. “This is James.” James stops what he is doing

and shakes their hands.

I take out my pen and paper. “I’m sorry, is this a bad time? I understand you are having a party and I

really don’t want to inconvenience you?”

Monica smiles warmly. “Not at all, dear, but thank you for being so thoughtful.”

Oh, she’s a nice lady. I instantly feel relieved.

“Tabatha runs an art gallery in town.” Monica smiles proudly.

I raise my eyebrows. “Oh, really?”

Tabatha smiles. “I’m trying my best. It was my late father’s.”

Monica pats her on the arm. “Now, now. Don’t be modest. You are doing a fabulous job. Your father

would be so proud of you.”

Tabatha smiles gratefully.

“Her father and I were lifelong friends,” Monica adds. “I miss him dearly.”

My face falls. “Oh, I’m sorry,” I reply.

“Now, if you don’t mind, I must get back to the party, but Tabatha will show you around and do the

interview, if that’s okay? She buys all of my art for me, anyway, so she knows more than I do about their

origins.”

“Perfect.” I smile.

Monica starts to walk out and then turns back. “James?”

“Yes?”

“You are going to stay and take some photographs for my charity for the paper, aren’t you?”

He smiles, relieved that she remembered. “Certainly,” he replies.

“I have ordered dinner for you two and set you a place.”

James’s smile nearly splits his face. “Thank you. That’s very kind.”

“Please… make yourself at home and stay for the whole evening if you like. I just ask that you stay

around for the auction in around two hours to take some photographs of that.”

“Of course.” James nods. “Thank you for the opportunity. I will call you on Monday to check the

wording of the copy that you want me to put with the story.” Her eyes hold his. “That would be very much

appreciated.” She smiles and leaves the room.

I take out my pen and paper and turn to Tabatha. “Where shall we begin?”

An hour later, I look down at what I am wearing as I stand in the bathroom cubicle and brush my hands

over my thighs nervously. I’m wearing a long-sleeved, ice grey dress with a fitted top and a little flared

skirt that hangs just above my knee. I’ve complimented the outfit with nude high heels. and my hair is

down and full. I knew there was a chance we would be hanging around for James to take the photos, so I

had to find something that was a bit dressier than I would normally wear to work. I thought I looked okay,

but now that I’m here, I’m not so sure. I feel underdressed, but then Tabatha seemed quite casual, too? It is

an afternoon garden party. I’m unsure of the dress code for these things.

“Hurry up,” James whispers though the door.

“Okay,” I reply. “What’s the damn rush?”

I reapply my lipstick and fluff my hair up in the mirror before I open the door.

“I can’t believe we are at this party?” James whispers excitedly as he grips both my biceps.

I frown. “Why?”

“This is the clique?”

“The clique?”

“Anybody who is anybody will be here tonight. These fundraising parties are epic.”

“Oh, epic. Cool. You probably should shag someone, then.” I widen my eyes in disgust.

He smirks and nods as his eyes scan ahead of us. “I could not agree with you more.”

“You can pay for my cab, though, if you do,” I mutter as he grabs my elbow and leads me toward the

music.

“Deal.”Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

We walk out to the back garden and I stop dead in my tracks. Oh shit. This is a bit more than I

expected. There are around one hundred and fifty beautiful people all gathered around. The sound of

laughter and chatter can be heard everywhere, and a violin player is down below on the grassed area. A

huge pool sits in the center, and the back yard is terraced into different levels with a large stone staircase

down the center to each level. It’s about 4pm and the sun is just starting to disappear behind the trees. The

bottom level has a marquee set with the tables and chairs for the soon-to-be-served dinner. Huge trees

line the large entertaining area, and I have to stop my mouth from dropping open.

“What shall we do?” James smiles excitedly.

I frown as I look around at all the people. “To be honest, I kind of want to go home.”

“No.” He drags me toward the stairs. “Let’s go find our seat at the table and have a drink. You are not

wrecking this night for me. We are going to have fun.” He smiles excitedly.

“I guess.” I sigh.