AllFreeNovel
Share Us
* * *
“You’ve got this.There is nothing for you to worry about.” Bailey encouraged her friend as she prepared to enter the stage.
Alina stuck her head out to view the audience, then pulled it back. Her eyes were wide and her voice a little shaken when she spoke. “Do you see how many people are out there?” Then she closed her eyes and shuddered.
“I know, right!” Bailey had quite the opposite reaction to the crowd that came to witness Alina’s speech. “Who knew that mural you did for the university would make you even more popular in the art world? I should have thought about this years ago.”
“Bailey,” Alina raised her voice to regain her friend’s attention. Bailey had a glassy expression, and Alina knew exactly what it meant. In the near future, Alina would spend more time away from her art and in the public’s eyes. “Let’s just get this over with.”
After she was announced, Alina walked onto the stage, her feet wavering as the crowd cheered. It was the largest audience she had ever spoken to, and it seemed it would just get bigger. People were still entering the lecture hall and since the seats in the university hall were all filled, students and reporters stood all along the passageways.
At first, Alina was distracted by the blinding lights, but she took a deep breath and took courage from the excited faces. These were all people who enjoyed her art; they were with her, not against her. With the additional support of her husband and friend cheering her on from the front row, Alina began to speak.
“As one of the leading artists in New York, I am often asked about what had led to my success.” Alina took in the full extent of the crowd as hundreds of eyes stared back at her. “I would like to say talent. Every artist does. But the truth is there are many talented people out there who struggle to make it in this industry. That is just to say, talent isn’t everything. It only accounts for a portion of one’s success.” Then she looked at the front row. “A strong support system accounts for the rest. Family and friends who are always there encouraging you when you have fallen and pulling you back up.”
Alina went on to thank each of her friends individually, commending them for their contribution to her success. “Taylor, my best friend, is always there with a glass of wine exactly when I need a break.”
“Damn right,” Taylor shouted from her seat in the front row, causing a few attendees to chuckle. She waved her hand in the air, proud of her moment.
Overlooking the outburst, Alina continued with her speech. There was a tenderness in her voice now, one that could only be explained by the two women’s friendship. “And Peyton, my voice of reason, gently encouraging me through the tough days.” Alina held her heart as she viewed her friend.
Peyton did a similar motion, blowing her friend a kiss.
“And where would I be without my manager and friend?” Alina chuckled. “Probably still painting and selling art in Central Park.” She took a deep breath. “Bailey was the first one to take a chance on my talent, and I will never forget her for that.” A single tear fell from Alina’s eyes as she remembered when Bailey approached her and complimented her on her paintings. Everything escalated quickly after that.
Bailey was equally emotional from where she stood at the side of the stage.
Alina saved Dereck for the last, praising him for being her biggest muse. “Like every other artist, I sometimes reach a point where everything I paint doesn’t meet the standard.” She smiled at her biggest supporter. “The day I met my husband was the day I found the treatment for my block.” Then she held her head high, empowered by all her supporters.
“Each one of these people contributes something different, and it is only with the support of each one that I am this successful today.” Her speech followed with some technicalities about being an artist, elaborating on each one.
There was a question-and-answer section after her speech, so by the time Alina came off the stage, she was exhausted. Still, the roaring of the crowd energized her.
“So.” Dereck opened his arms and Alina ran into them. “That was something. How do you feel?”
“Like I am on top of the world,” Alina said, releasing her weight and allowing Dereck to hold her up. She had complete faith he would never let her fall.
“Well, you are certainly on top of mine.” Dereck held Alina’s chin and lifted her head slightly so she stared into his eyes. “I love you, Alina Johnson.”
“I love you too, Dereck Johnson,” she replied and proved it with a kiss.
EPILOGUE 2
Taylor
The loud music in the club made it difficult to be heard, but her friends and Taylor had perfected their communication skills. Sometimes a simple look was all that was needed. Other times some outrageous hand gestures were necessary, and when all that failed they yelled over the noise not caring who listened in. Almost everything they said was either common knowledge or too completely crazy for strangers to understand anyway.
That was the great thing about having longtime friends, especially the women. They could speak in code if it was needed or give an entire speech with just our eyes. Alina, Peyton, Bailey and Taylor were practically able to read each other’s minds.
“We can’t wait for your date any longer,” Alina leaned across the table and loudly announced to her though she was already aware that everyone was getting restless and a little angry over her date’s lateness. “It’s rude that he’s this late and Bailey shouldn’t have to keep waiting to celebrate her birthday. I say we start without Cole. He’s not really one of us anyway.”
“I actually thought we had started,” Lee said as he stretched his arm across the back of Taylor’s chair and played with her hair.
He pointed at the two empty shot glasses in front of him, then held a finger in the air to summon a waitress for a third.
“I wouldn’t be doing that when Taylor’s date arrives. I hear he’s a little on the jealous side,” Peyton teased. “But, since Taylor is rolling her eyes and she’s been shooting daggers at the door for the last fifteen minutes I think she’s reached her limit and Cole may be on his way out of her life.”
“I’m not sure I care one way or the other,” she stated. “If he shows up it’s fine and if he doesn’t then who gives a damn. It’s going to be an excellent night either way. Let’s sing Happy Birthday to our audacious Bailey and get the party started!”
