Chapter 20: Sight for Sore Eyes

Maybe things will go right this time.

Maybe.

The gala was a riot of color, everyone was a little more hyped up than they should be. My eyes excitedly scanned the scene, making sure that everything was going as planned this time. I glanced at my little notebook that had my to-do list as I double checked everything - from the production crew, the props, and design of the function room to the guests that came in through the entrance. I made sure that everyone is seated at their proper place and that they are satisfied with the demands that they have made prior to the event. With a deep sigh of relief, I sat down on one of the monoblock chairs backstage and let the happiness soak right into my bones. I’m very grateful to see that my hard work these past few weeks was finally paying off.

I closed my eyes briefly and savored the moment, but never released my grip on the seemingly insignificant notebook in my hands. For the first time in a while my body and mind has relaxed. At that moment I felt like there were no expectations upon me, no deadlines and no schedules to meet.

I did this.

I made this event a success.

A small smile crept to my lips as my limbs started to feel supercharged and my head was giddy. I stood up and approached the edge of the stage to take a closer look at the guests that were coming in. I was in awe of their beauty and elegance. Seeing them wear gowns with flowing silks made me want to dance as my feet moved along to the song and my heart was beated with joy.

One of the guests caught my attention. Imperial red never looked so beautiful on a woman. With blonde wavy hair and her head held high, she strutted inside with an effortless saunter. The clicking of her heels added rhythm to the soft classical music that was playing without pause. She exuded beauty, confidence, and power that would make anyone look her way. I breathed out a sigh of admiration, secretly wishing that I was just like her.

It was then my eyes saw someone that made my heart skip a beat.

“No, this can’t be possible.” I mumbled to myself in shock as I stumbled backwards a bit. The thoughts started accelerating inside of my head. I felt the panic begin like a cluster of spark plugs in my abdomen. Tension grew in my face and limbs as my mind replayed our last encounter.

I wanted these thoughts inside of my head to slow down so I can breathe but they wouldn’t. My breathing has become more rapid and shallow, almost like gasps that were escaping my mouth. My heart is hammering inside my chest like it was going to explode. The room around me began to spin and I squatted on the floor, trying to make everything slow down to something my brain and body can cope with. I suddenly felt so sick until the point I felt like I was going to blackout.

In these moments when I experience my personal hurricane, I understood the drug addict and the alcoholic. I just needed something to stop this primal urge within me to flee.

“Why…” I muttered sadly as I watched him hold the hand of the gorgeous woman that had caught my eye a while ago. I started to feel pity for this girl, wondering if she may be going through the same thing I did before.

It was then realization hit me. Wait, Kevin isn’t even on the list. Why is he here? Why did he have to come and ruin everything?

“Sandra…” A familiar voice interrupted my thoughts. I quickly stood up and faced the person to see Charlotte. “What are you doing?” She asked as she arched an eyebrow at me.

“Oh, nothing. I was just having cold feet.” I told her timidly, trying to shake off the effect Kevin had on me.

“It’s okay. It always comes with the job. You’ll get used to it!” She replied reassuringly, patting my back. I just gave her a small smile.

“By the way, do you know who that guy is?” I asked, subtly pointing to Kevin. Charlotte looked around to see who I’m pointing at. Her eyebrows rose up in realization as she saw who I was asking about.

“Oh my God! You don’t know who Kevin Butler is? He’s one of the biggest celebrities today.” Charlotte’s bewildered expression made me anxious. I looked around to see if we caught others’ attention. Thankfully, none of them were paying attention to us.

“I’m sorry, I just forgot his name.” I lied casually, looking up as if trying to recall him. Of course, how could I easily forget him? “If I remember correctly, I didn’t see his name on our guest list.” I added, trying to know the reason why he’s here.

“He’s Ms.Casey Bishop’s date.” She explained as it dawned on me that he got invited because of that beautiful woman I was eyeing earlier.

“Oh, okay. I see. That reminds me I need to check on something.” I told her as I walked away.

I quickly walked outside the hall. I needed to take a breather. As I was walking outside, I stumbled upon my reflection in the glass window, I looked like a mess. My lips looked pale and my hands were still trembling from seeing Kevin here. I need to calm down. I need to think of a way to continue working without attracting Kevin’s attention. I spotted an empty chair nearby and decided to take a seat. I looked down and closed my eyes trying to think of a solution for this dilemma.

“Is this seat taken?” A woman approached, making me open my eyes to answer her.

“No, it’s not.” I answered softly, as she pulled the chair close to her. I zoned out as I still thought of a way out of this.

In my peripheral vision, I saw the woman use her phone as a mirror to retouch her lipstick. It felt like a lightbulb flashed on top of my head. My face lit up as I thought of something.

I have a brilliant idea.