Page 43 of Masked Secrets
“How will we find them?”
“The law firm has seats in row ten of the center section. They’ll be there.”
“Perfect. We’ll stop on our way to the front.”
A few minutes later, glasses of wine in hand, a guide ushers us down the aisle left of the center section.
Stuart quietly mentions to our usher that we’d like to pause at aisle ten to say hello to friends. The usher nods.
Reaching my firm’s row, I spot Cassie and Lowri, sitting by the aisle. They’re smiling as they scan the crowd, likely searching for celebrities. There are plenty in the crowd tonight.
We stop, and they jump to their feet, reaching to give me a hug.
Lowri says, “Thanks so much for including us tonight. This is amazing.”
Cassie adds, “It is. I wish my parents could see me here. They would be so excited.”
“I’m so glad you’re enjoying tonight. Let’s take a selfie,” I suggest.
“Absolutely,” Lowrie says, holding up her phone.
After capturing the photo, I ask, “Where are the other lawyers from our firm?”
“Probably still at the bar in the lobby,” Cassie responds.
“I’d bet you’re right. Let me introduce Lord Sandridge. His family’s foundation is responsible for the premiere tonight. Lord Sandridge, this is Cassandra Edwards and Lowri Upton. They are summer associates working at our law firm.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Stuart says.
“Lord Sandridge, we’re pleased to meet you as well. We’re looking forward to the movie,” Cassie replies with enthusiasm.
“Thank you. It will begin soon, so we should take our seats now. Hopefully, we can chat more at the afterparty,” Stuart says.
“Are we invited to an afterparty?” Lowri asks, surprised.
“Of course. Brooke can text you the details,” Stuart answers.
As we continue down the aisle to the front row, I say, “It was incredibly kind of you to invite them to the afterparty. I don’t think the rest of my firm is included in that event.”
“How could I deny those two starstruck women an opportunity to enjoy the full experience. Two more people won’t cause any trouble. We’ll just need to make sure they’re added to the guest list. I’ll text the PR team when we sit down, and you can send them the address.”
I smile at him in awe as my heart swoons. He’s such a good guy, wanting to make the evening extra special for two women he doesn’t even know.
“Will Sean and Evan be there? If so, we should introduce them.”
“No, unfortunately, they had other plans for tonight.”
Reaching our seats, we shake hands and chat with others in our row and the row behind us. Everyone congratulates Stuart on making this project come to life. He repeatedly eschews credit, redirecting it to the Foundation and his dad.
A deep voice, emanating from speakers around the theater, interrupts, announcing, “Please take your seats. The world premiere ofWater Everywhere, None to Drinkwill be starting shortly.”
Everyone scurries to their seats. A couple of minutes later, a chime sounds and the lights dim. A spotlight shines on the stage, where three men stand, holding microphones.
The first man begins, “Welcome to the world premiere ofWater Everywhere, None to Drink. I’m Nero, your emcee for the evening. The producer and the director of this film have joined me on stage. Youmaybe aware of their accomplishments and accolades.”
The crowd laughs at the implication that anyone isn’t aware of the world-famous movie-making duo.
The emcee continues, “That’s good because they’ve insisted that I skip introductions, so the focus will remain on this incredibly important project. I’ll turn it over to them now.”
