Page 139 of Yellow
Onava threw out her hands. “People are simple creatures, really. We have problems that we don’t know how to solve and needs we don’t know how to fill. Some choose to find people who inspire them and teach them how to get to the next level. Others get stuck in that place of frustration and take the only exit they can find, which is of course numbing themselves to escape their emotional pain.” Onava raised a finger and waved it around the room. “And before you think that it doesn’t apply to you, I want to point out that drugs and alcohol are by no means the only ways of numbing yourself. We humans find connections in all sorts of healthy or unhealthy ways. Tonight we’re focusing on alcohol and drug abuse, but any abuse is unhealthy, and things like compulsive shopping, gambling, gaming, gossiping, eating, or sex can destroy your life too.
“And while we’re at it,” Onava smiled. “I would say that watching soap operas all day is just another type of porn.”
Laughter erupted and looks were exchanged. But not between Adam and me, because he still wouldn’t look at me.
When Onava’s thought-provoking speech was over the whole room was buzzing with white noise. I could hardly move anywhere for all the people asking to have their photo taken with me and get my autograph. My security team asked people to get in line, and I smiled widely for the cameras and signed autographs but in between the pictures my eyes darted around the room to spot Adam.
The sound of a loud and very gay-sounding man arguing with my bodyguard behind me made me turn to see what the commotion was about.
Darren, whom I’d met on New Year’s Eve, was standing a few feet behind me, and it was hard to keep a serious expression when I saw what he was wearing. He had on a brown leather tunic in an Indian design, a necklace with feathers and beads, and what looked like black leggings with a pair of brown boots with fringes. Clearly he was going for the Native American look but with his white skin color and big reddish beard it looked funny, not to mention that choosing to top the outfit off with a large white cowboy hat only made him look even taller and bigger than he already was.
“Cleo and I are friends, and she’ssogoing to fire your cute ass if you don’t let me through.”
“Brian,” I called and signaled for him to let Darren through.
Brian lifted his hands as if silently saying, “You really know this person?”
“Hello, darling,” Darren called out and rolled his eyes. “Did you see how your security guy was all over me?” He placed a hand to his mouth and whispered loudly, “But who can blame them for wanting a bit of my hotness?”
“Good to see you here,” I said and smiled. Darren was as flamboyant as many of my friends in Hollywood, and I liked that side of him.
“Oh, I just had to thank you for letting me exhibit Cia’s painting of you and Adam. It’s gorgeous and people are raving about it.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” I said.
“Although I can’t say I get much work done with adorable Adam hanging on my wall.” He scrunched up his face and looked around. “Talking about the delicious devil, have you seen him?”
“Who, Adam?”
Darren nodded. “Yes, we’re all meeting at my gallery for a little after party and I want to make sure he comes too.”
“Ohh…”
“You’ll be there, right?” He crossed his fingers in front of me. “Please say yes, because if you come, Adam will too.” He raised a hand to his lips. “Oops, how rude of me, but what the hell; you don’t mind me using you as a bait to lure Adam in, do you?”
My smile was strained. “I’m afraid you’re overestimating my powers. I assure you that my presence would only scare him off.” Just as I said it my head swung around as if my internal radar were picking up his energy and true enough, Adam was starring right back at me.
I swallowed hard, unable to look away as he made his way to me.
“Let him through,” I told Brian, who stepped aside.
“Adam, you charming devil, it’s so good to see you.” Darren exclaimed in a singsong tone probably meant to be seductive.
“Darren,” Adam gave him a sharp nod and turned his full attention to me. “Can I speak with you for a second?” he asked curtly.
“Yes, of course,” I said gracefully and followed him with my heart in my throat.
“Ask him to come to the after party,” Darren called after me.”
Adam led me back into the now empty theater where we had been listening to Onava’s speech.
“Alone,” he said and shot a glance at Brian, who had followed us inside.
“Can I have a moment?” I asked my security guard.
“Me and Tony will be right outside,” Brian informed me with a deep frown.
As soon as the door closed, waves of nervous energy made me fiddle with my purse.
