Page 150 of Something Like Winter

painter, and some of Tim’s work brought back happy memories. While

Tim was talking with them, more people came in. Before long, visitors

were coming and going from the gallery in a steady stream. Some left

unchanged by the experience, but others stuck around, honoring Tim

with their time and questions.

“It’s past eight,” Marcello said, sidling up to him. “You were

supposed to give a speech at seven.”

Was it so late already? Tim glanced around the gallery. Still no sign

of Ben and Allison. Maybe she had told Ben their plan and he had

declined.

“Speech,” Marcello prompted.

“Yeah, okay. I’m coming.”

Tim made his way to the main room, checking each face in the

crowd but not finding the one he wanted to see most. The larger space

was much easier to navigate, since nothing was installed in the center of

the room yet. Tim went to a microphone and small amplifier that waited

for him next to the free drinks. That would keep the attention on him,

even if people were just waiting for him to get out of the way. Tim picked up the microphone, wondering how to capture

everyone’s attention and opted for a classic. “Is this thing on?” Horrible

reverb shot from the speakers and crawled up dozens of spines. That did

it! Every head turn toward him.

“Whoa! Too loud. Sorry.” Tim adjusted the amp volume and grinned

sheepishly at the crowd gathering in front of him. “Uh, I’m really glad

you all decided to be here. I’m not really good at speeches, so bear with

me.”

A burble of laughter came from the crowd, thanks mostly to the free

champagne.

“The art you see here is about twenty years in the making. I’m sure

most of you have seen my crowning achievement, ‘Frog Goes Sailing on

Boat’?” Another round of laughter. Hey, this wasn’t so hard! “That’s