The gallery opening
It pained Ren to stay away from the gallery on opening day. She agreed to wait and walk in with the rest of the crowd to give Avery and Nico space to lead the show. Outside, Ren marveled at the number of people gathering to attend the event. Lots of fresh faces, but it surprised her to see regulars there as well. Gay men who loved art passed by her and offered their wishes for a fabulous opening.
Just before noon, the blast of club music came through the new speakers mounted on the outside of the building. The crowd cheered as they began dancing in the street like it was their own gay pride party. Colorful costumes abound.
Nico’s voice blared through the sound system. “Ladies and gentlemen, boys, and naughty girls. Welcome to Mirage. A place where the illusion is art, and art is an illusion. We’ll tantalize your taste buds with sizzling local artists in precisely five minutes.”
Ren glanced around the street corner to the guests. Surprised, Professor Andrew Matlan walked over to her. “Ren, I’m excited about this. It’s exactly what our community needs. Someone willing to stand up for women’s rights again. You’ve done it once, and now it’s time you do it again.”
She could not take the credit for this fantastic gathering. “No, this is all Avery Gray. She has some spunk, that’s for sure.”
When he side-eyed a questionable glance, Ren confirmed his suspicion with a laugh. “Yes, and I don’t need your shit about it. You know very well I like them young.”
He held up his hand. “And I like them hairy and hung. We all have our kinks. Just glad to see she’s in expert hands.”
At noon, the doors opened, as if by magic they knew it was time. It was like the levee broke, and a flood of art lovers poured into the gallery like a torrent river.
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