Are You The One?

The guests were beginning to come in in small trickles. Brit checked their invitations and matched their names up against the guest list. There were long intervals of just waiting, the humidity and boredom annoying her greatly. She was glad that she didn’t take the time out to style her hair, it would have been a big ball of frizz by now.

Suddenly several large groups of guests arrived. One of the invitees who stood behind them tapped his foot impatiently while the others waited to be checked in. If there was one thing she hated it was obnoxious people. His date, a tall model type brunette sighed with annoyance while she leaned lazily against the wall. Finally, the toe-tapper, Samuel Robert Worthington Harper-Reese III, presented his invitation. Couldn’t he have just been listed as Sam Reese she wondered.

“Finally,” he said handing her his invitation. “You should really hire more help around here.”

Brit wanted to smack him. Nevertheless, she put on a bright smile, apologized for the wait, checked his name against the list and allowed them entry into the gallery. After that only a few other guests trickled in here and there. Almost an hour passed and no one had shown up. Brit was wondering if it would be safe to abandon her post and return to the party and air conditioning inside. 

Suddenly a very handsome man in an impeccable suit walked up to the door.

“Excuse me is this where the Kale Dennis gala is being held?” he asked uncertainly.

When there was no answer he tried again.

“The art exhibit by Kale Dennis. This is the right location correct?” he asked with an arched eyebrow. 

Brit realized that she was staring. She shook her head to clear her thoughts.

“Yes, it is. Sorry. May I see your invitation?”

“I must have misplaced it,” he replied.

“What is the name?” she asked.

“George Adams,” he said checking his watch.

“I’m sorry. Your name doesn’t seem to be on our list,” she said running her pen down the sheet of paper to double check. 

“Yes I made a mistake. My invitation should be under Erickson Walker.”

Brit checked the names against the list. Erickson Walker already had a line through it.

“Mr. Walker appears to have already been checked off the list. Do you have your ID with you?” Brit inquired frowning.

She had not asked anyone for ID before but she was worried about what Stefan would say if she let an uninvited guest in. She wasn’t sure if he was Mr. Adams or Mr. Walker. Either way he didn’t have an invitation and she wasn’t going to lose her job for a rogue party crasher. Even one as handsome and nicely dressed as he was.

“Well actually I’m not him, Mr. Walker is a friend of mine. I wasn’t aware that he decided to come. If you can just let me in, I’ll go find him and I’m sure that we can figure this out.”

“I’m sorry but I can’t let you in if you’re not on the list,” Brit said biting her lip. 

“Can you go and find someone who can put me on the list then?” he asked patiently.

“I can’t leave the door unattended,” Brit apologized.

“Look okay I wasn’t invited but I assure you that Stefan would have no problem letting me in. Can you get him? I’ve been trying to reach him on his cellphone but he isn’t answering.”

“I was told only invitees and their guests were allowed in tonight,” Brit replied. “It’s a private event.”

“Look there is someone in there I really need to speak with. I’ll buy some art if that’s what it takes.”

“I really can’t,” Brit hedged.

“Can you tell me if Holly Hayden has arrived then?” he asked desperately.

“I’m sorry but I really can’t give out any information about our guests,” she replied.

This wasn’t actually true, Stefan never said that but she was sure it was standard protocol. Besides, Brit didn’t want to take any chances and this man wasn’t even on the list.

“Stefan is an acquaintance of mine I’m sure that he would allow me entry. Can you at least call him and tell him that I’m here?”

Brit took her cellphone from her pocket and tried to reach Stefan but it went straight to voicemail. She shook her head.

“I’m sorry there’s no answer,” she said.

“Look sorry but I have to get in there,” he replied walking past her to the door.

It wouldn’t budge. He looked back at her inquisitively.

“You know priceless art, all that good stuff. We actually have pretty good security here. I have to buzz you in.”

“So buzz me in,” he said gritting his teeth.

“Look I can try Stefan again but I was told specifically not to leave this podium,” Brit said.

The man grunted in frustration and pulled out his own phone. Apparently there was no answer from his friend either.

“Look if you just go in there and grab him. I drove almost an hour to get here,” he insisted.

“I really can’t leave the door unattended sir,” Brit repeated.

“You have got to be kidding me. It’s just an art party not a white house ball. Which I was invited to by the way,” he said.

Brit shook her head. She had no idea who he was or was supposed to be.

He ran his hands through his hair clearly frustrated.

Brit sighed and picked up the phone again. It was a strict no cellphone policy while at work but she knew Jason the gallery manager always kept his at the bar and this man seemed to be really desperate to get in there. After the third ring he answered.

“Jason. Hey its Brit. Can you please get Stefan for me?”

…………

“No I’m at the door.”

………….

“Yes I know. Trust me Stefan wouldn’t….”

………….

“Well we have a guest here that is asking for him.”

………….

“Because Stefan said no exceptions and I’m already on thin ice with him from last time,” she said quietly gritting her teeth.