The Lighting on the Wall

I'm at a gallery opening, hot damn yeh! that is the calibre of my social engagements these days, private viewings of public paintings in which we swill wine and perfect ways to say 'hmm'. But I'm nervous. It's not the first one I've been to, that's not it, it's just that I swore myself off them for a while, and I don't like to disregard my own advice. I got so down in the dumps the last time, it took me a week to get over the sight of an artist loitering around eighteen months of work pleadingly longing for someone, anyone, to buy just one of the goddamn things, so he could at least afford a shower and a change of clothes. But this show was different. This show I was invited to. Personally. Albeit it through a group email. I looked at her website, I looked at her work, I loved it, I was free that night, what was stopping me? The only thing was I couldn't quite remember where I knew her from, I've done a few gigs for painters recently, so I emailed to ask. She replied as follows, (and I quote, because I am so proud), We haven't met but as is the wonderful way of the web I just ended up on your site one day, giggled a lot at your blog and was most intrigued by your magic skills so thought I'd invite you along to the show. - !!! - I fell off my chair with excitement. Then I got back on it, and reread the email, and fell off my chair again just for the hell of it. And here I am! In my best jeans, shoes, jacket and top, swaying slightly in the breeze, hair freshly washed, sunglasses swept back, mingling. Mingle mingle mingle. I have banned myself from doing magic though, don't want to crash her party and all that, so I'm just walking around looking at paintings. And mingling. And I'm beginning to feel slightly misplaced. Lots of paintings have been bought so she looks all very relaxed and laid back, and I am starting to feel a little conspicous. Was this a weird thing to do? Maybe I should have brought some magic. I'd feel less nervous right now. Uh oh. There doesn't seem to be anyone to small talk with, they're all talking. I think the gallery owner is looking at me? He is! Damn, busted. That's the problem with living outside the box, most people still think in squares.