day 31 countdown

I went to a gallery downtown. I brought a friend who was having debt problems, to try to cheer her up.
It was an opening for one of those first-wave financial artists who were breaking out at the time.
I don't remember which one.
The art wasn't my style, but the crowd was fantastic.
There were athletes, famous chefs, television personalities, and low level billionaires in coloured suits, spilling wine.
We were studying a tedious multimedia piece, when I was slapped on the back by a heavy hand, with a heavier watch.
Jackie asked me if I was moonlighting as a gallery assistant, to supplement my government paycheck.
He laughed enough for the four of us.
Of course she was with him.
Jackie teasingly introduced her as an up and coming rival.
She ignored my outstretched hand and insulted Jackie's age, as only lovers are allowed to.
I introduced my friend to Jackie as a saleswoman in luxury water craft.
They hit it off immediately.
I excused myself when I saw the curator, Bertrand, who I knew through Chief.
He was eyeing one of the sculptures hungrily.
Bertrand, I said. I thought you were in Milan for the season.
He rolled his eyes and explained that hosting this exhibit had won him no friends on the continent.
Bertrand, I said. Who's that friend of Jackie's?
Something is going to happen in 31 days.