James: "I'm sorry, I have no idea what you're talking about. I'm just here for the art show. Have you seen the artist around anywhere? I'm really hoping for a chance to talk to her."
Mary: "You're kidding, right? I'm the artist!"
James: "Wait... didn't I see you at the train station earlier today? I'm beginning to get the strongest feeling of deja vu."

Mary: "You're infuriating!"

James: "Hold on just a minute... I'm infuriating?! Because I didn't realize you're the artist? Damn, lady- I just wanted to compliment you on one of your paintings. You know what, forget it... I'm walking away from this. You're clearly insane."

Very few things had the ability to leave Mary speechless, but the confrontation with James did just that. If you were to ask her why she reacted the way she did when she saw him, she couldn't have told you. There was something about him that set her on edge- she was trapped between wanting to run away and an overwhelming curiosity about him that left her rivetted in place. Being called insane was nothing new to her, but the deep stinging hurt she felt this time was.

The rest of the evening passed quickly, and before she knew it, only a handful of guests remained. It was clear that they were close friends of Andy, whom they regarded with a sort of reserved subordinence. It was nearing midnight as he called everyone over to a pair of tables near the entrance to the gallery for a toast.

Andy: "I'd like to make a toast to tonight's rising star, Mary! Your art and inner fire will take you far in this world, especially after tonight's very successful showing."

Andy: "I want everyone to enjoy the champagne and buffet tables- consider this the afterparty!"

Emily: "Mary? Are you ok? You look a little unsteady."

Mary: "Em... I'm fiiine. I've been enjoying the champagne."
Emily: "I can see that."

Mary: "Listen, Em... I did something really stupid tonight. Have you seen that James guy around lately?"
Emily: "Really big hair guy? He's right over there."
Mary: "I need to talk to him, but I don't know if I can. I think he's been avoiding me."
Emily: "Give it a try, I'm sure he's not going to bite- I'll be near by if you need me."

Mary: "James... can I talk to you for a minute?"
James: "Look, I don't want any trouble. If you want to yell at me again, can you just pretend you already did and we can go our separate ways?"

Mary: "James, I want to appologize for the way I acted earlier. I don't know what came over me."
James: "Mary, are you drunk?"
Mary: "Just a little. Still sorry for earlier."

James: "Yeah, um, about that. Listen, I'm sorry as well."
Mary: "S'ok. I kinda flipped out. Are we friends now?"
James: "Sure. Hey, come with me. I'll introduce you to my friend Markus, he's been wanting to meet you all night."

Andy stood back from the others, watching the gathering with interest. He congratulated himself on choosing two wonderful new toys- they were sure to add interest to his little town. As he watched, he worked out quickly who would be getting his 'special attention'. Mary would have made a wonderful challenge, but after tonight's little display with James he decided she was too unpredictable. He'd just have to enjoy the challenge of keeping her in the dark.

He decided Emily would be the perfect subject for his next game. She came across as someone eager to please, a very soft-spoken woman with more than just a touch of self-doubt, easy on the eyes. As an added bonus, he'd watched Tristan shadowing her most of the night, clearly interested in her. She either hadn't noticed or didn't care, which again worked in Andy's favor. Being able to completely destroy Tristan was an amazing stroke of luck he couldn't have even hoped for. He had to focus- chances like this only come around so often in one's lifetime.

Andy: "Let the games begin..."