Two weeks later
“Deep breaths. Calm down,” Zack said, straightening Trev’s tie.
“Easy for you to say. It’s not your hopes and dreams that are on the line.”
“Everyone will love your work,” Zack replied. “Take Clay’s word for it, if you won’t take mine.”
“I’m trying, but—”
Amanda, the manager of Clay’s gallery, came over, saying with a knowing grin, “The doors open in five minutes, Trev, so try to smile. Right now, you look as serious as Clay does when he has to face the madding crowds.”
“He looks even worse,” Clay said, joining them. He clapped his hand on Trev’s shoulder. “I only scowl, because I hate—or used to hate—dealing with all the people. You look like you’re about to panic or faint, Trev.”
“Because I am?” Trev replied, trying to smile.
“You’ll live through this, and by tomo
