For Lovers Only - [A Zarry Stylik]©️

XXXV- MORALLY CORRECT ACTIONS

Z,

A few days later,

"Hello?"

"Perrie!"

"Hi, Zayn!" She replied with a cheered-up voice. "How are you?"

"I'm confused..." I responded, squinting at my computer scre­en, analysing a PDF file with 10 pages of names I did not re­cognize. "Why is our guest list composed of 350 people? 350? We had less than a 100 last year for our fundraiser. Where did the other 250 come from?"

"Ah. I guess you're famous- "

"Come off it. Who are all these people? There are names here I don't recognize­..." I commented, scrolling down the first PDF page. "Where did you find all 350 people on this list?"

"There is a major dif­ference from last year, to this year, my dear," Perrie responded. "We have a co-host."

I sat back on my chair, feeling regretful for adding another person to the organization of this event. I had been overruled on my intention to not have anyone else on the board. I would usually do everything with the girls and Perrie, but now I had another person working with me. The unbelievable, and surprisingly constant presence in my life: Simon Cowell.

"Do we have any connection to these people?" I asked, feeling an itch under my skin. "Do they know what we do, follow our work, our artists?"

"No," Perrie responded. "Not yet."

"Perrie-"

"Listen, listen before you begin destroying any possible positive traits let me tell you this: You don't have just 350 guests. You have quality guests. People who have connections, influence and, most importantly, who have money. Money! These are the type of people who look at art and think they understand it. They don't! They don't know that. These people just want to look fancy and intellectual to their peers.'

'This is an opportunity for you, to reach a broader spectre, more funds and, most importantly, more patrons for the artists you so love." Perrie explained with a mastery that belonged only to her. "These people will help the Malik Gallery propel itself fo­rward."

I sat back on my chair, looking at some of the guests on that list. Politicians, directors, socialites, investors, businessmen...Not a single name I could recognize. I was beginning to panic at the thought of having to deal and charm with 350 people.

"I don't...I don't even know where or how to begin interacting with 350 people, Perrie!"

"Darling, I know you're nervous but, you don't have to." My friend calmed me down. "Let Simon do the networking."

"It's my event, at my gallery. He's not doing a bloody thing."

"Well...do you think you can fit that amount of people in the gallery?"

I sighed pinching my nose.

"You're already looking for another place, aren't you?"

"Dearest, we needed to be agile. You were away taking some time off and you gave me the green light to move forward to work this out." Perrie defended herself. "The girls were okay with it and when I spoke to Simon, he adored the idea. He was already a fan of yours. Accepted it immediately."

"I missed the part when I said OKAY to having 350 people."

"I reacted proactively. You're my client, we're working on a project, and I needed to deliver. Don't be upset."