The "Biggest" Fan (EN)

2.

The massive space shimmered with warm colors - not the kind of Hollywood party you see on TV, but impressive nonetheless. Everything felt like it belonged to another world: a grand stage, tables stocked with food and sparkly drinks, and luxurious curtains that seemed to shield this bubble of privilege from the plain old world outside. The only thing missing was the red carpet; I'd definitely expected one.

There was so much going on at once, I couldn't focus on any of it. What was I even doing here? Everyone seemed to know each other; I recognized a few faces but was sure no one had a clue who I was.

Then my attention got hijacked by this middle-aged guy, head-to-toe in a sequined suit.

"Maybe I should've just raided the Christmas ornament box for my outfit too," I muttered aloud.

"Louis, shhh," Lottie burst out laughing, quickly covering her mouth, trying to play it cool.

We kept making our way through the crowd of suited men and dazzling women until we spotted our mother. Dressed in a sharp blue pantsuit and killer heels, she looked more like a celebrity than some of the actual celebrities here. She'd been in the event-planning business for ages and managed to charm just about everyone, even if she wasn't famous herself.

A huge smile lit up her face as she spotted us and came over for hugs.

"Darlings, you look fantastic! And Louis, I'm pleasantly surprised to see you here," she said, her eyes twinkling.

"Yeah, it's... quite flashy," I mumbled, forcing a smile.

"Oh, you don't know how thrilled I am to have you here!" she gushed.

"Me too." I gave her my biggest, fakest grin, flashing all my teeth. Lottie elbowed me in the ribs, but I just shot her 'what else do you want from me?' stare. I was already trying my best.

Mom seemed to catch the sarcasm in my voice but just nodded and turned to Lottie.

"Lottie, darling, I've been chatting with other organizers here. I'm hoping to get you a spot to play the piano or sing sometime! They usually want established names, but, well, how else are you going to get known?"

"Mum, just being here is incredible. No need to fuss over that," she said.

"How can I not fuss?" she laughed, winking at her. But her gaze had already landed on someone else across the room. "Oh, there's Mathilda, one of our main sponsors. I've got to say hello. I'll cath you later. Enjoy yourselves!" she said, then disappeared into the crowd.

I trailed behind Lottie for a while as she gushed about all the people she'd seen online. I couldn't have cared less. The only thing catching my attention was the drinks table.

Finally, with a glass of champagne in my hand, I was pleasantly surprised.

"Well, at least the champagne is good," I said, raising an eyebrow.

"Told you! If not for the glamour, you must come here for the fancy drinks," she nodded.

Honestly, this was probably the best champagne I'd ever had, but I didn't even want to guess its price. Maybe tonight wouldn't be that bad.

While we stood there, some singer I didn't recognize started performing. But I knew the song she was covering.

"Let's go dance. I know you love Green Day," Lottie urged.

Not in the mood to dance, I joked, "Give me a few more glasses, and maybe I'll consider it."

Sure enough, after another glass or two, I started feeling the music a bit more.