The Day Before You Came

Chapter Ten

The exhibition day had finally arrived. After months of work Frida and Sygni were in the Moderna Museet located on the island of Skeppsholmen in the center of Stockholm, its spacious rooms were covered with paintings of all sizes, each representing different scenarios, portraits, landscapes, or for which some people were only stains on a canvas, in others there were marble sculptures, most of them sculpted by Sygni, all of them looked like true art, the lights gave the place a magical atmosphere. There was a long red carpet at the entrance and waiters serving drinks to the guests. Little by little people were arriving, half an hour ago Frida and Sygni had given the official welcome, people had received them very well after all and more than one person had approached her and her colleague to congratulate them, everything seemed go well despite the fact that it was raining outside. Frida was at the entrance of the gallery, she moved her feet nervously, if she continued like this her heels would probably be scraped off. She checked her delicate gold wrist watch, it was 7:15 at night, a little more than an hour ago they had started and there was still no sign of the people she wanted to see. She tightened her delicate black coat around her a little more, she was starting to feel cold. Underneath she wore a beautiful blue king dress that reached below her knees, had a discreet neckline, wore black patent leather sneakers, her hair was loose in waves to the exception of a strand of the left side, it was subtly held back what allowed to have a total vision of her profile, her face framed by delicate makeup and brought delicate accessories, nothing ostentatious. At first she didn't feel sure of herself, but this was her night and she had to shine, it was part of giving a good impression, she was the amphitron.

"Miss Lyngstad?" The receptionist approached Frida.

"Yes?" Frida asked, turning to him, he was a tall, thin and handsome man.

"I remind you that it's one of my duties to take care of the door," the gentleman said softly with a smile, "It's cold here so it'd be nice if you get in."

Frida giggled, "You're very kind, Calr," she said reading his identification badge, "But I'm waiting for someone."

"I understand," Carl replied with a bow of his head before fixing his gaze just behind Frida who followed him. When she turned, she met her boyfriend. Ragnar dressed in his typical black office suit, had messy hair, so Frida deduced he was coming from the office. He quickly approached her and Frida received him with open arms.

"Hello, honey," Ragnar greeted her with a warm kiss on the lips, but Frida separated almost instantly.

"Makeup," she murmured between his lips.

"I'm sorry," Ragnar said, taking her by the waist. "How is your night going?"

"Even now everything is going perfectly," Frida responded by removing a lock of his forehead. "Thanks for coming"

"Well, I wouldn't have missed it and surely you wouldn't have forgiven me."

"Good point, Mr. Fredriksson, shall we pass?"

"For sure, honey." They held hands and both went inside the gallery.

"Are you coming from work?" Frida asked as they walked through the halls, stopped slowly to appreciate the art.

"Yes, I didn't want to waste time going to my apartment to get ready, so I came straight here, I hope you don't mind my facades," he said, laughing a little.

"Not at all, honey... I'm glad you're here," Frida said and kissed his cheek. She saw a waiter and signaled him to come closer, Frida took a glass of red wine. "Anything to drink?" She turned to Ragnar.

"Sure, do you have whiskey?" He asked the waiter.

"Sure sir, I'll bring it to you right away," said the young waiter and withdrew in search of the order.