Understudy. It’s a 6.

*woman to events facilitator: “so how do I know when everyone’s shown up? will you hold this room until I figure that out?”
events facilitator: “I’m afraid there’s a time limit on holding this particular venue. you may wish to consider beginning your meeting soon.”

*********************************************

6 hours later:

Sunset, hours away, napped on a plane out of sight giving reign to the sparkle of a thousand round cut diamonds to enter through a massive window and ricochet off the walls of a conference room atop a beachfront resort.

The din of hesitant conversation amongst strangers gave soundtrack to an event borne of spontaneity, spurred by desperation, and coddled by fear yet, not so unpleasant for its potential; soon opportunity raised it’s reticent hand to challenge the default reserve of the gathering’s host.

Back to the window, buoyed by a sapphire ocean beyond, the woman lifted her soft voice to the crowed: “I can see by your puzzled looks you’re wondering why I’ve gathered everyone together; to be honest, I’m not quite sure myself. What’s that?… you, there in the very back…they don’t allow dogs at this resort?…that’s why Seven isn’t here?

Listen, there’s additional seating up front, no need to be shy or hanging out by the door, it is scary not knowing anyone else and I totally get some of you aren’t crazy about a stranger walking up to you, asking you questions but I promise, there’s an upside to this.

Look, we’ve got a decent turnout of people.. there’s Billy, and in the far right corner by the bar is Annaliese, hey, isn’t that Nomad and desperate daughter chatting it up and damn, if it isn’t Aspiring Actor introducing himself to Inspector Wentworth and Sister Ephraim, heck even Veronica showed up, so what say we relax and get to know one another better.”