343 Caught in a sweet surprise (1/2)
The propitious day arrived in a jiff.
Outside the Library Hotel, people entered in an orderly fashion under security's supervision.
Norman had put a team from KeyLine as well to cooperate with the hotel staff in guiding the visitors to their seats. The climate is still releasing a bit of warmth in its daytime, yet people seem to appear in their geared up suits like thick jackets and long coats to protect them from the potential cold.
It was the plan to have a brief discussion with the authors first, followed by answering a few questions from the audience. Later after taking a short break, the readers can form a line to get their book signed by their favorite authors.
Tickets went for sale to attend the panel discussion, and people who got their entries confirmed entered inside the Reading Room to get seated.
***
Meanwhile, panic arose in the waiting room, where the authors, along with their editors, greeted each other upon arrival. Norman is still on his phone busily trying to connect with Jenna as one of the authors broke out complaining Lillian's tardiness.
”I knew it was the wrong idea to expose herself when she is the least punctual amongst us!” Jayce commented as he sat next to KeyLine upcoming writer, Jennifer Keily. Jennifer watched everyone without uttering any response as she had only joined KeyLine recently. Also, having never met anyone else in person, she was in complete awe to see fellow authors, especially the veteran, Jason Raid, who has been working with KeyLine for almost 30 years. He had released numerous books to his readers and even received great accolades for his works.
Jennifer sat in her clean peach dress as Jayce kept complaining about Lillian to her. Giselle waited by his side, starting to feel uneasy with the direction of their talks. She kept looking at her phone to check if Lillian had sent any response to her or not. Giselle reached out to both Lillian and Jenna, hoping that Lillian might reply to her first, but the absence from her side made Giselle worry. She found Jayce's comments frustrating. When Norman finally got through Jenna's phone, he yelled in an alarm that drew everyone's attention, including Jayce's endless criticism.
”Alright! Okay! Be careful on your way-”
Everyone heard Norman talking in silence and attention. As soon as the call ended, he notified everyone about Lillian's arrival.
Giselle found herself relaxing just like everyone else, except her own author's mumble.
***
Jenna rushed Lillian through the private entrance, urging her to move faster as they were running late to their promised arrival.
”It's alright, Jenna. We still have time left for the discussion! Slow down-” Lillian wailed as she seemed entranced from Jenna's fast strides, wondering how she could walk this quick. It practically feels like the two began racewalking.
”That's alright, where's Lillian?” he asked, wiping off the sweat spotted on his forehead.
Jenna knew Lillian was behind her to look confidently, only to find that there was no sign of Lillian following her. She panicked that instant to call for her author, peeking outside.
Lillian was found nowhere outside the room, and Jenna scoured the hallway to locate Lillian moving away from the place they deem to be present.
”Jenna! There you are, come here, let me show you where I stayed in this hotel-” Lillian said to examine the rooms.
Jenna's eyes swell from Lillian's folly as she raced to get her back.
”Ms. Grey!” Jenna whispered angrily.
She got close to Lillian, whispering furiously again, demanding to return at once and greet the chief editor, Norman.
Lillian ignored to loiter. The hall had murals hung on either side of the walls as it became a helpful distraction for her escape.
Jenna rushed to Lillian's side, trying to get her to obey.
A few struggles later, Jenna found Lillian's demeanor purposefully strange.
Her wandering eyes followed the hallway while both of her hands got buried in her pant pockets. She wasn't necessarily moving on her feet and appeared glued to a spot away from where everyone's present. Her asymmetrical stance, releasing her hand to touch her neck as she mumbled about the time she stayed in this hotel with less interest, and her lack of eye contact- all gave away the most to Jenna.
”Ms. Grey- don't tell me that you are suddenly feeling nervous!” she guessed dubiously.
Lillian stuttered both in her stance and in her words to expose her anxiety obliviously.
”Ms. Grey- this is a small gathering. Mr. Ricardo advised Mr. Norman to keep it low and simple. You don't have to feel so timid,” Jenna said to find Lillian slowly backing away.
”It's not that I'm nervous.”
Lillian said it while keeping her glance away.
The two stood in silence for a while. Jenna let Lillian take time to calm herself down.
”Alright! Let's go-”
As expected, Lillian said to approach the waiting room. She walked hurriedly to make an appearance finally.
”Hey, guys!”
Lillian's voice faced the room full of people in anticipation- all familiar faces except one.
”Finally, she's here! Why did you disappear already?” Jayce called out.