Relatively Famous by Jessica Park Page B

tonight.” He took Dani’s hand and waved at the crowd that was pushing against a metal gate that separated him from his fans. “Christopher, can you hurry things along?”
    Mark’s personal assistant had been simultaneously shuttling Mark and Dani from one spot to another, texting contacts at lightning speed, and coordinating and confirming all of the post-show events through a headset. Multitasking was obviously Christopher’s strength , since he hadn’t broken a sweat yet, and he was just as tightly groomed and organized as ever. “Of course. If you would just give Extra a minute, then you can be done here.”
    Dani felt utterly spoiled and glamorous this evening and didn’t mind playing to the photographers and interviewers. Mark had picked out the perfect dress for her—a long, silky navy dress with a short train—and the stylist had come to the house to do her hair and makeup and to redo the manicure and pedicure she’d just had done last night.
    The noise and blinding camera flashes were daunting, but Dani just followed Mark’s lead as Christopher moved them from one interview to another. The constant calling of her father’s name was beginning to blend into one continuous chant for Mark to turn this way or that way so that each media representative could get a perfect shot.
    “I’m sure the movie is going to be great. We’re going to have fun.” Dani tried to reassure Mark. Her father looked especially handsome in his designer black tux, but she could tell he was nervous. “Thanks for this dress. I’ve never worn anything like it.” Dani looked up at her father, watching the strobe flashes lighting his face.
    “It suits you perfectly , and you make me look good. Oh, excellent, Renna is here. Dani, I want you to meet my agent. Renna Martin, this is my daughter, Danielle McKinley.”
    Dani had met more people than she could remember and shaken so many hands that she’d lost count at this point. All the names and faces were jumbled together. She had been introduced to most of the cast, all the high-ups from the studio, and a few people from Rumble Liquors who were sponsoring the premiere and hocking Vitarum (which was a vile - sounding blend of rum and vitamins designed to prevent a hangover.) But Renna Martin was not someone Dani would forget. The woman’s enormous glasses covered most of her face , and her layered purple outfit hung so low off of her arms that Dani wondered if the woman might take flight at any moment.
    “It’s very nice to meet you, Ms. Martin.” Dani held her hand out, but Renna bypassed the offer of a more formal greeting and threw her arms around Dani, swallowing her with her arms.
    “Darling, I can’t tell you what a pleasure it is to finally meet you. I’ve been hearing about you all week. Your father cannot stop raving about what a gorgeous, intelligent, delightful young lady you are. Mark, you’d better keep an eye on her. With looks like that, a casting agent might snatch her up , and you’ll never see her again! Oh, it’s time to go in. This is your moment, Mark. It’s your night. Enjoy it all. “ Renna put her arm around his waist and rubbed his back supportively, all to the delight of the photographers. She patted Mark’s cheek like a proud parent. “Let’s go , kids! Christopher! Where’s Christopher?”
    Christopher appeared from behind Renna and extended his arm, showing Mark where to go. “I’ll see you afterwards,” he said and immediately began reprimanding some poor soul on the receiving end of the headset. Christopher’s tone of voice was perfectly warm and calm, but his words caused Dani to turn back and stare at him in horror. “I swear on my dead mother’s grave that I will ruin you and your entire family if you do not get this done.” Christopher paused and casually stared off into the crowd while the recipient of his threats presumably begged for his or her life. “Oh, good. I’m glad you can accommodate Mr. Ocean.” Christopher