It was raining

Of course it was raining.

It could very well be the most important day of my life and the sun isn’t shining. I can’t take it as an omen of ill will.

All my hard work has been leading to this moment. Everyone thinks art is so easy. What they don’t know is it takes pieces of you. Every brush stroke deliberate, each piece baring a little more of my soul.

And then people look at it. Judge it.

It’s nerve-racking knowing that my entire career, my life, is riding out one this one meeting. Three people will decide my fate.

I look at myself in the mirror one last time before grabbing my bag that holds my future and my umbrella before walking out the door.

The cab ride was only 15 minutes. I stepped out and couldn’t help but look around at the people walking on the street even though it was raining. People scurrying by, most with umbrellas.

I took a deep breathe and surged forward. I walked through the doors and saw a petit red head at reception.

I walked up, with all the confidence I had, and said, “Hello, my name is Carmen Bentley. I have a meeting with Mrs. Lemmins.”