ARIA'S POV
Vincent submitted my name four months ago without telling me.
I found out two weeks ago via a formal letter on heavy cream paper addressed to *Ms. Aria Sinclair, Emerging Artist of the Year Nominee and a one of the hosts for the year* I read it twice standing at my kitchen counter still in my coat from the walk home and then I called Vincent and his first words were: "Before you say anything, the foundation's president specifically requested you after the Visual Arts Council panel and I was not going to say no on your behalf."
I said a number of things.
He listened to all of them and then said: "You're doing it, Aria." And I had no choice but to obey.
The dress I bought for tonight is burgundy. Deep, almost wine. I bought it specifically because it was nothing like the gree
