Chapter 22
Chapter Twenty-Two
“ W e call this running the gauntlet. You ready?”
Avi’s hand firmly took hold of Leah’s. More years than not, he was on the boat so early that he thankfully missed all the press junket action. Jay and Katz Event Concepts ran a tight ship in that they didn’t allow any press to board the ship at all, making the Baller a haven and a respite from current affairs and celebrity gossip. Obviously the right call, given the number of high profile attendees who returned year after year.
But that meant the Pier itself became one long red carpet. Camera crews, security, and New York’s finest – all doing their jobs. Organized chaos. Luckily, Avi knew a thing or two about that.
“Avi, what are you wearing tonight?” A woman pushed a mic as close as she could. Camera shutters clicked like mad.
“Vintage Diesel and Persian wool,” he beamed, opening one side of his coat wide to show off his RACK buttercream, coffee and smoke.
“The wandering Jew returns!” Avi could hear Jonah, but his best bud was totally obscured as three-quarters of the girl crew piled their concern on. “Ladies, ladies. Let him up for air.”
“We saw your video from Buffalo of your gig being canceled. But it doesn’t explain the other stories swirling around.” Talia placed hands on hips and looked him straight in the eye. “Rumor has it – you sat on some mall Santa’s lap in Ohio ?”
“Wait, Tal…I heard he was seen at Niagara Falls – he saved a woman from going over.” Nora’s hands told the story even better.
“Was that before or after someone recognized him DJing at a JCC rave of some sort, Nora?” Libby wanted to know.
The girls all laughed; it wasn’t the first time their good friend had been the subject of outlandish gossip. Over the years they had learned not to trust half of what the media said, but in this case…
“Oh, but the best one – you were looking at resort property in the Poconos!” Jonah laughed. “Are we moving this party up to the Mount Airy Lodge next year or what, dude?”
“Or what,” Avi echoed. He caught Leah’s eye and winked. She was trying to keep a straight face, but he could see amusement sparkling in her eyes. “And if anything, I’d choose the Catskills in a heartbeat.”