ASTRID moved down the carpet with an easy, steady stride. He raised one hand and waved to the crowd, his expression relaxed and natural. The people behind the barriers responded instantly. Their screams grew louder. Signs bearing his name shook in the air as fans jumped and pushed closer to the railings. He turned slightly and offered a small wave to the other side, and another wave of noise followed. The floating cameras circled him, capturing the scene from every angle.
Watching Astrid move so easily down the carpet made Rhett straighten up a little. He told himself, think of funny looking vegetables. He wasn't sure if it worked like some kind of magic trick, but the tightness in his chest eased. He relaxed his shoulders and let out a slow breath. He knew most of the people behind the barriers were there for Astrid, not for him. Still, he smiled and lifted his hand to wave at the ones who happened to look his way.
