Flashing cameras, designer gowns, and the low hum of hundreds of conversations all blending into one massive wave of sound.

You'd been to these things before. Enough to know the rhythm of it all. Walk the carpet. Smile. Answer a few questions. Find your seat. Clap at the right moments.

Tonight was no different.

Except for the fact that your assigned seat was in the second row. Dead center. Great view of the stage.

And the seat next to you was still empty.