“Hi, Ace. Would you like to sit for a minute?” Abby says, shooting a glance at me.
“Who wouldn’t want to sit with two gorgeous women? My apologies for interrupting your dinner.” He must not be that sorry because he grabs a chair and makes himself comfortable.
What the hell? Why did she invite him to sit down? I give her a look, but she’s already into a conversation about Australia and how she’s always wanted to travel there. I can’t believe this is happening.
I sit quietly and listen to them talk as if they’ve been friends for years. I completely zone out as I try to wrap my head around this. Before I realize it, he’s suggesting that Abby name her baby Ace if it’s a boy. Um, what?
“Oh, wow. I’ve taken way too much of your time. Apologies again. It was wonderful to meet you, Abby, and so good to see you again, Sienna.” He pulls my card out of his wallet. “I saved this and will be in touch soon. It would be so helpful if you could introduce me to some local contacts.”
He saved my card?
“Of course. Just send me an email.” That may have been the most I’ve spoken since Ace sat down.
“Give my best to Luke. Goodnight.”
Am I hallucinating? Did that really just happen? Here I was enjoying a fun girls’ night with my friend, then we’re interrupted by this person who I’m supposed to dislike but can’t. I know his type all too well—attractive, super confident, flirtatious, always knows exactly what to say. I should probably hate him for all the women in the world who have encountered his type.
Wait. This is wrong. Why am I being so judgmental? I don’t know this guy. Just because my boyfriend is super jealous of him doesn’t mean he’s a player.
“Start talking,” Abby interrupts the seemingly endless rant going on in my head.
“What do you mean?” I ask innocently. “I already told you. He’s an old acquaintance of Luke’s. We ran into him at dinner the other night.”
“Why are you acting so weird?”
“I’m not. It’s just a bit awkward considering how Luke feels about him. I mean, can’t you tell? He’s a total player.”
“Really? Why do you care?” She cracks a small smile.
“I don’t care. I was just saying that maybe Luke’s feelings are justified, and before you say anything about the card, he’s here to open a division of his company. I’m an event planner, that’s it. No ulterior motives.”
“I disagree. I think Ace is actually very sincere, and I think Luke is wrong,” she replies very seriously.
I’ve known Abby for a long time. She’s the most kindhearted person I’ve ever met, and you can always depend on her to give everybody a fighting chance. She’s also a very good judge of character. I trust her judgment more than anybody else’s, so maybe she’s right. Regardless, it doesn’t matter what I think of Ace.
“Sienna, I know you better than anyone. You’re attracted to him, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Any girl would be attracted to him. He is very good-looking and charismatic.”
“There is something wrong with that! I have a boyfriend, and my boyfriend can’t stand him. Yeah, I think he’s attractive. Doesn’t mean anything. It’s strictly professional.” I stop talking, hoping that she will drop it.
“Okay,” she replies unconvincingly.
As we finish our dinner, the subject changes to baby names and nursery décor. I’ve never been more relieved to move on from a discussion. By the time I get home, I’m exhausted. Madison is still out with Cole, so I do some laundry and watch Golden Girls re-runs. Yes, it’s a guilty pleasure.
After I’m done with my laundry, I lie down on the couch and replay the evening in my head. Abby is right. Ace does seem like a nice guy, and it’s not like he’s tried to be overly flirtatious or anything with me. I may find him attractive, but that doesn’t mean he thinks that way about me.
I tried calling Luke when I got home but got his voicemail. I wanted to find out how things are going at work, and maybe a part of me wants to get my mind back to where it should be.
I must have fallen asleep on the couch because the next thing I know, Madison is shaking me.
“Sienna, wake up, I have to talk to you. Wake up!” She’s almost screaming.
“What? What’s wrong?” I jump up from the couch and look at the clock. It’s midnight.
“Sienna, guess what?” She shoves her hand in my face. Her left hand. And there—in all its beautiful, shining glory—is a huge diamond.
“Cole proposed. I’M GETTING MARRIED!”
Chapter Six
I must be dreaming.
“What?” I yell. “Did you just say—let me see that!” I grab her hand, and I see that this is really happening. She has a gorgeous engagement ring on her left hand. “Tell me everything.”
I’ve never seen Madison so happy.
“I don’t know where to start. She sits cross-legged on the couch. “We had plans to go out to dinner to celebrate. Cole has been hired to headline a few new venues. He’s been working toward this for years. We were having a great dinner just talking and laughing. The next thing I know, this couple comes up and asks for his autograph. They tell us that they saw his last show, and they loved it. He turns to me and introduces me as his girlfriend but then says, ‘I’m actually hoping that she will become my fiancé tonight.’ I didn’t know what to say. At first, I thought he was joking. Next thing I know, this lady takes her ring off and tells him to get down on one knee and propose with the ring. I was stunned. Then they all laugh. He actually asked this couple to be a part of the engagement. She had my ring—this ring. So, then he gets down on one knee and asks me. The whole place was watching. I just started laughing and said yes. Everyone started clapping and cheering.”
“Wow! I can’t believe you’re engaged,” I reply excitedly. I’m not surprised about the way he did that. He’s a comedian, and it’s totally like him to be silly and creative with his proposal. “Did you suspect anything? Had you ever even talked about it? I mean, you’ve been dating for a long time.”
“We talked about it a while ago. I knew it would happen at some point, but I definitely wasn’t expecting it tonight.”
We stay up talking for hours. When I finally get ready for bed, I start thinking about all the changes about to take place. My best friend is getting married, and I will need to find a new roommate—or move.
I had sent Luke a text earlier to tell him about Madison’s engagement. His response was short and polite, wishing them well. He told me he was still at the office with Lance (his brother-in-law) and would call me in the morning. I’m not sure what I should be feeling. Things are moving forward with my career but seem to be slowing down with Luke. I keep reminding myself that we’re just busy right now and that doesn’t mean we are falling apart. I know I have a tendency to overthink and over plan things. But this is one thing I can’t plan, and that bothers me.
When I wake up the next morning, which is actually only a few hours after I went to sleep, I feel anxious and exhausted. I drag myself out of bed but quickly get excited. I’m going to check out my new office today. I haven’t seen it since the painting was finished. Luke is supposed to meet me there, and we planned on grabbing a quick lunch after.
I stop by the Carrie’s office to check some emails and follow up with a few things. When I get there, Craig is at his desk browsing Facebook.
“Who are you stalking?” I ask as I put my stuff down.
“Hey, girl! Oh, just the usual. I was about to text you. I see Madison got engaged? That seems like a huge shock.”
“Yeah, it’s pretty unexpected, but it’s not like they haven’t been together forever. His proposal was pretty impressive.”
“How did he do it?”
I tell him all about Cole’s proposal.
“That is impressive. Lucky girl!”
“So, any word from Carrie?” I ask, changing the subject. As happy as I am for Madie, we have work to do. “I haven’t talked to her since she sent back paperwork f
or the Cantons. She mentioned she might be gone the rest of this week, so I’m not counting on seeing her.”
Her ears must have been burning because right at that moment, she walks into the office. Judging by Craig’s expression, he’s as shocked as I am to see her.
“Good morning, my loves. Let’s have a quick meeting. We need to plan a birthday celebration for my very dear friend.” She hands Craig some notes. “Here’s a list of guests and gifts. We need to book it at Venice. Sienna, you need to call over there to get a section roped off. Ask for Cameron and tell him this is for the Lucinda party. He does event scheduling, and it will not be a problem.”
Venice? There’s no way.
“Carrie, the last I heard, it was impossible to get in there for months. How soon are we shooting for?”
“Within two weeks—before we leave for Aspen,” she replies as her phone starts buzzing. She glances at her phone. “I must take this call.”
I look at Craig after Carrie walks away. “Two weeks? I seriously doubt it will happen, but I’ll try.”
I guess I could always contact Ace if I need to. I’m sure he would help. It would be for work, of course. No other reason. Really.
“Okay, so you’ll get Venice booked,” Carrie demands as she walks out of her office and heads toward the door.
“I’ll contact Cameron today,” I reply. “Carrie, while you are here, just an update that we have about four weeks until Faith, Fashion, and Hope. I sent over all remaining paperwork. We’re in the final planning stage, and it will be implementation from now on. The invitations are at the printers and will go out next week. We will be helping to oversee the printing of all programs and pledge cards. Do you have any questions?”
I’m not sure Carrie heard anything I just said.
“I have a few guests to add to my table. I will get Nicole their info for the guest list. I must go. I will be in touch. Ciao.”
That’s it? She wants to add guests. I glance at Craig who’s already working on the list she gave him.
I let out a loud sigh and head to my office to contact this Cameron person and try to secure a date for this party. I pull up Carrie’s calendar and look at my own to-do list for the day. I haven’t even checked my emails yet. As soon as I log in, I see it staring me in the face. An email from Ace.
Good Morning Sienna,
It was lovely running into you yesterday evening. Your friend Abby is a doll. I’ve spoken with my partners, and we are interested in having an informal launch party. I think just a small cocktail party to introduce ourselves would be ideal. Would you be able to send over a few names for me to contact in advance? I would, of course, like to hire your company to plan the event. Perhaps we could meet for lunch to discuss some details? I also plan to get in touch with Luke for some advertising.
Best,
Ace
I read the email over and over again. It’s very professional— nothing to read into. My heart sinks at the mention of Luke. He’s not going to be happy when he hears I’m working with Ace. Oh well, I can’t worry about that right now. I start my reply, but I’m having a difficult time figuring out what to write.
Good Morning,
Thank you for your email. I’m attaching a list of contacts for you. A cocktail party will be very feasible. I have a busy week but will be happy to talk if you can meet here at our office to discuss some preliminary details. Friday morning at 10:00 will be best. Let me know if this time will work with your schedule.
Thanks!
Sienna
After changing a few words, I hit send. I make my way through a few more emails. Finally, it’s time to go to the new office. I practically dance out of Carrie’s.
My new office is in a great location. The building is only about two years old and has a new indoor/outdoor café as well as a day spa and children’s boutique. As soon as I arrive, I’m almost giddy. One of the walls is floor to ceiling windows—which I absolutely love—and the paint looks fantastic.
Luke walks in while on a phone call, clearly bothered by whoever he’s talking to.
“Everything okay?” I ask after he gets off a few minutes later.
“I’m not sure. This new client is very difficult. They’re not happy with anything we have presented to them yet. We have another meeting with them tomorrow.” He leans in to give me a kiss. “I’m sorry I’ve been so distant, but this is just so important. I feel bad about cancelling dinner with Abby. How was it?”
“I totally understand. Dinner was fine.” I need to figure out how to tell him about running into Ace and the email today.
“The office looks good,” he says, looking around. He walks toward the window and looks out. “It really is a great location.”
“Thanks!” I reply, smiling. “Um, Luke, I do have a funny story about dinner last night. Guess who Abby and I ran into at the restaurant. Ace Eckelund. He said to tell you hi, and he wants to get in touch regarding some advertising. And guess what, he hired me to plan their company launch. Hopefully, I can plan for a month out after I leave Carr—”
“Wait a second? Where did you see him?”
“Last night, when I went out with Abby. He was at the restaurant. He saw me and came over to our table.” I shrug. “Anyway, it wasn’t a big deal. I just thought it was funny.”
Luke starts to say something else when his phone rings. “Hang on, let me get this.”
Saved by the bell. Maybe I should have waited until after lunch to bring this up.
While Luke is on the phone, I look around the office and come up with a list of things I still need. I’m really excited now that everything is coming together so well. I love it when that happens.
Luke comes back in the office. “I’m sorry, had to get that.”
“It’s fine. So, this place is almost ready, don’t you think? You’ll have to help me find some artwork and photos for the walls.” I try really hard to get his mind off the Ace subject. Anyway, are you ready for lunch? I’m starving.”
“Yes! I have to go back to my office right after lunch,” he says, heading for the door.
Mission accomplished. I’m so glad he already forgot our conversation that I practically do a cartwheel out the door.
Our lunch date goes perfectly. We talk about Sheer Happiness and Madison and Cole’s engagement (shocker!). The subject of Ace never comes up again, and I couldn’t be happier.
When I get home later that night, I find Madison making cookies and looking at a stack of bridal magazines. She has Sirius radio playing and is rocking out to ’90s hits.
“Hey, bestie, it’s time to get to work. We have a lot of planning to do.” She hands me three magazines, sticky notes marking several pictures of gowns. Wow, is she already looking at gowns?
“Have you guys started making plans? Have you set a date?” I steal a cookie from the plate and start munching on it.
“We’re looking at dates now—later this year if possible. I would love to have it at the Four Seasons. What do you think?”
“Pick a date, and I’ll check right away. Damn, these cookies are so delicious. Thanks for helping me break my no-sugar rule that I started again this morning,” I say, laughing.
“Don’t you start that every single day?”
“What’s your point?” I wink and take a second cookie.
We have another fun night looking at magazines, eating cookies, and dancing to ’90s music. Later, I realize that these days will be coming to an end soon. Madison is planning her wedding. She’ll be moving, and everything is changing. I actually start to cry, which does not happen ever. I’m not much of a crier, and I’m sure these are tears of joy for both Madison and Abby.
Maybe it’s time Luke and I had a talk. Ugh, what am I thinking? That’s relationship suicide. One time, I asked the ‘where are we headed’ question to a guy I was dating. Let’s just say we were headed nowhere after that. That’s when I adopted the ‘dump before get dumped’ philosophy. I never really had serious boyfriends, but I dated a lot. I sti
ll remember when Luke told me he loved me for the first time. We went to ride rollercoasters one night. I was so freaked out, and he was trying to calm me down. He grabbed my face in his hands and told me not to worry and that he loved me. It was very sweet and mushy. I started crying and told him I loved him too. I started planning our wedding that night. I know that’s crazy, but I am an event planner after all.
Friday morning, I make it to the early morning spinning class for the first time in a while. When I get home, I spend way too much time planning my outfit for the day. I’m starting to worry about why I care so much about how I look for my meeting with Ace.
Madison walks in my room as I finish getting ready. “You look awesome! Where are you going today?”
“I’m going to work. Why? Do I look overdressed?” I had selected a simple, mint tunic and dark-blue skinny jeans with these fabulous leather booties I just bought. I didn’t think I overdid it, but her reaction freaked me out.
“No, you look great. Just…different? Do you have plans with Luke?
“No, Luke’s in Vegas this weekend for work. I have a few meetings with some potential new clients.” I haven’t told Madison anything about Ace. She’ll see right through me and won’t just drop it like Abby did. There’s nothing to tell anyway.
“That’s exciting. Good luck. Are you still meeting me tonight at Alexa’s?”
“Of course!”
Tonight, we have plans to look at some wedding gowns. One of our clients that has known Carrie for years has a shop, and she’s opening after hours just for us. As usual, Carrie is out of town, but when I spoke to her, she actually offered to contact Alexa and call in a favor. She was surprisingly helpful, but I won’t question it. It’s times like this that I will definitely miss these extra perks when I leave. I’m hoping that the relationships I’ve made on my own will benefit me, assuming that Carrie doesn’t try to sabotage me.
[Event to Remember 01.0] An Event to Remember...or Forget Page 5
