[Event to Remember 01.0] An Event to Remember...or Forget

by Melissa Baldwin

  I’m the first to arrive at the office. This will give me time to straighten up the lobby and my office. Craig called on my way in and said he had a dentist appointment. I swear that guy has a different appointment every week. Anyway, I’m kind of glad Craig won’t be in the office. I hope Ace is gone before Craig gets there. Craig will be all over that, and I don’t want him to make a scene.

  The next hour is spent cleaning and organizing my office as well as following up on some emails and paperwork that Nicole had asked for. Nicole arrived about thirty minutes after me. She was already in a bad mood due to some of Carrie’s latest outlandish requests. I don’t ask because once she gets going, I’ll never escape.

  Ace arrives at exactly ten o’clock. I quickly check my hair and makeup and hear Nicole tell him to come into my office.

  “Good morning, Sienna. Thanks so much for meeting with me,” he says, flashing me a million-dollar smile.

  “Of course, please have a seat.” I smile back. We start our conversation with the weather and other small talk. So far, so good. At least there aren’t any awkward silences or long drooling stares on my part.

  “Thank you again for that list. I’ve already set up a few meetings. As soon as I mentioned your name, everyone was very receptive. You definitely make an impression on people.”

  Wow, what did he mean by that? Is he flirting with me? I need to concentrate and not daydream.

  “I don’t know about that. I’ve made some great relationships in my industry, and my boss, Carrie, knows a lot of people. That’s all it is really.”

  “You’re too modest. I have heard quite a bit about this Carrie person, and not much of it has been positive. You are obviously the heart behind this company, and that is what I like, and who I want to do business with.”

  “Well, thank you! On that note, let’s talk about what you’re expecting for this party.” I try to stay focused on business and not stare at his million-dollar smile.

  We have such a great meeting that I don’t realize how long we’re in my office. I heard Craig come in at some point, but when I actually look at my phone, it’s one o’clock. Three hours went by so fast, and we practically have the whole event planned out. I told him about Faith, Fashion, and Hope, and he’s very interested in becoming a sponsor. It turns out that in addition to his many accomplishments, he’s a philanthropist. Figures. I tell him about Sheer Happiness, and he insists on waiting to have the party after I leave Carrie’s. We talk and laugh a lot, and he even tells me about meeting Luke and the summer they spent in Europe. He spoke very highly of him, and I feel bad knowing how negatively Luke speaks about him. The skeptic in me wonders if he’s legit. I mean, no one can be that perfect. Right?

  “What have I done?” he says, looking at the time on his phone. “I’ve taken up way too much of your day. You have to let me buy you lunch to make up for it.”

  Honestly? I really, really, really want to go. But I decline.

  “I appreciate the offer, but I brought something and planned on working through my lunch today. Thank you so much for the offer,” I reply as I die inside.

  “Some other time then?” He stands up.

  “Sure. Please don’t forget to send me a few calendar dates for the party, and we’ll go from there. I’ll put together a contract later this week.”

  “Excellent. Thank you, Sienna,” he says as I walk him out. He gives a wave to Craig and Nicole who are watching us intently.

  After he’s gone, I turn around to Craig and Nicole staring at me.

  “Now I know why you were in your office for three hours. Who was that Australian bloke?” Craig asks with a really bad impersonation of an Australian accent.

  “That was a new client and an old friend of Luke’s, so don’t get any crazy ideas,” I reply as convincingly as possible. “His company is having an event next month, and he’s interested in sponsoring Faith, Fashion, and Hope. I need to let Mr. Canton know he will be contacting him,” I reply as I head back to my office.

  Of course, Craig follows me and shuts the door. “You’re the worst liar, and if you aren’t lying, then you’re insane.” He’s practically screaming in my face.

  “You’re the one who’s insane. Did you forget that I have a very serious boyfriend, and they’re friends?” I use that term loosely, but at least Ace thinks they are.

  “Um, yeah, that very serious boyfriend bought you a very tacky nameplate for your anniversary. Personally, I think it’s time to start looking around and maybe broaden your horizons.”

  “Thanks for your advice, but I didn’t ask for it. You can get out of my office now.” I’m so tired of Craig and Madison examining my relationship and thinking they know what’s best for me. “I’m an adult and soon-to-be business owner. I can certainly make my own decisions regarding my relationships, and you can mind your own damn business.”

  Craig storms out, slamming the door behind him.

  I don’t talk to him for the rest of the day, and he’s gone by the time I’m getting ready to leave the office. Luke sent a text earlier saying hi and that they were making some progress with the client. He won’t be back until Monday.

  I’m about to leave when I get an email from Ace.

  Sienna,

  Thank you again for a wonderful meeting. I look forward to working with you. I spoke with John Canton, and we’re meeting next about the charity event. I do want to send my apologies if I made you uncomfortable with my lunch invitation. I was only asking as a thank you. I would never want to cause any problems, and Luke is a good mate.

  Have a great weekend.

  Ace

  Crap! I hope I didn’t make it seem like his invitation bothered me. I draft a quick response that I rewrite a few times, of course, before hitting the send button.

  Ace,

  Thank you for this opportunity. I look forward to building a new clientele for Sheer Happiness Events.

  No need for apologies, I appreciate your invitation. I am so glad that you and Mr. Canton spoke. It’s a wonderful cause.

  You have a great weekend too!

  Sienna

  I’m pleased with my response, and I know I did the right thing. I’m more than committed to my relationship with Luke, and I would never want to do anything to jeopardize it. I finish up and head out to meet Madison.

  When I arrive at Alexa’s, Madison is already in a changing room with about ten gorgeous gowns. She comes out of the room wearing a short, beaded cocktail dress.

  “What do you think of this dress for the reception?” she asks, standing in front of the huge, circular mirrors. “I think I want two gowns—one for the ceremony and one for the reception. I was on Pinterest last night and fell in love with this idea. It will be so much more comfortable for a long night of celebrating.”

  “That’s a fun idea. I had another bride do that at one of our weddings last year.” I start looking through racks of bridesmaid gowns. Madison told me I could pick any style I wanted.

  “Guess what!” she calls in a singsong voice from the changing room. “We set a date. We’re shooting for October first. Do you think seven months is long enough for planning?”

  “It can be once you secure a venue. Do you still want me to try to book it at the Four Seasons? I can text Andrew over there to check on the date.”

  “Yes! That would be perfect,” she calls from behind the curtain.

  We talk more as we try on thousands of dresses. Alexa’s is so fabulous. They provide hors d’oeuvres and chocolate-covered strawberries for us to snack on while we’re there. When we finally leave a few hours later, Madison has chosen four dresses, and I’ve picked two. We call it a successful night.

  While I get ready for bed, I call Luke.

  “Hey! How are you? I miss you,” he says as soon as he answers.

  “I miss you too. Just got back from shopping for gowns with Madie.”

  “That sounds fun. Things are going really well here. We had some great meetings today, and it looks like we’re moving i
n a positive direction. I think we just needed to show we’re making the effort by coming to them. Now they know we’re serious and willing to work to fit their needs.”

  “Oh, good! So, you can come home now?” I beg.

  “No, not until Monday, and it looks like we’ll be traveling here more as we move forward. At least until the contracts are done.”

  “I’m sure ‘having to work in Vegas’ is such torture for you guys,” I reply sarcastically.

  “Of course, it is,” he says, laughing. “I’m actually heading out with Lance and one of the owners now. I’ll call you tomorrow. I love you.”

  “Love you too.” I hang up feeling both sad and jealous.

  I really need a vacation. It’s been quite a while since my last trip. Madison and I went to New York City, and it truly is the greatest city in the country. Having grown up in Southern California, there’s something exhilarating about NYC.

  We had a blast sightseeing, shopping, and eating fabulous food. Of course, leave it to me to get stuck in a bathroom stall at Penn Station. The lock was jammed, and I thought I would have to crawl on the disgusting floor to get out. Luckily, a bathroom attendant got the lock to open from the outside. I was panicking and banging on the door, and it was really embarrassing to come out to see several women watching me. Seriously, what’s my deal with getting stuck in places? It’s like the universe knows I have a major phobia of small spaces. Other than that, it was a fabulous trip, and I’m so overdue for another.

  When I arrive at the office on Monday morning, a card from Craig and a small box of Godiva chocolates are waiting on my desk.

  Sienna,

  I’m sorry! Way out of line! Please don’t fire me!

  Craig

  I laugh and send Craig a text.

  Meeting in my office now.

  A minute later, he comes in, sits down, and starts talking immediately. “I should’ve never acted that way. I’m the last person to give anyone relationship advice. You were right to kick me out of here.”

  “Listen, Craig. I really appreciate you looking out for me, and you’re a great friend. I know that Luke and I do not have a perfect relationship. There are things that I’m planning to discuss with him when the time is right. But, no matter what, I know we are committed to each other.”

  He nods his head and smiles.

  “I’m sure things will work out for you. No one deserves it more than you. I was so worried all weekend that you were going to fire me and not bring me with you to Sheer Happiness so I went out and bought you the card and chocolates. Which by the way, can I have one because I almost opened the box several times?” He keeps a straight face until we both start laughing hysterically.

  I’m having one of those really good days until I get an email from the catering team regarding some conflict on the menu with Caroline Canton. I’m not surprised. Mrs. Canton is the sweetest person, but she’s very particular about food, and the menu has been a bit of a sore subject while planning this event. She has changed it several times, and our team is getting a bit frustrated. I make a few phone calls and try to smooth things over.

  I pull out my to-do list for today.

  Follow up with Andrew at Four Seasons

  Check with Nicole and Craig on Lucinda event for Carrie

  Verify with Cameron at Venice

  Shockingly, Carrie was right about Venice. As soon as I mentioned this event, Cameron set up the reservation. I was relieved that I didn’t have to use Ace to call in a favor.

  I get so lost in my work that I zone out for a little while until I hear Nicole yelling and complaining about Carrie. I often wonder why she still works here. Most people would have left by now. I’m sure it has to do with the ridiculous amount of money she gets paid. I try to concentrate on my work, but she’s relentless. When I walk out of my office, Nicole is animatedly telling Craig the latest Carrie story.

  “Can you believe her? She has me set up all of these procedures and appointments. I was on the phone with this spa about ten different times. They reworked their entire weekend schedule for her and her high-maintenance friends. Then after all that, she decides she wants to cancel everything at the last minute, and she tells me to do it. I have no idea why she would cancel. I even made the mistake of asking her the reason for the cancellation. She went ballistic and told me that it was none of my business and that it was my job to do as she asked.”

  “Wait a second. That makes no sense. She’s never cancelled a spa weekend.” Craig raises his eyebrows. “She’s up to something.”

  “That’s what I thought too,” replies Nicole.

  “You two and your conspiracy theories need to get back to work,” I demand. “By the way, Venice is reserved for the Lucinda event for next weekend. Have you discussed all of the details with Carrie?”

  “I sent her an email and am waiting for a response,” Craig says. “I only have one more question, but she’s taking forever to get back to me,” he says, rolling his eyes. “The invites are almost ready, and Nicole purchased the gifts. I’ll contact Cameron to double-check the menu options.”

  I’m impressed. Craig really is good at his job.

  “Carrie mentioned adding a few other guests, but she hasn’t given either of us the names.” Craig lets out a sigh and gives me a look. I know what that look is about. I’ve seen it many times before. He’s just as ready to move on to Sheer Happiness Events as I am.

  After the whole Carrie cancellation drama, I try hard to get back to work, but I can’t focus. Instead, I look at office décor online. This makes me even more excited. My opening is getting closer, and I keep reminding myself that I just need to get through these next few weeks. Before I know it, I have wasted over an hour shopping online.

  Sienna, you have to get back to work. I look over the plans for Faith, Fashion, and Hope. The schedule is done, the menu is finalized (unless Mrs. Canton changes it again), the musical guests are lined up, the local celebrity host has signed the contract, and the designers have submitted their items for auction.

  Mrs. Canton worked in the fashion industry for several years, and she knows everyone. She reached out to several designers, asking them to donate items for auction. Hence: Faith, Fashion, and Hope.

  Rundown of Event Schedule:

  Registration/Cocktail Hour/Meet and Greet: 6–7 p.m.

  Dinner: 7–8 p.m.

  Program/Performances: 8–9 p.m.

  Auction: Throughout night

  Pledges: Throughout night

  I’m busy making lists when Craig comes in and sits down, so I look up from my work. “What?”

  “What do you think Carrie is up to? You know there has to be something to make her cancel her entire weekend.”

  “Don’t know, don’t care. We have a major event in a few weeks, and then we’re out of here. Keep your nose out of her business and do your job,” I insist.

  “Can you call her?” he says, ignoring everything I just said.

  I know how this is going to go—either I call her to shut him up, or he’ll never give it up. Ever.

  “Okay,” I let out a huge sigh. “Quiet. It’s speaker time.” Speaker time is our code for when I call Carrie and Craig listens in on speaker.

  She answers on the first ring. “Hellooooo?”

  “Hi, Carrie, I hope I’m not disturbing you?”

  “Sienna, dear, what do you mean by that?”

  Craig and I exchange curious glances.

  “I just wanted to call to touch base. Are you going to be in the office this week for our upcoming event reviews?”

  “Yes, later in the week, I’m sure. Is everything ready for next Saturday at Venice?”

  “It sure is.” I raise my eyebrows at Craig. He’s frantically pointing at himself. “Carrie, I believe Craig mentioned he sent you an email with a few questions.”

  “I haven’t checked my email yet, love. I’ll get to it later. Thank you for your call. Ciao.” She’s gone before I can say anything else.

  Craig and I star
t speculating immediately. He’s right. She has something going on that she doesn’t want us to know about. She’s normally very calm and nonchalant. Today, she sounded nervous, almost on edge, and she seems more detached from work than ever.

  “What do you think? Maybe she joined a cult or has some scandalous secret relationship,” Craig says thoughtfully. “Or maybe she’s lost all her money.”

  “No, I think it has something to do with the company. I wonder if she’s selling it and trying to keep things on the down low. Maybe she’s meeting with potential buyers. How many times has she told me that her heart isn’t in this business?”

  “Yes! I think you’re right,” he exclaims. “We should talk to Nicole tomorrow and do some digging. We can monitor all of her trips and spending. Nicole has access to all of that info. I know she will tell us. She’s so over her right now anyway.”

  “Slow down. You’re not a PI. Do you think it’s time we told Nicole that we’re leaving?”

  Believe it or not, we’ve managed to keep all of this from Nicole. When the plans started rolling, we were both unsure how much we could trust her. In the beginning, she would go above and beyond to please Carrie, and we thought she might use our info as a way to prove herself. That has definitely changed, and there are days when I think she may leave before we do.

  “Hmmm, soon, but not yet,” Craig replies.

  When I finally get home, it’s after seven. I pull my phone out of my bag and notice a few missed calls from my mom. I haven’t seen my parents in several months. She and my dad have been traveling around the country in an RV since they retired and are due to come back home later this summer.

  “Hi, hon!” she answers on the first ring.