“Me too, babe. Lance and I are leaving again tomorrow. Once we get things finalized with this account, life can get back to normal. Maybe we can grab dinner tonight?”
“I’ll let you know. We have a meeting with the Cantons, so who knows how long that will take.”
After I hang up, I hear Craig and Nicole still complaining and walk out to the front of the office. “Okay, kids, let’s get it together. We have a meeting with the Cantons this afternoon, and the Lucinda party is in two days. Are we ready?”
“Of course, we’re ready,” Craig insists. “Nic, let’s ask Sienna what she thinks.”
“Guys, I don’t care about Carrie’s weekend. Keep me out of it.”
“But, Sienna. She’s seeing someone that she wants to keep a secret. She’s been making arrangements for two people, and every time I try to get a name, she freaks out on me. A few weeks ago, I even had to book it under her alias. It’s something really scandalous,” Nicole says animatedly.
“Seriously, guys? This is Carrie. None of this should surprise you.”
“Yeah, but this time it’s something bigger,” Craig adds.
“Whatever. Let’s be ready for the Cantons today please,” I say, more frustrated than ever. I walk back to my office as Craig and Nicole continue their rant. Sigh.
I need to get out of the office for a while to avoid the drama queens, so I take my lunch and walk around the mall. I need to find an outfit for the party on Saturday night. Carrie is extremely particular with how we’re dressed around her crowd. I’m walking through Nordstrom, heading to look at shoes when, like clockwork, I run into Ace. Seriously, I feel like I’m in the movie Serendipity—but without NYC and the yummy frozen hot chocolate. I can’t seem to escape this man. Maybe I’ll have to move or change my name or something more drastic. I could call Carrie’s plastic surgeon.
“Sienna, what a nice surprise.” He looks as shocked as I feel.
“Hi, Ace. How are you?”
He frowns. “Actually, if you must know, I’m a little frustrated,” he replies, exasperated.
Oh, no, what does he mean by that? Is it because of me?
“What’s wrong?” I ask cautiously.
“This is going to sound unbelievably silly, but I need to buy my mum a birthday present. I have no idea what to get her, and she’s extremely selective. I’m desperate. Would you mind helping? I could use a woman’s opinion.”
He’s asking me to shop with him for his mom? Or mum? I try to think of an excuse to get out of it, but he really does look lost. I should say no, but I really want to help him. It’s purely selfish on my part because the longer I can avoid going back to the office the better. And I get to spend time with him. Did I really just think that? I really must be losing it.
“Sure, I have a few minutes. Tell me about your mom, and we can go from there.” I’m just going to focus on the fact that I get to shop with someone else’s money.
I don’t really know what I expect him to say when he starts telling me about his mom. He never seems to be serious about anything, but he speaks with such adoration for her. It’s very sweet, and I add that to my mental list of his perfect qualities. I never pictured Ace as a mama’s boy, but he clearly is.
The conversation ends up turning into a complete rundown of both our family trees. Once again, time gets away from us, and before I know it, over an hour has passed.
We got so distracted talking that we still haven’t found a gift, so we continue our search. We come across one of those little gift shops that engrave trinkets, and I suggest he get a few personalized frames. From what he’s told me, his mom is very family-oriented, and her entire world is centered on her children and grandchildren. Ace loves the idea and places an order. He lets out a puff of air. He looks so relieved, and I can’t help but feel happy I could help.
While he’s busy with the salesperson, I wander around the store. As I’m looking, I come across a familiar item. There on the shelf is the nameplate that Luke gave me for our anniversary. I pick up the item and examine it closely. I try to ignore the price tag because the price doesn’t matter, but let’s just say it’s about one-tenth the price of the watch I gave him. I feel so guilty for looking that I quickly put it back.
“Everything all right?” Ace asks after he walks over to me. He must sense my disappointment.
“Yeah,” I reply, forcing a smile. “Are you all set?”
“Yes! This was the perfect gift. It’s almost like you know my mum. I’m really embarrassed at how long I was walking around looking for something. I almost broke down and bought a gift card, and she really dislikes gift cards. She says that anyone can go buy a gift card, but what really matters is the time that goes into finding the gift.”
“That’s true. She sounds wonderful, and I’m happy I could help.”
“She’s an amazing person, and I know she would love you.” He smiles, and our eyes meet again.
My heart begins to beat against my ribcage. This is definitely a sign that I need to leave. “I better get back to work. We have a big meeting for the charity event this afternoon.”
“Oh, that reminds me. I’ve met with John Canton. We’re moving forward with the sponsorship.”
“That’s awesome. Thank you so much for doing that.”
He nods his head.
“It’s such a great cause.” He pauses. “Before you go, I wanted to apologize again for last night. I think it’s safe to say that we’re attracted to each other. I’m sorry to be so forward, but I want to address it so we can move on from it. We both know nothing will come from this, so again, I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable.”
Wow. How do I respond to that?
“You don’t have to apologize. And you’re absolutely right.” I hesitate for a few seconds.
“I’m so glad! No more awkward moments. Deal?” He sticks out his hand to shake mine.
“Deal.”
We walk toward the exit and chat for a few more minutes. I feel a small sense of relief that we were finally open with each other regarding our attraction, and now we can move forward as business associates without any more awkward encounters. I’m really glad that’s cleared up, I think. Well, maybe.
When I get back to the office, Craig and Nicole are hard at work, and there’s no mention of Carrie and her alleged scandalous affair.
When the Cantons arrive, we’re on top of our game. We’re just waiting for the files from the editor to send for printing, then we should be done with planning. I admit I’m a tiny bit stressed about that part being out of my hands, but I try not to worry. I’m sure it will go off without a hitch.
Mrs. Canton asked why Carrie didn’t attend the meeting, and I wasn’t sure how to answer. Thankfully, Nicole stepped up to the plate with an elaborate story about Carrie attending a conference in New York. She even added in some details about some flight issues, weather, and restaurants. Even I got caught up in the story. Later, I asked her if she created that, or if Carrie had coached her. That was all her, which was quite impressive.
After they leave, I’m on cloud nine. My morning meltdown is a distant memory. The biggest event of my career is coming together perfectly, and I’m getting closer to being on my own. I even forgot about running into Ace at the mall earlier. I sit down in my office and pull out my to-do list:
Outfit for Lucinda party
Meeting with the Cantons
Follow up on my website
Research the venues Becky sent to me
Becky and Travis want to have a New Year’s Eve wedding. We’re a little over nine months out, so I need to get a location booked as soon as possible. I’m so excited to plan this one. My creativity is flowing, and the possibilities are endless. I don’t want to get ahead of myself because Madison’s is first. And I still have to get through the next few weeks, and then the transition.
I’ve been so productive today, I think I’ve earned a nice dinner out with my man. I grab my phone to call Luke.
“Hey. I’m free no
w if you still want to grab dinner.”
“Sure. Let’s meet at Gino’s in thirty minutes.”
We haven’t been to Gino’s in forever; we actually had our second date there. It’s a family-owned Italian restaurant, and I’ve had them cater a few of our events. Their food is amazing, and I make sure to add spinning class to my list for tomorrow. It’s mandatory after eating at Gino’s.
Luke is all fired up about a client they lost today so I let him vent. Then I tell him about our meeting with the Cantons.
“You’re going to be in town two weeks from Saturday, right?” I ask firmly. “I need you here that weekend,” I remind him again. I don’t know if ‘remind’ is an accurate description of what I’m doing—more like relentless nagging about Faith, Fashion, and Hope. I know it gets on his nerves, but I have learned from experience that he tends to forget things when he’s really busy at work.
“Sienna, I promise you. I will be there.”
His phone rings, and he jumps about fifty feet.
“I have to take this. I’ll be right back.” He hurries out the door and paces in front of the glass windows.
I watch him throw his hands in the air dramatically. A few seconds later he returns to the table.
“Honey, I’m so sorry, I have to go back to the office. I have to help Lance with a crisis before we fly out tomorrow morning. I promise I’ll make it up to you.”
The server arrives with our food, and Luke asks for a box.
“Really? Can’t Lance handle it until you finish eating?” I roll my eyes.
“I know, I know. I love you, and I will call you after we arrive tomorrow.” He kisses me and gives me a hurried hug.
“Love you.” I box up my own food and head home.
A horrible serving nightmare wakes me at three a.m. I haven’t waited tables in years, but I still have these dreams occasionally. In this particular dream, I have five tables that all sit at once and want to order at the same time. Carrie’s at one of the tables, and she had a plastic surgery procedure that makes her look like a clown. I try to get into the kitchen to get the food—and escape Carrie the Clown— but Ace and Luke are blocking the door yelling at me to choose between them. I wake up in a cold sweat, screaming. I get up, turn on the TV, and make some hot chocolate. I try not to read much into it and remind myself that it’s just a dream.
The next morning, I finally make it back to spin class. It was mandatory after eating Gino’s for dinner then several of Madison’s emergency cookie stash at three. The day goes by rather quickly, and we only had one moment of panic after Carrie called saying that three of her guests had not received invitations to the party. Thankfully, Craig produced the guest list that Carrie had sent, and those names were not on the list. She actually made Nicole contact them to apologize and take the blame. I know Nicole’s days are numbered at Carrie’s Classic Events and More now. I saw her updating her resume this afternoon, so I predict Carrie crashing and burning in the coming weeks. However, I’m not even sure she would care.
After a few busy days, Saturday comes quickly. Craig and I go to Venice early in the day to set up our VIP area. As promised, they roped off a nice space for the party in the perfect location near the band on a slightly raised area just off the dance floor. I’m sure most of Carrie’s guests won’t be dancing but trying to impress each other and partake in a lot of alcoholic beverages instead. Her three closest friends—or ‘sorority sisters’ as we call them—would make a perfect Ex-Housewives of Southern California cast. None of them are married anymore, but the checks keep coming, and so do their ‘younger’ boyfriends. I’m not sure what most of these men see in them other than their bank accounts.
I confirm the guest list and leave it with the check-in desk. Hopefully, Carrie remembered to add everyone she invited. We’re ready to roll, so I run home to get ready for the evening.
When I get home, Madison is baking.
“Hi, what are you doing home?”
“I’m making some cookies for Cole’s cousin. I’ve been so busy with wedding stuff, that I’ve let a lot of things slide. By the way, what happened to the emergency stash?”
I purse my lips.
“That would be a three-a.m. serving nightmare. I was stress eating,” I reply.
“Oh, no, those are the worst! I haven’t had one in a while.” Madison and I both waited tables for years, so she knows exactly what I’m talking about. “I thought you were going to tell me it had something to do with your love triangle. After yesterday’s breakdown, I wasn’t surprised that the stash is mostly depleted.”
Great. She thinks I’ve completely lost it now. Time for some damage control. “Ha. Ha. You’re a funny girl. I’m not in a love triangle. I totally blame PMS, and you know I never cry like that. I actually ran into Ace again the other day at Nordstrom. He was searching for a present for his mom. We briefly discussed our mutual attraction but agreed that’s all it is and made a deal to have no more awkward moments. So, thankfully, that’s over,” I lie.
“Really?” Madison asks. “Are you okay with that? I mean, I watched you guys when we were leaving Venice. It was pretty intense.”
I shrug.
“Oh, don’t get me wrong, I do find him extremely attractive, but I love Luke, and I’m totally committed to him. Ace will be a great friend to have because he knows people literally all around the world. I have every intention of staying friends with him—for the sake of my career, of course.”
“All right. If you’re sure.” She tries to hide her smug smile, but I see right through her. She doesn’t believe me.
“Anyway, do you want to go out tonight? Cole has a show.”
“Can’t. I have an event.” I check my phone. “Carrie’s hosting a birthday party for her friend Lucinda in the VIP section at Venice,” I add excitedly.
“Which one is Lucinda again?”
“She’s the one who claims to be related to the royal family and uses a fake British accent,” I say, laughing. One night, I overheard her on her phone at an event cursing like a sailor, and she did not have the accent. She saw me and tried to cover it up. Now every time she sees me, she pretends like she’s never met me before. In her defense, she’s usually consumed several cocktails by the time I run into her.
“Oh, ya. I can never keep those old sorority women straight. Who are the others again?” Madison asks.
“Gwendolyn, Elizabeth, Lucinda, and Carrie, of course. Remember that night you helped me with that dinner party at Carrie’s home? That was one of the best nights ever!”
“Oh my gosh!” she yells. “Yes! They kept calling me the server girl, and Elizabeth’s boyfriend who was young enough to be her son was hitting on me the whole night.” We both start laughing hysterically. Madison got caught making out with him in the coat closet and was asked to leave. That was shortly after I started working for Carrie. After that, Carrie told me that I couldn’t have any assistants work events without clearing it through her first. She was definitely more involved in the business back then.
“I have to get ready. On a side note, did you want me to set up the cake tasting for next week?”
“Yes, Cole asked if we could do Wednesday evening?” She put two more cookie sheets into the oven. The first batch smells so damn good, but I absolutely can’t mess up my no-sugar rule again. I guess there’s one positive of not living with Madie—her evil cookies will no longer tempt me. I’ll probably lose ten pounds the first few days.
Carrie will call any of us out in front of the whole party if there’s something she doesn’t approve of so I take my time getting ready. I choose a black-and-white shift dress and boots. My outfit is practical enough for work but trendy enough for Venice. Believe it or not, I really am excited to go tonight. These events are never dull, and watching the sisters in action is like getting paid to watch a movie. Gwendolyn and Lucinda will name drop very loudly so everyone can hear. They obviously have an ongoing competition with each other. Lucinda will drink a lot of cocktails first and then
circulate the room with her fake British accent. Carrie will sit in one spot in the middle of the room and wait for people to approach her—and they always do. Craig calls it her throne, and her crowd still worships her even though she has a horrible reputation. There’s a small part of me who will miss this train wreck group of friends.
A few hours later, I meet Craig at Venice. He’s straightening tablecloths and talking to servers while Nicole paces nearby. She hates Carrie’s personal events because most of the guests know her as Carrie’s personal slave.
The guests should start arriving within the next hour. I verify again with the front desk that if there are any problems with the guest list to call me on my headset. I’ve learned that there’s always some drama with Carrie’s guest lists. The restaurant is starting to fill up, and other non-guests are pointing and talking about our roped-off VIP area. I know they’re expecting it to be some A-list celebrity party. It’s too bad for them that it’s just a bunch of washed-up wannabes who think they’re important. The press and paparazzi like to hang out at Venice, so I hope they catch some of their nonsense on camera and send it to the tabloids.
Craig waves me over a few minutes later.
“What’s up?” I ask, hurrying over to him.
“I totally forgot to tell you. Carrie booked another excursion with her mystery person. She’s having a car take her somewhere right after the party. We have to find out more,” he says eagerly.
“Are you serious right now? We have an event starting any minute, and you want to gossip?”
“Sienna, this is good information to have. We may even be able to use it if Carrie tries to pull anything when we leave.” I let out a huge sigh. Not this again. Craig has been a little concerned about Carrie trying to sue us when we leave. I’ve reminded him that we don’t have contracts, and we’re free to go where we want at any time. Regardless, Carrie has almost nothing to do with this company, and we do all the work.
“We’ll talk about this later. It’s showtime!” I head to the entrance to greet our first group of guests.
[Event to Remember 01.0] An Event to Remember...or Forget Page 9
