“I’m sure you have something to say?” she asks, interrupting my thought.
“Yeah. I was definitely attracted to Ace when I first met him. I’ve never denied that, and I tried with Luke because I loved him, and I wanted things to work out. No relationship is perfect.”
“You have said that over and over,” she interrupts. “You’re right, but I can tell you from experience that it can be pretty close to perfect with the right person.” She grabs my hand and gives me a warm smile. “Just think about it. Give him a chance.”
What does she mean by that? It’s not like he’s come out and asked me out?
“Okay. I’ll stop giving you the third degree. Let’s talk baby shower,” she says, leaving me with a lot to think about.
We spend the rest of the evening discussing the shower. Even though I’m listening, my mind is somewhere else. I was so sure about my decision to take my time before rushing into something else, but she’s made me question everything even more.
When I finally crawl into bed, I think back to my conversation with Ace the other day. Was he trying to tell me something? I quickly brought up his event not even getting the chance to discuss anything else. I’m feeling more confused than ever. I reach for my phone, I need my mom.
A few hours later, I feel so much better. I love my mom. I knew she would help me see things more clearly. I explained everything to her about Luke and Ace. I told her about how I was afraid to get involved again because I seem to be making all the wrong decisions. I also had her laughing when I told her that I was going to start going to therapy. That’s still a possibility as far as I am concerned.
“Hon, you’ve always made good decisions. You’re independent and strong. Your father and I always knew you would be successful. We don’t worry as much about you as we do the boys. Taking risks is what brings the greatest rewards.”
I can almost see her smiling at me through the phone. I know she heard that on a TV show, or maybe on one of those lifetime movies she loves to watch.
“So, are you saying I should take a chance with Ace? I just don’t want to waste any more time. I’m not getting any younger,” I say worriedly.
“I’m saying that you will do the right thing. Honey, everyone makes mistakes, and it’s okay because that’s how we learn.”
“But you were so young when you got married, and you did everything right,” I say in a very whiny voice. She starts laughing again.
“It’s nice to know that you think that highly of me. We’ve had to work at it for many years. And just wait until you have kids. Then you’ll really start doubting every move you make.”
“That’s true!” my dad yells in the background.
I smile to myself. “So, what you’re saying is that I need to figure this out for myself,” I say finally.
That’s exactly what my parents do. They’re very supportive, but they let me make my own decisions. This is exactly what they did when I decided to open Sheer Happiness Events.
“Yes, and I know with all my heart that you’ll do what’s right for you,” she replies. “Try to get some sleep and remember we love you.”
“Thanks, Mom. Love you too.” I hang up and turn out the light.
A few days later, Madison gets home early from work. “Hey, I picked up everything for Abby’s shower. I have the best idea for the cookies,” she says, throwing all the bags on the table next to me. “Are you busy?”
I look up from my laptop. “Just answering some emails. Let me see what you got,” I say as I start digging through the bags.
“I’m doing the Safari animals she’s using in the nursery and some little letter A’s for baby Ace.” She gives me a smile and wink. Everyone seems to think it’s hysterical to remind me of his name.
Speaking of Ace (not the baby), I tried to set up a time to meet with him, but he had to fly to the UK to take care of some issues at one of his offices there. He did go out of his way to tell me he would try to be back for our big launch on Saturday. He also told me that he’s working with John Canton on some other business ventures.
Craig heard some rumors that they were investing in some other companies together. I feel like I should take all the credit for setting up that partnership.
“I also picked this up for you,” Madison says as she pulls a local tabloid out of her bag. The headline reads “CARRIE’S CLASSIC EVENTS AND MORE CLOSES DOORS.”
I grab it from her hands. I skim the article, and it describes her as a troubled socialite. She told reporters that she was ready to retire after many successful years. It also says that she’s moving on to other business ventures involving her boyfriend, Luke Price.
“Wow! I guess they’re telling people they’re together? Best of luck to them,” I say sarcastically.
“Whatever,” Madison says finally. “That will never last.”
I smile. I really don’t care. I feel like a new person now. Sheer Happiness is unofficially open for business, and our launch is this coming weekend. Abby’s shower is next week, and Madison and I have been hard at work on the plans.
“Did you check out those apartments I told you about?” Madison reminds me.
“No, I haven’t had any time. It is on my to-do list though. They look really nice.”
“They’re very nice and just down the street from our new place,” she says excitedly. “I also wanted to ask you a question,” she says carefully. Something about the way she says it makes me a little nervous. “Actually, more of a favor than a question.”
“What? Should I be afraid?” I ask.
“No, not at all. Cole talked to his best friend from high school. He’s going to be his best man, and he’s coming to visit from San Fran next week. I think it would be fun if the four of us went out.” She gives a tiny smile.
I groan. I knew I should be afraid. “Madie, you know I hate blind dates. Who is this guy? What’s he like?”
“He’s a great guy. He got out of relationship almost a year ago. He hasn’t dated anyone since. He’s an orthodontist, so you know he has great teeth, and he has great hair,” she says, laughing. That’s a typical Madison comment. “Unless you and Ace are . . .?”
“Ace and I are friends right now and nothing more. I feel confident that everything will work out the way it’s supposed to.”
“You talked to your mom, didn’t you?” she says as she rolls her eyes.
“Yes, how did you know?” I say innocently.
“You just sounded like her when you said that. Anyway, so will you go out with Jeff?” she begs. “Please?”
I think about it for a few minutes. What harm could come from it? He doesn’t even live here, and I am single. There’s nothing wrong with meeting a new friend.
“Okay, I’ll go,” I say finally.
“Awesome! I can’t wait to tell Cole.” She practically does a cartwheel.
“So, do you have a picture?” I say with a playful grin.
She’s already ahead of me, pulling up his profile on Facebook. She leaves the room for a minute, and I start to search through his pictures. He does have great teeth, and he really is very attractive. I read through his profile, which also turns out to be quite impressive.
“So, what do you think?” she says when she returns. “I know you’re stalking him,” she teases.
It’s too late to try to pretend that I wasn’t, so I come clean. “I was just looking for something wrong or bad about him. No luck so far,” I say sarcastically. I continue to flip through his pictures. Most of the pictures include people I’m assuming are his family, and there are a bunch of pictures with him and two kids.
“Does he have kids?” I ask cautiously. “There are two little boys in a lot of these pictures.” It’s not that I have a problem with that. I’m just curious.
“No. Let me see?” She grabs the tablet. “Oh, those are his nephews. Aren’t they adorable? I think the older one is going to be our ring bearer. They’re really good friends with Cole’s entire family.”
“Tha
t’s great!”
“I just remembered something I should probably tell you,” she says wistfully.
I knew it. She waited to tell me the bad part after I agreed to go out with him.
“What?”
“Jeff’s mom and Susan are best friends. So, if you and Jeff get married, you could have a mother-in-law just like Susan.” She gives me a wicked smile. Seriously? That’s the bad news?
“Hmmm . . . I may need to back out.” We both start to laugh, and I scan his profile for a few more minutes. I finally give Madison permission to give Jeff my contact information. You never know what could happen.
On Friday, we prep for our launch party, which is the next day. Craig and I meet at the Cantons’ home to drop off some décor and meet with their staff. Their home is massive but welcoming at the same time. It’s amazing how much things have changed since I used to babysit their kids. They always had a beautiful home, but nothing like it is now.
“Can you believe this place?” Craig whispers excitedly. “The toilet seat even has a warmer. I really need to get rich or marry rich or something. I want one of those.”
I give a little giggle. Working with Craig is like watching a comedy. You never know what’s going to happen, but you will always be entertained.
Mrs. Canton introduces us to their chef and rushes out the door to an appointment. We have a great meeting with the chef and finalize the menu for the party. I requested that it be elegant but not pretentious, and it will be just that. I want Sheer Happiness Events to send a different message than Carrie’s did. I want my events to range from quaint to glamorous and everything in between.
When I leave, I feel more excited than ever. This is really happening. I double-check today’s to-do list:
Meeting at Cantons’
Pick up outfit for party
Return emails
My phone starts buzzing, and I see Abby’s name on the screen.
“Hey! How are you feeling?” I answer.
“I feel great and huge. Although, I’m disappointed in you,” she says firmly.
“What? Why?”
“Why didn’t you tell me you’re going on a date with Cole’s friend? I just talked to Madison, and she told me you’re all going out next week. What about Ace?”
I’m about to say something about her baby, but she interrupts me.
“Don’t say it! You know I’m not talking about my baby.”
I laugh. Crap! She’s catching on to that.
“What about him? He’s been in the UK but is supposedly returning today or tomorrow,” I say nonchalantly.
“Have you talked to this Jeff guy yet? I looked him up, and he’s really cute.”
I knew she’d do that.
“We chatted briefly on Facebook the other night, mostly about Madie, Cole, and the wedding. There isn’t much more to tell, really. I agreed to hang out with him when he comes to town. He doesn’t live here, so I’m not expecting much.” I try to remind her that it isn’t a big deal.
“I’m proud of you. I know how much you love blind dates,” she says with a giggle.
We chat for a little while about Jeff but mostly about the party. I tell her about Craig and the toilet seat warmer. She tells me about the baby kicking and the childbirth classes that they’ve been attending. Apparently, poor Matt got a little queasy and almost passed out in the last class when they were talking about the birthing process.
After we get off the phone, I start thinking about how exciting it will be when baby Ace is born. There are so many great things to look forward to, starting with tomorrow night.
I wake up at two a.m. after another wild dream. I thought I was done with these crazy nightmares, but I guess not. In this dream, we’re all at the Cantons’ home for the party, and the electricity goes out. For some reason, I’m convinced I can fix the electricity. I even have my own toolbox; it’s purple and has my name written on it with those dotted letters that were popular in the ’80s. When I go to check the electrical box, Carrie is hitting the circuit breaker with the hammer.
I wake up sweating, and I feel like I’m going to have a panic attack. I manage to calm down and remind myself that it’s just nerves, and everything is going to be fine. I keep expecting to run into Carrie somewhere, but so far, I’ve been lucky. I’ve also heard that she and Luke are still ‘working’ together, but so far, there hasn’t been any backlash from my resignation.
I decide to fully pamper myself and take my time getting ready for the launch party. I’m usually rushing around doing last-minute preparations for all of our events, but today will be different, and I can enjoy the party as a guest.
Madison flat irons my hair, and we get ready together just like old times. We joke that it feels like we’re getting ready for our senior prom. I choose a little black dress with a pair of strappy stilettos.
We arrive at the party a few minutes early, and the Cantons’ home is buzzing with staff. Their backyard is almost the size of a football field, and it’s lit with twinkling lights. The pool is filled with floating candles, and the buffet looks amazing. I feel like I’m going to cry when I see a huge banner with my company name on it.
“This is so perfect!” Madison exclaims as she runs over to her table. We had a table set up to display her cookies. She scatters some of her business cards on the table too.
I look around and see that my business cards are everywhere. Then I notice our signature frames strategically placed. When I look at them, I see that they are letters written from several of our clients that endorse Sheer Happiness Events and me. Now I really feel like I’m going to cry.
“Surprise!” I turn around to see Craig, Madison, Cole, Abby, Matt, and my parents.
“Mom, Dad!” I yell excitedly. I run to them as my eyes fill with tears. “I can’t believe you’re here! What about your trip?”
“We wanted to surprise you. We just flew in for a few days,” Mom says as she continues to hug me.
“Did you really think we would miss this?” Dad says as he kisses my forehead.
I’m so happy. The party is absolutely fantastic, and we schedule four new events. I tell Craig to get his running shoes on because we’re going to be so busy. I’m talking to Abby and Matt when I hear my name being called.
“Ms. Harris?” I turn around to see one of the staff holding an enormous cascading bouquet of flowers. “This delivery just came for you.”
Wow. These are the most gorgeous flowers I’ve ever seen. I take the bouquet, put it down on the table, and open the note that’s attached.
I’m so sorry I wasn’t able to be present at your big night. Looking forward to doing business with Sheer Happiness Events.
Best,
Ace
I sit down at the table and re-read the note a few more times. That was very thoughtful of him to remember me. Mr. Canton also made a point to tell me that Ace was stuck in the UK taking care of some business.
Craig comes over to where I’m sitting. “Those are amazing, who are they from?” he asks as he smells the bouquet. He takes the note from my hand, and the teasing starts immediately. “So, these gorgeous flowers are from Ace, and you’re just friends?”
I decide not to fight or get defensive for once. “Yes. They’re beautiful, aren’t they?” I say with a big smile. “He’ll be a great client to have that’s for sure.”
“Right, a client.”
“Let’s do some more mingling. We’re building some great business relationships already.” We give each other a high five and head back to our guests.
The remainder of the night seems like a blur, but in a good way. A few hours later, the only people remaining are me, Craig, my parents, and Madison. We’re talking about the success of the party, and of course, I have my phone out as I’m adding contacts and meetings to my to-do list and calendar. The staff is hard at work cleaning up around us. I’ve offered to help several times, but Mrs. Canton made it clear that I was not to lift a finger. It feels so strange to not to be working. I’
m secretly relieved that there was no sign of Carrie. After the dream of her and the hammer, I was a tiny bit on edge. I gather the framed letters, all of which I’m going to hang up in the office. I also take my beautiful flower bouquet that Ace sent to me.
I walk my parents out to their car. “Honey, this was a very sweet gesture,” she says as she touches the flowers. “Have you made any decision about him yet?”
I shake my head. “It hasn’t really come up yet, especially since he’s been out of the country. I’ll let you know what happens.” I give my parents a huge hug, and we talk briefly about our family vacation in a few months. I’m a little sad when they leave, but their surprise really did make the night perfect.
Chapter Sixteen
The next week is overwhelming but fantastic. I stay busy doing follow-up with all of the new contacts we made at the party. And I send a thank you card along with some of Madison’s cookies to the Cantons.
When the night of the blind date arrives, I’m incredibly nervous. I feel like I have nothing to wear. As evening gets closer, I’m regretting my decision of agreeing to go. The last blind date I went on was basically an awkward disaster. Granted, that was several years ago. I might as well hold up a sign that says, “Yes, I’m the pathetic single friend that can’t find my own date.”
I call Madison a few times and threaten to back out, but she begs me to just go and have fun.
Cole and Jeff come to pick us up around seven. I’m still in my room when they arrive, but I can hear them talking in the living room. I check myself in the mirror and take a few deep breaths. We’re just a group of friends going out for the evening. No strings attached.
The date gets off to a great start. Cole breaks the ice for us with a few jokes about blind dates and reminds us that we both have really bad qualities. It helps that he’s a comedian. He’s used to talking and diverting a lot of the attention off of us. We chat in the car on the way to dinner about San Francisco and our jobs. When we arrive at dinner, I look up and see that we’re at Venice. I had no idea that we were coming here, and as much as I love this place, I now associate it with Luke and Ace. Madison obviously can read my expression because she gives me a wink and a smile.
[Event to Remember 01.0] An Event to Remember...or Forget Page 19
