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

by Melissa Baldwin

  “I knew it.”

  “Did you call to tease me, or do you need something?” I ask.

  “Actually, Cole was wondering what time Luke is coming to the party. Don’t ask me why he cares.”

  “Well . . .” I pause. “Actually, Luke had to cancel. He has that big restaurant opening. He’s worked very hard on that account.”

  I bite my lip and wait for it.

  “Are you kidding me?” she yells. “You’ve worked very hard on this event, and he isn’t going to be there to support you? He can’t even stop by? He’s that selfish.”

  And there it is.

  “I know it sometimes seems that way. And he’s making it up to me by planning an amazing night for our anniversary next weekend. He got us reservations at Venice.”

  “Really? How? Okay, well, maybe that makes up for Friday . . . kind of.” At least that puts an end to her rant—for now anyway.

  “Anyway, I just got to the store. I’ll talk to you tonight.” I quickly hang up to avoid any more of her lecturing. After I get off the phone, I put my head back against the headrest and close my eyes. I knew she was going to have that reaction. This is not even close to being over.

  Madison usually gets home from the salon around seven thirty, so I have some time to try to come up with a good argument for Luke bailing once again while I make dinner. I know she means well, and she’s just looking out for me. We’ve known each other since the beginning of time—or since the ninth grade. We have the kind of friendship where we can be honest no matter how mad the other one gets. True friends are so hard to come by, and I know that. I just wish I didn’t have to continue to make excuses when Luke screws up.

  I decide to make our favorite comfort food tonight—Teriyaki Chicken and Velveeta Shells & Cheese. It’s the perfect ‘don’t be mad, and let’s not talk about my a**hole boyfriend’ meal.

  My phone buzzes from somewhere on the couch under my pile of shopping bags. I dig it out and see Carrie’s name. I take a deep breath and brace myself. I never know what to expect when she calls.

  “Hello?”

  “Sienna, love, how are youuu?” She sounds extremely happy—or maybe extremely drunk. Again, you never know.

  “Great, Carrie, what’s up?”

  “I just wanted to let you know that I won’t make it into the office tomorrow, but let’s meet for breakfast on Wednesday. Sound goooood?” she slurs.

  “That’ll be fine. We have everything lined up for this week’s event—”

  “Wonderful, love, wonderful,” she interrupts. “Wednesday morning at Bonjour, eight o’clock. Ciao, love.” And she’s gone.

  I sigh. Typical conversation with Carrie—quick and to the point.

  “I’m home,” Madison calls from the door.

  “In here finishing dinner. Carrie just called, and she’s almost wasted.”

  “Of course, she is.”

  Her eyes get wide with excitement as she makes a beeline for my shopping bags. “What’d you get?”

  I smile. “Shoes for Friday and shoes for Saturday.”

  “Ooooh, I love!” she says as she eagerly opens the boxes. “Thanks for dinner. I have to eat and rush out. Cole’s doing a show at the Comedy Club. Do you want to come?”

  I shake my head.

  “Not tonight. I want to get up early tomorrow to hit that spinning class.” I finish stirring the shells and bring them to the table. “That class has been on my to-do list for weeks.”

  Yes, I add exercise to my to-do lists. Doesn’t everyone?

  Madison sits down, and I wonder how long it will take her to bring up—

  “So, what’s Luke’s problem?” Under a minute. That may be a new record for her.

  “I knew that was coming,” I say, trying not to get flustered. “Madie, can we not talk about this tonight? I told you he has to attend that grand opening. Does it really matter anyway? He doesn’t know Abby that well.”

  “But why do you continue to put up with this?” she asks, clearly ignoring my request to not talk about it.

  “Enough!” I yell, upset that she just won’t let it go. “I’m so tired of this same conversation. It’s not like your relationship with Cole has always been perfect. He’s traveling all the time, and you don’t exactly see him every day. Do I ever shove that in your face? No. I don’t.” I get up, throw my plate in the sink, grab my bags, and head to my room. I make a point of not slamming the door even though I want to. Why do I feel like a child that’s just been lectured by her parents?

  “I’m sorry. I’m just trying to watch out for you,” she yells back. “Excuse the hell out of me for looking out for my best friend.”

  “Whatever. This conversation is over. Have fun tonight.” I shut my door and throw my bags on the bed.

  Luke calls a few minutes later. I’m still reeling from my argument with Madison and haven’t been able to calm down.

  “Hello,” I snap.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Well, let me see . . . I just got into a huge fight with my best friend for defending you again.” I take a sharp breath and continue. “You fail to follow through again, and I have to deal with making the same excuses over and over. Luke, honestly, this has to stop. If you make a promise, you have to stick to it.”

  “Sienna, I know. I’m—”

  “You’re sorry, right? Of course, you are,” I yell. “You know this is a big night for me, and you still let me down.”

  He wisely stays silent on the other end for a moment. “You’re right,” he finally says softly. “First thing tomorrow, I will find someone else to cover the opening.”

  “Whatever. I have to get up early, so I better go. We can talk tomorrow.” When I hang up, I actually feel empowered. I’m glad I just did that. He needs to know how I feel, and he needs to think about things. He also needs to be by my side on Friday night and show me that he can make an effort. We’ve had conversations like this before. He has repeatedly told me that things will change, and they do for a while. This time is different, though, because it means so much to me.

  I put away my shopping and sit down to review my schedule for tomorrow.

  For now, I’m just going just put all this best friend/boyfriend nonsense aside. I pick up my phone and start adding items to my list.

  For Tuesday:

  Set up conference call with the Cantons—discuss printing of invites, pledge cards, and programs

  Get up and go to spinning class at 5:30 a.m.

  Go over menu with catering team

  Check on flowers for Abby’s party

  Stop by my new office and check progress

  My new office is currently being painted. I can’t wait to see it. It’s a small space, but it’s mine. Part of me feels like I’m leaving Carrie high and dry, but I’m so ready for this. I’ve worked for five years to make Carrie’s Classic Events and More successful and have made so many great contacts and friends. I’ve learned so much about what to do—and not do.

  I know I’m trying to convince myself that everything will be okay, and believe me, I do this daily.

  After I get ready for bed, I text Madison.

  Sorry I got mad. Still best friends?

  A few minutes later, my phone chimes.

  Of course! We’re the next generation of the Golden Girls, remember?

  We never stay mad at each other for long. After we yell, one of us always apologizes. I’m already starting to feel better.

  Chapter Two

  I made it to spinning class two mornings in a row. I’m on fire.

  It’s now eight o’clock on Wednesday morning, and Craig, Nicole, and I are at Bonjour waiting for Carrie to arrive. Bonjour is the most adorable little breakfast café, and the food is amazing. We sit at the same table every time, and the staff always takes very good care of us.

  “Let’s take bets on if she actually comes. Twenty bucks she’s a no-show,” Craig demands.

  “Sienna?”

  Crap, it’s Luke. This won’t be awkward a
t all considering we haven’t spoken since I let him have it the other night—not counting the handful of ‘I’m really sorry’ and I love you’ texts he sent. He’s with a few co-workers that I recognize, but don’t know very well.

  “Are you having a work meeting?” he asks. He waves to Craig and Nicole.

  They both say hi and look very curious about our obvious awkwardness. I’m sure they’ll force me to explain it before I leave this meeting.

  “Yeah, we’re just waiting on Carrie as usual.” I roll my eyes.

  “Ah yes, the infamous Carrie. I still can’t believe that I’ve never met her, only heard the stories,” he says, laughing.

  “Well, considering she’s hardly ever in town, that’s not surprising.” The front door flies open as I finish my sentence and there she is in head-to-toe designer couture.

  “So sorry I’m late—had to take a call. I need a double espresso,” she calls out as she saunters over to our table. I’m not sure if she’s asking the server, Nicole, or me.

  Luke and I are still awkwardly standing next to each other.

  Carrie approaches, pulls off her Prada sunglasses, and stares directly at Luke.

  “And who are you? A new client, I hope?” she asks coyly.

  “Good morning, Carrie. I’d like you to meet my boyfriend, Luke Price.” I watch Luke out of the corner of my eye.

  “Pleasure to meet you. Sienna has told me so much about you and we finally meet.” He smiles warmly at her.

  “Pleasure? Oh, darling, the pleasure is all mine.” She holds out her hand, giving him a full once-over.

  Seriously? Is my boss really flirting with my boyfriend? Not that this is unusual behavior for Carrie. She flirts with anyone who has a pulse.

  We all stand there for a few seconds. I look over at Craig and Nicole who are obviously amused by all of this. I picture Craig eating a bucket of popcorn eagerly waiting for the next scene.

  “Um, Carrie, are you ready to get started?” I ask, waiting for her response as she ignores me.

  “Now, Sienna, why don’t you bring Luke by the office more often? Have you been hiding him?”

  This is not really happening. I’m so uncomfortable. At any moment, she might push him down and jump on top of him.

  “Um, it was great meeting you. I do have to get back to my meeting. Have a great day, everyone,” Luke says as he pries his hand out of Carrie’s French-manicured grasp.

  Carrie mumbles something under her breath that I can’t understand. She finally sits down as the server brings her double espresso to the table.

  I really have no idea how long she will stay, so I get started. “Carrie, I wanted to brief you on the events we have coming up.” I pull out my phone and scroll to my meeting notes. “The MDD Pharmaceuticals corporate lunch is on Thursday, and the Samson engagement party is Saturday. Craig has the details.” I glance at Craig, urging him to start quickly.

  “Yes! For the lunch, the catering team and awards display are ready to roll. Set-up will be in the morning and . . . we have the correct linens,” he replies with a swift glance.

  We all laugh—including Carrie.

  “Wonderful, love.” She picks up her phone to reply to texts, only half listening.

  “For the Samson party, we have décor and set-up on Friday night in the ballroom. The pastry team has been briefed, and the band is confirmed. Another successful weekend ahead of us.” He smiles proudly.

  “That all sounds wonderful.” Carrie glances up between sipping her espresso and looking at her phone.

  “Nicole, is my travel set up for this weekend?” Carrie asks, finally acknowledging that she’s actually sitting with us.

  “It sure is. I emailed everything to you this morning.”

  “Carrie?” I interrupt. “Did you want to be on the conference call for Faith, Fashion, and Hope?”

  “No, that’s fine, love. I know you have it covered. Schedule a meeting with them next week and add it to my calendar. I must go. I have two other appointments to get to. Wonderful meeting, loves.” And with that, she’s out of her seat and out the door.

  “So, she really, um . . . liked your man,” Craig says with a smirk.

  “Yeah, I was starting to wonder if she was going to physically assault him,” adds Nicole.

  “Poor Luke. Although he handled it pretty well, I think.” Actually, that whole interaction with Carrie and Luke reminded me of a girl I knew from college. Madison and I used to sing the Hall and Oates hit song “Man-Eater” whenever she came around. This girl flirted with everyone from single men to engaged men to married men and even some really old men. The song was very fitting. I totally forgot about her until right now. She and Carrie would be a dangerous pair—the entire male race would be sitting ducks.

  “By the way, are you going to tell us what is going on with you and Luke? Are you fighting?” asks Craig, interrupting my memory.

  I feel all four eyes staring me down. I really don’t want to go into it, so . . . I lie. “We had a little disagreement and haven’t had the opportunity to finish discussing it. I had no clue he would be here this morning. That’s the story, so you guys can stop looking at me like that.” I doubt they’re buying it, so I try to change the subject. “It looks like we’re ready for everything this week. Next week, we need to go all in on the charity event.”

  “Whatever you say, boss,” Craig says excitedly.

  “Ha ha,” I say sarcastically. “I have to take care of a few things, so I will see you back at the office later.”

  I gather my stuff and look in Luke’s direction. He’s deep in conversation with his group, and one of them is swiftly taking notes. I decide not to interrupt, and I leave.

  When I get in my car, I pull out my phone to check my list. I need to spend the rest of today finishing everything for Abby’s party. I briefly talked to her last night, and she’s so excited for Friday night. Her husband, Matt, actually hired me to plan the event. They’re newlyweds and the cutest couple—definitely still in the honeymoon phase. They didn’t date very long but knew each other socially for several years. Theirs is the type of marriage that anyone would hope for. I’m sure Luke and I will be like that when we get married. Wow, did I just say that? Stop! I rub my forehead furiously. My mind keeps wandering back to Luke and where we’re heading. Like I said before, we haven’t really discussed the ‘M word,’ but I’m sure it’s our future. At least, I think? With everything that’s happening this week, I’ve hardly thought about our anniversary date next weekend. I need to get something to wear.

  I add another task to my list.

  Get anniversary outfit

  The rest of my day is fairly uneventful. I get a lot accomplished, and no one mentioned Luke and Carrie’s encounter at Bonjour. When I arrive home, Madison is hard at work designing cookies for Abby’s party. Abby is a teacher, so Madison is making apples, mini chalkboards, and pencil cookies.

  “Hey, those look perfect! Abby is going to love them.”

  “Are you sure? Do you think the chalkboards look funny?” She holds two of them out to show me.

  “No! They really are perfect.” I open the fridge and browse through the items on each shelf. I really hate trying to decide what to cook.

  “Do you want to order pizza?”

  “Already did.”

  I know she’s trying to make up for the other night.

  “I have to tell you about a client that came into the salon today,” she says excitedly.

  Yes. I love client stories. She’s met some of the most interesting people in her salon. I’m just happy that she’s off the Luke/party subject for now.

  We end up having a fun girls’ night in, and I help her as much as I can with the cookies. We talk about her clients, and I tell her all about what happened with Luke and Carrie at breakfast.

  “What was Luke’s reaction to Carrie?”

  “He didn’t seem to have much reaction at all. I think he was in shock. It was just an odd place for her behavior. Not that I’m all
that surprised.” I just realized that I probably shouldn’t have mentioned Luke. Bringing up his name may open that can of worms all over again. Luckily, the can stays closed, and we’re able to finish all the cookies.

  As I get ready for bed, I start to feel really anxious. I’m sure it’s the stress of all I have going on. I try to put it out of my mind but, lie awake for what seems like hours.

  Chapter Three

  Friday is here! Friday is here! It’s finally arrived. I feel like this has been the longest week ever. I wake up in time to make it to spinning class again. Seriously, I’m a spinning beast! I pull out my phone to check my to-do list. Today’s list looks like this:

  Spinning class (Yes, I need to write this down or I won’t go)

  Check in with caterers

  Pick up flowers

  Check on dessert delivery

  Check in with ballroom staff—make sure tables/décor are set up

  Hair and makeup

  When seven o’clock arrives, I’m a ball of nerves, which is completely crazy considering I have planned more events than I can count. Maybe it’s because this event is for my friend, or maybe it’s because I did all of it on my own?

  Guests are starting to arrive, and the DJ is already spinning some great ‘80s and ’90s mixes. Twinkling lights hang from the ceilings, small votive candles, lilies, and mini chalkboards make up the centerpiece of each table. The food consists of a light buffet and a pastry table.

  I framed several letters from Abby’s former students and strategically placed them throughout the room on high-top tables along with Madison’s cookies. I must say, the room looks fantastic. I look around and see Madison and Cole mingling and laughing, no doubt at something Cole has said. Abby is in all her glory, and I see her wiping her eyes as she reads a few of the letters. So far so good!

  The only thing missing is Luke.

  He actually called this afternoon and said he would try to be here, but probably not until later. He did go out of his way to remind me about our big date next week. And I appreciate the effort he is making, but I’m still disappointed, and I know I have every right to be.